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Guidance - Importing live animals or animal products from non-EU countries: general licences and authorisations

Wednesday, 6 March 2019 00:17

List of general licences and authorisations which allow certain animals and products of animal origin to be imported into Great Britain. Published 18 March 2015 Last updated 5 March 2019 — see all updates From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural...Request free trial

List of general licences and authorisations which allow certain animals and products of animal origin to be imported into Great Britain.

Published 18 March 2015
Last updated 5 March 2019 — see all updates

From:: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency

Certain animals and products of animal origin that are not covered by European Union legislation or where EU legislation states that the animal or product must be authorised, require an general import licence or authorisation before they can be imported into Great Britain.

Read our guidance on general licences.

If the general licence or authorisation you need is listed below, you don’t have to apply, but you must make sure you follow the conditions in the published licence. If there’s no general licence or authorisation for the commodity you wish to import, you must apply for a specific licence or authorisation.

Genetic material

This is for semen, ova and embryos of livestock, canine, feline, rodent, lagomorph and equine species entering England from the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, or countries outside the EU (known as “third countries”).

Bovine semen from the Channel Islands (IMP/GEN/2019/01) (PDF, 2.21MB, 3 pages)
Bovine ova and embryos from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2016/05) (PDF, 64.1KB, 2 pages)
Bovine semen from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2008/01) (PDF, 469KB, 4 pages)
Equine semen from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2013/03) (PDF, 510KB, 2 pages)
Porcine semen from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2007/5) (PDF, 62.5KB, 2 pages)
Sheep and goat semen from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2014/10) (PDF, 587KB, 2 pages)
Embryos, ova and semen from third countries (IMP/GEN/2012/03) (PDF, 34.2KB, 2 pages)
Red deer semen from New Zealand (IMP/GEN/2012/04) (PDF, 139KB, 6 pages)
Dog or cat semen from donors compliant with regulation 576/2013 or 998/2003 (PDF, 456KB, 3 pages)
Import of laboratory produced Rodent or Lagomorph Embryos/Ova/Semen to a research facility in Great Britain (IMP/GEN/RM37) (PDF, 121KB, 2 pages)

Live animals

These general licences cover domestic and non-domestic livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats), poultry, birds and equidae (horses, ponies, donkeys) entering England from the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man or countries outside the EU.

Captive or pet birds

Captive or pet birds from Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (IMP/GEN/2017/02) (PDF, 550KB, 4 pages)

Cattle

Cattle from Isle of Man (IMP/GEN/2016/03) (PDF, 120KB, 3 pages)
Cattle, breeding, production from Channel Islands (IMP/GEN/2014/09)(PDF, 180KB, 3 pages) , and amendment notice IMP/GEN/2014/09 - condition 4 amendment (PDF, 227KB, 2 pages)
Cattle aged 15 days and over from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2016/01)(PDF, 135KB, 3 pages)

Sheep and goats

Sheep and goats from Isle of Man (IMP/GEN/2015/04) (PDF, 130KB, 3 pages)
Sheep/Goats from Channel Islands (S&G/97/1) (PDF, 68.6KB, 3 pages)
Sheep and goats from Northern Ireland (L/96/2) (PDF, 57KB, 3 pages)

Poultry

Poultry and hatching eggs from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2004/8)(PDF, 45.1KB, 2 pages)
Poultry or hatching-eggs from Channel Islands (IMP/GEN/2011/12) (PDF, 71.1KB, 2 pages)

Pigs

Pigs, breeding, production, slaughter from Channel Islands (IMP/GEN/2012/07) (PDF, 78.9KB, 3 pages)
Pigs, breeding, production, slaughter from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2012/06) (PDF, 84.4KB, 3 pages)
Pigs for slaughter from Isle of Man (IMP/GEN/2015/03) (PDF, 128KB, 3 pages)

Other non-domestic hoofed animals

Non-domestic ungulates from Northern Ireland (IMP/GEN/2015/08)(PDF, 126KB, 2 pages)
Non-domestic ungulates from Isle of Man (IMP/GEN/2015/09) (PDF, 130KB)

Products for human consumption

These general licences cover animal products entering England from EU and non-EU countries.

Starter cultures for production of certain foods (IMP/GEN/2014/05)(PDF, 1.02MB, 3 pages)
Animal derived dairy starter cultures/cheese making kits/enzymes/media cultures for the manufacture of certain food products. Country of origin: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and USA
Glucosamine, chondroitin and chitosan-livestock, poultry, fish (IMP/GEN/2015/05) - This authorisation has been revoked as the import conditions are now provided for in EU legislation and an authorisation is no longer required. A summary of the import conditions are available in Import Information Note IIN GCC/1.
Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Chitosan derived from bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine animals, swine, poultry and fishery products. Country of origin: Certain EU approved third countries
Certain composite products (IMP/GEN/2007/2) (PDF, 108KB, 3 pages)
Composite products for human consumption, containing no meat/unprocessed animal products (must not contain more than 50% of any other animal products). Country of origin: All non-EU countries, except when the composite product contains dairy products the dairy product must come from an EU approved country.
Certain products not subject to veterinary checks (IMP/GEN/2007/01) – This licence has been revoked due to amendments to Annex II of Commission Decision 2007/275/EC. An import licence is no longer required. Guidance on the relevant import conditions for the revised Annex II products is available in our Composite products for human consumption from Third Countries (IIN CP/1) Import Information Note. All products must meet the relevant requirements of this legislation
Various finished products for human consumption (check licence for full list). Country of origin: All non-EU countries
Gelatine capsules derived from the bovine, ovine and caprine species containing products of animal that require veterinary check at a Border Inspection Posts (IMP/GEN/2016/07) (PDF, 288KB, 3 pages)
Gelatine capsules derived from animals other than of the bovine, ovine and caprine species containing products of animal that require veterinary check at a Border Inspection Posts (IMP/GEN/2016/08) (PDF, 133KB, 3 pages)
Empty/unfilled gelatine capsules derived from the bovine, ovine and caprine species (IMP/GEN/2016/09) (PDF, 119KB, 2 pages)
Empty/unfilled gelatine capsules derived from species other than the bovine, ovine and caprine species (IMP/GEN/2016/10) (PDF, 275KB, 2 pages)
Gelatine capsules derived from the bovine, ovine and caprine species containing products that do not require checks at Border Inspection Posts (IMP/GEN/2016/11) (PDF, 284KB, 2 pages)
Gelatine capsules derived from species other than of the bovine, ovine and caprine species containing products that do not require checks at Border Inspection Posts (IMP/GEN/2016/12) (PDF, 283KB, 2 pages)
Meat extracts and meat concentrates (IMP/GEN/2017/01) (PDF, 268KB, 3 pages)

Products not for human consumption

These general licences cover animal by-products not for human consumption entering England from EU and non-EU countries (known as “third countries”).

Game trophies and other preparations (IMP/GEN/14/06) (PDF, 1.11MB, 3 pages)
Country of origin: all countries
Certain products in 3% or less animal by-product carrier/stabilizer (IMP/GEN/14/02) (PDF, 1.02MB, 3 pages)
Country of origin: all countries
Processed animal by-products for educational tools (IMP/GEN/2013/04)(PDF, 2.59MB, 4 pages)
Country of origin: From third countries listed as a Member of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in the OIE bulletin
Hay and straw from EU and certain other European countries (IMP/GEN/2011/08) (PDF, 121KB, 2 pages)
Hay and straw from third countries (IMP/GEN/2011/09) (PDF, 140KB, 2 pages)
Category 3 animal by-products (IMP/GEN/2009/03) (PDF, 344KB, 2 pages)
Country of origin: EU countries, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland Country of origin: non-EU countries which are on the EU animal health approved lists for milk, egg or gelatin
Empty blown ostrich and emu egg shells - all countries (IMP/GEN/2004/11) (PDF, 51.3KB, 2 pages)
Laboratory test kits - all countries (IMP/GEN/2004/10) (PDF, 50.9KB, 2 pages)
Decorative feathers - all countries (IMP/GEN/2007/06) (PDF, 68.5KB, 2 pages)
Finish hides and skins - all countries (IMP/GEN/2004/02) (PDF, 52.9KB, 2 pages)
Hides and skins of ungulates that have undergone the complete process of tanning, wet blue hides and skins of ungulates, pickled pelts and limed hides.
Diets for laboratory rodents or primates from USA (TAY/GEN/2004/272)(PDF, 57.9KB, 2 pages)
Treated skins and furs - all countries (IMP/GEN/2003/1180) (PDF, 380KB, 2 pages)
Gelatine for Manufacture of paintballs from Canada (IMP/GEN/2008/02)(PDF, 287KB, 2 pages)
Finished cosmetic products - certain third countries (IMP/GEN/2004/5)(PDF, 50.3KB, 2 pages)
Certain products for in vitro use with 10% or less animal by-product carrier/stabilizer (IMP/GEN/2015/06) (PDF, 1.28MB, 3 pages)
Imports of pearls in oyster shells (containing oyster flesh) in ready to sell containers not for human consumption (IMP/GEN/2018/01) (PDF, 1.51MB, 3 pages)
Fresh or chilled hides and skins from ungulates for further processing from The Channel Islands and Isle of Man (IMP/GEN/2016/04) (PDF, 115KB, 3 pages)

Research and diagnostic samples, trade samples and display items

Import conditions for research and diagnostic samples, trade samples and display items are provided for in the animal by-product legislation. They must be authorised before they are imported.

Some general licences and authorisations may need to be read together with a separate amendment notice, listed alongside it in the list below.

Research and diagnostic samples, trade samples and display items coming from other member states do not need to be licenced or authorised, but must comply with EU rules on animal by-products.

You may wish to include a copy of the facilitation letter with any consignments from EU countries.

Research and diagnostic samples

Research and diagnostic samples - cells from marsupialia, rodentia, lagomorpha, euliptyphla, canidae, felide, mustelidae (IMP/GEN/18/03)(PDF, 222KB, 3 pages)
Country of origin: all third countries
Research and diagnostic samples - from marsupialia, rodentia, lagomorpha, euliptyphla, canidae, felide, mustelidae (IMP/GEN/18/04)(PDF, 238KB, 7 pages)
Country of origin: all third countries
Research and diagnostic samples - laboratory primates (1) (IMP/GEN/14/08) (PDF, 1MB, 3 pages)
Country of origin: all third countries
Research and diagnostic samples - laboratory primates (IMP/GEN/14/07) (PDF, 2.21MB, 6 pages)
Country of origin: all third countries
Samples from EU countries - facilitation letter (PDF, 443KB, 2 pages)
Research and diagnostic samples, trade samples, display items. Country of origin: EU Member States, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein

Heat treated animal products

Heat treated animal products of ungulates born and bred in captivity (IMP/GEN/2010/07) (PDF, 894KB, 4 pages)
Heat treated organs, glands, blood or other tissues from ungulates born and bred in captivity from certain Third countries. Country of origin: Australia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and USA. Amendment notice (IMP/GEN/2010/07) (PDF, 106KB, 2 pages)
Heat treated animal products of domestic, zoo and laboratory mammals born and bred in captivity (IMP/GEN/2010/08) (PDF, 877KB, 4 pages)
Heat treated organs, glands, blood, other tissues from domestic, zoo and laboratory mammals born and bred in captivity excl ungulates and primates. Country of origin: all non-EU countries. Amendment notice (IMP/GEN/2010/08) (PDF, 99.2KB, 2 pages)
Eggs and egg product samples (IMP/GEN/2010/03) (PDF, 938KB, 4 pages)
Heat treated eggs and egg product samples from certain Third countries. Country of origin: Third countries in Part 1, Annex II to Reg (EU) 206/2010 and third countries or parts thereof authorised for imports of fresh poultry meat (Reg (EC) No 798/2008)
Heat treated milk samples (IMP/GEN/2010/04) (PDF, 901KB, 4 pages)
Ultra heat treated (UHT) milk samples from certain third countries. Country of origin: Countries listed in column B of Regulation (EU) No 605/2010 (as amended Amendment notice (PDF, 110KB, 3 pages)

Other products

Game trophies and other preparations (IMP/GEN/14/06) (PDF, 1.11MB, 3 pages)
Country of origin: all countries
Samples, mammals, birds for research and diagnosis (IMP/GEN/2013/01)(PDF, 256KB, 4 pages)
Samples of products from mammals or birds for research and diagnostic purposes and not intended for resale. Country of origin: Channel Islands
Animal tissue from mammals or birds fixed in formalin (IMP/GEN/2011/04)(PDF, 61.5KB, 5 pages)
Animal tissue derived from mammals and birds fixed in formalin intended as a display item. Country of origin: Third countries or parts thereof authorised for imports of fresh bovine meat listed in Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 206/2010
Tissues, mammals, birds fixed in formalin, research (IMP/GEN/2011/03)(PDF, 99.6KB, 5 pages)
Animal tissue derived from mammals and birds fixed in formalin intended for research use. Country of origin: Third countries or parts thereof authorised for imports of fresh bovine meat listed in Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 206/2010
Facilitation letter (PDF, 497KB, 1 page)
Animal products derived from reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or honey. Country of origin: EU countries
Product derived from fish, reptiles and invertebrates (IMP/GEN/2010/01)(PDF, 838KB, 4 pages)
Any product derived from fish, reptiles and invertebrates from certain Third countries. Country of origin: Australia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and USA.
Amendment notice (PDF, 110KB, 3 pages)
Processed feather samples (IMP/GEN/2010/06) (PDF, 807KB, 4 pages)
Processed feather samples from Third Countries. Country of origin: All non-EU countries. Amendment notice (IMP/GEN/2010/06) (PDF, 106KB, 2 pages)
Certain animal products derived from family canidae, family felidae. Order rodentia and order lagomorpha born and bred in captivity (IMP/GEN/2010/12) (PDF, 1.11MB, 6 pages)
Whole carcases, or parts thereof and certain other materials from animals of the Family Canidae, Family Felidae. Order Rodentia and Order Lagomorpha born and bred in captivity. Country of origin: Australia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and USA. Amendment notice (IMP/GEN/2010/12) (PDF, 101KB, 2 pages)
Products and substances licenced under pathogens and medicines legislation (IMP/GEN/2010/15) (PDF, 85.9KB, 3 pages)
Products and Substances for which a valid licence exists under certain Pathogens and Medicines legislation listed in condition 1 of the licence. Country of origin: All countries
Honey for laboratory (IMP/GEN/2010/16) - amendment notice (PDF, 133KB, 4 pages)
Honey intended for educational, research and diagnostic purposes. Country of origin: All third countries. Amendment notice (IMP/GEN/2010/16) (PDF, 98.1KB, 2 pages)
DNA, plasmid DNA or RNA, stem cells, proteins, antibodies, peptides, cell cultures (IMP/GEN/2008/03) (PDF, 71.6KB, 2 pages)
Certain: DNA, plasmid DNA or RNA; stem cells derived from laboratory born and reared animals certain proteins; antibodies peptides and polypeptides; cell cultures. Country of origin: All non-EU countries.