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Trading in animals and animal products
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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If you want to import or export animals or products of animal origin (including fish) from or to the UK (excluding Norther Ireland) from 1 January 2021 you must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Furthermore, importers will also need to be registered on TRACES (an EU Commission system for the electronic completion of documentation required for imports of certain consignments from third countries).
To protect human health, animal health and the environment, EU rules restrict the import of certain goods from third countries – for example, live animals and products of animal origin. Therefore, you should undertake the following:
- the operator responsible for importing the consignment must register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as well as on the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). You can register on TRACES by applying through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- check on TRACES that the exporter is approved by the EU to export the category of product required by you
- make sure your transporter or haulier is in possession of the required EU authorisations
- ensure pre-notification of imports of live animals and animal products are submitted at least 24 hours before the consignment arrives at the point of entry
- the person responsible for importing the consignment is also required to submit copies of the relevant health certificates and any other documentation required by EU legislation to an electronic mailbox at the same time as the TRACES document is completed
- if you are importing wild caught fish or fishery products, you must have a Catch Certificate – see the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority for further information. Where a Catch Certificate is required, you must give the SFPA at least 24 hours advance notice
Further information is available here: Importing animals or animal products
In order to protect the safety and health of EU citizens and preserve the integrity of the internal market, controls are carried out on food entering the EU market to ensure they meet the requirements of EU food law. The controls carried out are dependent on the food type and can vary from a documentary check to an identity or a physical check or any combination of these checks. Some foods are considered to pose a higher risk to public health, animal health or to the environment in terms of diseases, pests or contaminants, and additional requirements are in place for these foods to control those risks. These additional requirements can include prenotification of arrival at the point of entry, specific accompanying documents and full physical checks. In most cases these foods may only enter the EU market through a specific entry point.
EU food legislation splits foods into the following broad categories:
- foods of animal origin such as meat, dairy, fish, honey, eggs
- foods of non-animal origin such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, food additives (for example: colours and preservatives)
- composite products – food products that contains both processed products of animal origin and products of plant origin, for example: ham and spinach quiche, pepperoni pizza, chocolate mousse, beef sandwich, duck spring roll. However, not all foods containing processed products of animal origin and plant material are composite products
- food contact materials
Foods of animal origin are considered ‘high risk’ by the EU as they can transmit serious human and animal diseases. They must enter the EU through a listed Border Control Post (BCP). The list of BCPs in Ireland and their designations can be found at BCP designation Ireland
Their entry onto the EU market is subject to specific requirements such as an obligation on the importer (that is, the operator responsible for the consignment) to be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) , notification of the food through the EU online system TRACES NT (New Technology), and use of specific certificates that must accompany the food. Entry onto the EU market is controlled at the port of entry in Ireland by the department. For direct landings of fish from a fishing vessel of a third country, controls are carried out by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. For further information on the requirements view our guidance on importing foods of animal origin and for additional requirements regarding fish or fishery products see Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.
Composite products are foodstuffs that contain both processed products of animal origin and products of plant origin. Specific requirements are set out in legislation for composite products particularly in regard to use of ingredients of animal origin with many composite products subject to veterinary checks on import. For further information on the requirements regarding these foods see
New Regulatory Requirements for Exporting to Great Britain
From 1 January 2021, things will change for our agri-food industry, particularly for importers and exporters of agri-food products, who will have to comply with new customs and regulatory requirements. The finalisation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, whilst welcome does not replicate the status quo.
Export certification requirements will have to be fulfilled on exports to Great Britain. The UK Border Operations Model published in July 2020 and updated on 8 October sets out UK Government’s approach to the administration of customs and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements as the UK will no longer be in the EU Customs Union or Single Market.
The UK proposes a phased approach to the implementation of their import requirements including SPS controls. From the 1st of January the UK have set down SPS requirements for imports of live animals, germinal products, marine caught fish and fishery products and high priority plants and plant products into Great Britain. The requirements include pre-notification on IPAFFS (UK equivalent to TRACES) and the provision of relevant certification (export health certificates/catch certificates).
DAFM has put in place the necessary resources, IT systems and business processes to facilitate trade to Great Britain from 1 January. Further work is ongoing to meet the UK import requirements commencing 1 October.
