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Agriculture: Animal Importation

Answer

Imports into the UK of live cattle, sheep and pigs from countries outside the European Union (EU) must comply with the conditions laid down in European legislation on the protection of animal health. Imports of cattle, sheep and pigs are permitted only from countries listed as authorised for imports of that particular species in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 206/2010. Consignments must also meet the animal health conditions set out in the appropriate veterinary certification laid down in this regulation. All imports must be imported into the EU via a border inspection post specifically approved to take these animals, where they undergo veterinary checks to ensure that the import requirements have been met. Movements of live cattle and pigs from other EU member states must comply with the relevant animal health requirements set out in Council Directive 64/432/EEC, including the appropriate veterinary certification. Movements of sheep must be in accordance with Council Directive 91/68/EEC. Additional specific animal health requirements may be required dependent on the region or member state of origin; for example, specific controls were introduced following the outbreak of bluetongue across parts of the EU in 2007. Consignments are not subject to veterinary checks at the border but undergo risk-based post-import checks by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. All consignments of live animals must also comply with the rules on the welfare of animals during transport. All EU legislation is amended as appropriate to take into account changing circumstances such as the animal health situation in exporting countries or following the results of an inspection visit by the European Commission.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

16071; 736 c117WA

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Cattle Import controls Pigs Sheep

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk