Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks: live animals transiting the GB landbridge

Guide

Last updated 24 March 2021

Import process requirements for live animals from European Union (EU) countries which are routed through Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI)

For consignments of live animals that are transiting GB only, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) require the import of the consignment to be pre-notified on TRACES NT to ensure the NI Point of Entry is aware of the arrival of the consignment.

The pre-notification step is essential so DAERA know that these consignments of live animals originate from the EU and full SPS third country requirements do not apply as regards certification.

Where live animal consignments are moved directly from the EU to NI via the GB landbridge they must:

  • Have an EU Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) issued via TRACES which will serve as advance notification to GB authorities of these animals entering GB. Separate notification via the GB system of IPAFFS will not be required.
  • At the EU point of exit, have the ITAHC stamped "only for transit…".
  • Be pre-notified to DAERA by creating a CHED-A notification on TRACES NT and uploading a copy of the ITAHC.
  • Be accompanied throughout the journey with a hardcopy of the ITAHC issued by the exporting EU Member State.

Export process requirements for live animals from NI which are routed through GB to EU

For consignments of live animals that are transiting GB, the Border Control Post (BCP) at the Point of Entry to the EU require the import of the consignment to be pre-notified on TRACES NT to ensure the EU Point of Entry is aware of the arrival of the consignment.

The pre-notification step is essential so the EU BCP know that these consignments of live animals originate from NI and full third SPS country requirements do not apply as regards certification.

Where live animal consignments are moved directly from NI to EU via the GB landbridge they must:

  • Have an EU Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) issued via TRACES which will serve as advance notification to GB authorities of these animals entering GB. Separate notification via the GB system of IPAFFS will not be required.
  • At the EU point of exit, have the ITAHC stamped "only for transit…".
  • Be pre-notified to the EU Point of Entry by creating a CHED-A notification on TRACES NT and uploading a copy of the ITAHC.
  • Be accompanied throughout the journey with a hardcopy of the ITAHC issued in NI.

Other information relating to use of the GB landbridge

  • Animals can enter and exit GB through any port with no identity or physical inspections carried out at entry to or exit from GB.
  • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will carry out remote documentary checks.
  • The person Responsible for Load in NI or the EU Member State receiving the goods must email APHA at APHAGBimports@apha.gov.uk to confirm that the consignment has left GB territory, with the subject line 'Confirmation that a consignment has left GB territory'.
  • You must follow animal GB welfare requirements for animals transiting GB.
  • The maximum permitted journey time varies by species and life stage. A consignment of animals may need to be rested for 24 hours. There are approved control posts where animals can be unloaded.
  • If transiting through a port in Kent, trucks over 7.5 tonnes must complete checks on the UK 'Check an HGV is ready to cross the border' service to confirm that the haulier has the relevant declarations to proceed to France.
  • If a 'Kent Access Pass' is issued, the lorry can move to their chosen port or the Eurotunnel. If a Pass is not issued, the haulier will be advised to obtain the required documentation and resubmit the application. Drivers should not enter Kent without this permit as they will be subject to a £300 on the spot fine if they cannot produce the permit.
  • Note: If transit is not through Kent, drivers can proceed directly to their port without engaging with the Check an HGV system. However, the Check an HGV system can also be used on an advisory basis for vehicles under 7.5 tonnes as well as for vehicles travelling to other UK ports.

First published 24 March 2021