The requirements and procedures for exporting the following animals and commodities to Great Britain (GB) from 1 January 2021 are set down below:
- live animals
- equines
- commercial dogs
- pets
- germinal products
- hatching eggs
- fishery products subject to IUU requirements, most wild-caught marine fish
Live Animals, excluding Horses:
- from 1 January 2021, consignments of Live Animals exported to GB must be pre-notified to the new UK IT system - Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System IPAFFS and accompanied by a export health certificate (EHC) issued by DAFM
- the exporter must secure the services of a GB-based importer who will need to register with IPAFFS and submit advance notification of import to IPAFFS. This notification must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours before arrival of the animal/s in GB
- following pre-notification on IPAFFS by the UK importer, a Unique Notification Number (UNN) is generated. The UK importer will have to give this UNN to the Irish exporter who must in turn give it to the certifying official veterinarian (OV) in Ireland for inclusion in the EHC
- exporters will continue to apply for Export Health Certificates (EHC) through the Regional Veterinary Offices (RVOs)
- live animals will require residency since birth, or at least 40 days before dispatch, in the holding of origin
- poultry for slaughter will need to have been kept since hatching, or for at least the previous 30 days, in the establishment of origin
- there will be no change to the advance notification that Food Business Operator (FBOs) must provide to Regional Veterinary Offices (RVOs) for the certification of livestock to GB or EU Member States (including Northern Ireland) post 1 January, 2021. This remains one working day. It is important to note that transporters of live animals that require journey logs will require 48 hours advance notice prior to travelling
- the exporter will need to provide the necessary information to the certifying OV to allow them to generate the EHC
- once the EHC is generated, signed and stamped by the certifying OV the original EHC is provided in hard copy to the exporter following certification
- the IE exporter should email a scanned copy of the signed EHC to the GB importer
- the GB importer will need to upload the EHC to IPAFFS
- GB Import documentary checks will occur remotely, with identity and physical checks undertaken at the point of destination on a risk basis
- there will be no change to the current fees for export certification. Levies apply to all exports from Ireland for Livestock
Details on Transport of Live Animals Incl. Equines is available below.
Details on Fees payable on animals exported live from the State are listed Veterinary Inspection Fees.
In the event that you have further queries in relation, please contact: VIT@agriculture.gov.ie
Equine Animals
- from 1 January 2021, each equine animal exported to GB must be pre-notified to the new UK IT system - Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System IPAFFS and be accompanied during transport by an Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued by DAFM
- the IE exporter must therefore register with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and must register for the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES)
- the IE exporter should go to our ‘Register to Import and Export’ section for registration details. Registration may be completed by completing the steps outlined on our website Register to Import or Export
- the equine exporter should contact the local DAFM Regional Veterinary Offices (RVO) a minimum of 5 days in advance of departure to make arrangements for completing the EHC
- the exporter must secure the services of a GB-based importer who will need to register with IPAFFS and submit advance notification of import to IPAFFS. This notification must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours, and up to 30 days, before arrival of the equine animal/s in GB
- following pre-notification on IPAFFS by the UK importer, a Unique Notification Number (UNN) is generated. The GB importer is required to send the UNN number to the IE exporter for inclusion in the EHC from Ireland
- the equine exporter must complete consignment details in Part I of the EHC online on TRACES. The exporter will also need to ensure that the UNN is included in Part I Section I.6 of the EHC. The exporter should submit notification to the RVO when completed, including TRACES-generated certificate reference number
- the EHC will be generated, printed, signed and stamped by the Regional Veterinary Offices Official Veterinarian (OV). The exporter should make arrangements to collect the EHC from the local Regional Veterinary Offices (RVO)
- the IE exporter should email a scanned copy of the EHC to the GB importer
- the GB importer will need to upload the EHC to IPAFFS
- GB import control documentary checks will occur remotely, with identity and physical checks at the point of destination on a risk-determined basis
- from 1 January 2021 to 28 February 2022, live equines may enter GB via any point of entry
- a DAFM fee will apply for equine export certification to GB and will be charged at the rate of €12.50 per certificate, as per current fee charged for certification to the EU
Details on Transport of Live Animals Incl. Equines is available below.
For queries in relation to Equine health certification requirements, please see Export of Horses.
For Revenue guidance on the temporary import and export of horses, please click here.
Transport of Live Animals Incl. Equines
- from 1 January 2021, UK- issued transporter authorisations, including Certificates of Competency and vehicle approvals will no longer be valid in the EU
- transporters with UK approvals who wish to continue to operate in the EU will have to apply to an EU Member State for authorisation. To apply for an authorisation, a transporter will need to be established in the EU. Please see Transport of Live Animals here for details
- from 1 January 2021, EU- issued transporter authorisations, including Certificates of Competency and vehicle approvals will no longer be valid in the UK
- those with EU approvals who wish to continue to operate in the UK will have to apply to the UK Authorities for approval. Further information on how to apply is available by contacting APHA by email: CITCarlisle@apha.gov.uk
- the UK rules for commercial transport of live animals from the EU may be accessed here
- EU-issued transporter authorisations, Certificates of Competency and Vehicle Approvals remain valid in Northern Ireland. However, the EU will not recognise such documents issued NI authorities outside the territory of NI
- for movements from GB to EU or from EU to or through GB, both UK and EU authorisations will be required
- in addition, 2 journey logs will be required for live animal movements from the EU to, or through, GB: one approved by APHA for travel in GB and one approved by an EU member state of origin for travel within the EU and NI. Journey logs must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance of travelling
Commercial movement of dogs between Ireland and GB
- a commercial movement is a movement for the purpose of sale, change of ownership or re-homing. Movement of more than 5 pet dogs is also considered a commercial movement. Commercial movement of dogs may not be moved under pet travel rules
- the only exception to this rule is if the exporter is moving more than 5 dogs in order to take part in a competition, race or other such event. The exporter must have written proof that the dogs are taking part in the event, or that the dogs are registered with a recognised organisation that organises such events
Commercial movement of dogs from Ireland to GB
- you will need to register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine if you want to import or export animals to or from GB. Details on how to register can be found here. This is separate to the Balai registration process
- you will also need to be registered on TRACES (an EU Commission system for the electronic completion of documentation required for imports of certain consignments from third countries). Find out how to register here
- the commercial movement of a dog from Ireland to GB must be pre-notified to the new UK system - Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) a minimum of 24 hours, and up to 30 days in advance of the arrival of the dogs. The exporter must secure the services of a GB-based importer, who will register with IPAFFS in order to submit the pre-notification
- in addition, dogs moved commercially must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and be accompanied by a health certificate and an EU pet passport
- the Export Health Certificate for exporting dogs to GB is generated on TRACES and issued by the Regional Veterinary Offices (RVO). The exporter will need to present the RVO with certification from their Private Veterinary Practitioner confirming that, at the time of examination, within 48 hours of departure, their dog/s showed no clinical signs of disease and were fit to be transported
- the exporter will need to comply with both EU and UK requirements for transporters of animals. Please contact animalwelfaretransport@agriculture.gov.ie with any queries on transport requirements
- applications for export health certificates should be made at least 5 working days prior to departure from Ireland by e-mail or phone to your Local RVO
- following pre-notification on IPAFFS by the GB-based importer, a Unique Notification Number (UNN) is generated. The GB importer is required to send the UNN number to the IE-based exporter. The exporter will also need to provide the RVO with the UNN, to be added to the Export Health Certificate (EHC)
- once the EHC has been generated via TRACES, the EHC will be printed, stamped, signed and handed to the IE exporter
- the IE exporter should email a scanned copy of the EHC to the GB importer for submission to IPAFFs
- from 1 January 2021 – 28 February 2022, commercial exports of dogs may enter GB through any point of entry. On a risk-determined basis, identity and physical checks may be conducted at the place of destination or other approved premises, in GB
- from 1 March 2022, commercial exports of dogs must enter GB via a Border Control Post (BCP) designated for dogs. Identity and physical checks will be conducted at the BCP
- for queries in relation to health certs for dogs moved to GB, please contact: livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie
- please contact animalwelfaretransport@agriculture.gov.ie with any queries on transport requirements
Pet Travel refers to movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets accompanied by their owner or a person authorised by the owner, and the movement is not for the purpose of sale, change or ownership or re-homing.
