REGISTRATION & IDENTIFICATION COMMISSION

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ANYONE WHO PLANS TO TRANSPORT HORSES FROM THE UK TO THE EU AFTER 30th of MARCH 2019

As the deadline for a deal or no deal Brexit approaches there is great uncertainty regarding which rules will apply for the transport of horses from the United Kingdom to the EU.

The British government has issued guidance on the movement of horses in the event Britain does not finalise a withdrawal agreement with European Union (EU) negotiators by 29 March 2019. With just weeks to go until the 29 March deadline, the British Parliament has yet to approve the terms of withdrawal negotiated with the EU.

In the event that Britain leaves the EU without a deal, the travel requirements for horses after 29 March will depend on:

1. whether the EU lists Britain as a ‘third country’ (i.e. countries and regions outside the European Union), and

2. the health status category in which the EU places Britain.

The British government is continuing to negotiate with the European Commission on securing listed status for Britain, which would enable the continued movement of horses to EU member states.

However, in case of a ‘no deal’, horse owners need to be aware that horses travelling from the EU to Britain:

• may need to undergo additional blood tests, which will need to be carried out within 30 days or less of travelling to satisfy EU regulations;

• owners will need to consult with a vet at least six weeks before they are planning to travel;

• all horses will need an Export Health Certificate in order to travel to EU states, instead of current documents, and will need to enter the EU via a Border Inspection Post (BIP);

The guidance is designed to give horse owners as much time to prepare for these new processes and factor in any extra travel time they may require when travelling to and from the EU. Owners of Britain-based horses planning to transport to the EU are encouraged to refer to the link below frequently for updates on the situation.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-horses-and-ponies-special-rules