Pet Travel from Ireland to GB
- the UK Government has indicated that rules for entry into GB with a pet dog, cat or ferret will not change after 1 January 2021
- the pet owner may enter GB currently, and after 1 January 2021, with their pet cat, dog or ferret if the pet
- has been microchipped
- has been vaccinated against rabies
- has either an EU-issued pet passport or an animal health certificate signed by an Official Veterinarian in Ireland. Please see Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK
- current requirements for pet travel to and from Northern Ireland remain the same from 1 January 2021
For further queries in relation to pet travel to GB, please contact: livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie
Germinal Products
- exporters of germinal products must appear on the list of Approved Establishments in Veterinary Fields and Approved Laboratories
- the IE exporter must register with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and must register for the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES)
- the IE exporter should go to ourRegister to Import or Export section for registration details. Registration may be completed by completing the steps outlined on our website: Register to Import or Export here
- from 1 January 2021 consignments of germinal products exported to GB must be pre-notified to the new UK IT system - Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) and accompanied by a health certificate issued by DAFM
- the exporter must secure the services of a GB-based importer who will need to register with IPAFFS and submit advance notification of the import to IPAFFS. This notification must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the arrival of the consignment in GB
- following pre-notification on IPAFFS by the UK importer, a Unique Notification Number (UNN) is generated. The UK importer will have to give this UNN to the Irish exporter who must in turn give it to the certifying official veterinarian (OV) in Ireland for inclusion in the EHC
- Health Certificates for germinal products intended for export to GB will be generated through the TRACES system. Exporters must notify the Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) and Veterinary Inspector (VI) at least 5 working days prior to the intended date of shipment by e-mail or phone in order to allow completion of certification
- once the EHC has been generated through TRACES, it will be printed, stamped, signed and handed to IE exporter
- the IE exporter should email a scanned copy of the EHC to the GB importer
- the GB importer will need to upload the EHC to IPAFFS
- currently there are no fees charged directly to exporters for provision of certification for germinal products
In the event that you have any queries in relation to this matter, please contact this office by emailing: VIT@agriculture.gov.ie
Hatching Eggs
- from 1 January 2021 consignments of Hatching Eggs - exported to GB must be pre-notified to the new UK IT system - Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System IPAFFS and accompanied by a health certificate issued by DAFM
- the exporter must secure the services of a GB-based importer who will need to register with IPAFFS and submit advance notification of the import to IPAFFS. This notification must be submitted at least 24hrs in advance
- following pre-notification on IPAFFS by the UK importer, a Unique Notification Number (UNN) is generated. The UK importer will have to give this UNN to the Irish exporter who must in turn give it to the certifying official veterinarian (OV) in Ireland for inclusion in the EHC
- exporters will need to continue to apply for Export Health Certificates (EHC) through the Regional Veterinary Offices (RVOs). The exporter will need to provide the necessary information to the certifying OV to allow them generate the EHC
- exporters must allow five working days for EHC completion
- once the EHC is generated, it is signed and stamped by the certifying OV and the original is provided in hard copy to the exporter following certification. The exporter should make arrangements to collect the EHC from the local Regional Veterinary Offices (RVO)
- the IE exporter should email a scanned copy of the EHC to the GB importer
- the GB importer will need to upload the EHC to IPAFFS
- currently, there are no fees charged directly to exporters for provision of certification for hatching eggs
In the event that you have any queries in relation to this matter, please contact this office by emailing: VIT@agriculture.gov.ie
Fishery Products
- from 1 January 2021, in terms of anti-illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) fishing, most wild-caught fin fish travelling to the UK will require a Catch Certificate and potentially other commercial and supporting documents (for example: storage documents and processing statements if applicable)
- health certificates are not required for such consignments between 1 January to 30 September 2021
- IUU/Catch Certificates must be validated by the fishery authorities of the Flag State of the vessel which caught the fish
- for fishery products caught by an Irish fishing vessel, the Export Certificate System (ECS) is used by exporters, Food Business Operators or agents, to acquire Irish catch certificates and Irish Processing statements/Annex IV’s for exports to the UK only
- exporters are required to apply for catch certificates via the online Export Certification System (ECS); There are two means of accessing the ECS, either as an Unregistered User or a Registered User. For registered external individual users click here. For registered external partners click here
- in order to obtain an IUU/Catch Certificate for fishery products caught by an Irish vessel, you will have to complete the relevant sections of the application and obtain validation from the SFPA; (i) Details about the catching vessel(s), (ii) Amount of fish by species and weight, (iii) Presentation and state, such as whole or filleted, fresh or frozen, (iv) Commodity code
- guidance on how to complete a Catch Cert application can be accessed here
- in terms of a timeframe for IUU/Catch Certificates, SFPA request IUU/Catch Certificate applications 48 hours before dispatch but each case will vary. Timescales for validation, processing and cross checks of IUU/catch certificate applications will depend on a number of factors; including the complexity of the consignment regarding the amount of landings and vessels contributing to a consignment, and the quality of the information provided in the original application that would facilitate validation. As a general principle the more detail provided in the original application and the less the number of landings, vessels, and first-buyers, the more time-effectively it may be dealt with by SFPA. IUU/Catch Certificates will require details of all landings including dates, vessel names, quantity and species all itemised. However, landbridge movements will not require an IUU/Catch certificate
- your completed application on the ECS will be reviewed, and if deemed suitable, it will be approved by the SFPA. This application must be then validated; this requires signatures from both the applicant/exporter and the SFPA. Once validated, this document becomes the original document; this is provided to the applicant (typically the Irish Exporter) for onward provision
- this IUU/Catch Certificate should then be forwarded to the UK importer so they can liaise with the competent authority at the point of entry at the final destination (for example: Border Control Post, or from 1 January to 30 June any UK entry point)
- various customs requirements exist for such trade, and in particular fishery products are regarded as ‘Controlled Goods’ fishery products will need customs declaration from 01 January
- IUU/Catch Certificates must be submitted to the local UK port authorities at the point of entry to the UK at least 2 hours before arrival, and are the responsibility of the GB-based importer
- consignments can continue to arrive via any port and physical checks will be conducted on consignments at the point of destination until 1 January 2022. No fees are currently charged directly to exporters for provision of catch certification
- direct landings by Irish vessels are a form of food export. These will need to arrive at designated UK ports, with IUU documentation including an IUU/Catch certificate and pre-landing declaration, and NEAFC documentation including a PSC form
- for direct landings the IUU/Catch Certificate application is made to the SFPA through the onboard ERS system, not through the ECS
- the UK Government has indicated that direct landings from EU vessels in Great Britain will be permitted into those ports already dual designated for IUU and NEAFC purposes. The UK government is also considering designating further ports, and a list of these will be published in due course
- direct landings of EU vessels into NI ports are not subject to IUU controls but are subject to NEAFC controls. The United Kingdom has designated seven ports in Northern Ireland for third country landings, namely Ardglass; Bangor; Belfast; Kilkeel; Derry/Londonderry; Portavogie; Warrenpoint. Belfast has been designated as a Border Control Post, which allows for the landing of frozen fish;
For procedural review of IUU/Catch Certificates Application and Processing Statement Application using ECS, please see the following guidance documents
- access the Export Certification System (ECS) - the new Export Portal for guest users the registered version of the Exports Portal Export Certification System (ECS) - the new Export Portal for guest users or Users with a login can access the registered version via agfood.ie
- login details will be supplied to registered exporters in the coming weeks.
For information on fisheries exports after the 1 January please click here
For information on exporting live fish and shellfish to GB please click here
Queries in relation to this or any other aspect of fisheries exports please contact
| List of Regional Veterinary Offices (RVO) | Regional Veterinary Offices Contact details |
| Cavan/ Monaghan/ Tipperary/ Offaly/ Westmeath/ Roscommon | Cavan Office, Government Buildings, Farnham Street, Cavan 076 106 4439 |
| Leitrim/ Longford/ Sligo | Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo, Leitrim 071 9682000 |
| Meath/Louth | Government Offices, Athlumney, Kilcarn, Navan, Co Meath 046 907 9030/ 076 106 4411 |
| Mayo/Galway | Michael Davitt House, Castlebar, Co Mayo 094 903 5300 |
| Donegal | Meeting House Street, Co. Donegal, Raphoe 074 9145990 |
| Kildare/Dublin/Wicklow West/Laois/Clare/Limerick | Poplar House, Poplar Square, Naas, Co Kildare 045 873035 |
| Cork/Kerry | 4th Floor, Hibernian House, 80 South Mall, Co Cork 021 485 1400 |
| Waterford/Kilkenny/Wexford/Carlow/East Wicklow | Local Office Administration Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Old Knockmay Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois 0761 064413/ 051 312300 |
| Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford | Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford0761 064 415 / 053 916 3400 |
If you have any queries in relation to requesting export certification, please contact BrexitCall@agriculture.gov.ie
BCP Designation Ireland
BCPs designated for animals, products of animal origin, composite products, germinal products, animal by-products, hay and straw referred to in Article 47(1)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 or covered by conditions or measures referred to in Article 47(1)(d), (e) or (f) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625
DownloadThe EU requires all Wood Packaging Material (WPM) from third countries entering the Union territory to be ISPM 15 compliant:
