Bringing live animals to NI from EU via the GB landbridge

Last updated 30 September 2024

For consignments of live animals originating from the EU, which are only transiting through GB, DAERA requires 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 knows that these consignments of live animals originate from the EU and full SPS Third Country requirements do not apply as regards certification. Guidance on moving live animals from EU via the GB landbridge to Northern Ireland is available at Guidance on Bringing Live Animals to NI from EU via the GB Landbridge.

On arrival in Northern Ireland

• Ensure the consignment arrives at the correct approved Point of Entry in Northern Ireland.
• As DAERA will conduct veterinary checks on all live animals, the driver must follow the signs to the inspection facilities upon disembarkation. For live fish movements, you must proceed for inspection to Duncrue Street OCTA at Belfast Port or to Redlands Road OCTA at Larne Port.
• Present the consignment for inspection with hard copies of all relevant documentation. The original Export Health Certificate (EHC) and the supporting documentation, including the Import Licence, where required, must remain with the consignment throughout the journey.
• Check you have Transporter Authorisation, Certificates of Competence, Vehicle Approval and Journey Log where required.
• Assist inspectors to unload and handle animals as requested.

Checks and Compliance

• Consignments must be fully compliant with the requirements of the EU Official Controls Regulation(external link opens in a new window / tab) in order to enter Northern Ireland. Further information on checks and compliance is available in DAERA’s Compliance Protocol document.
   
• Providing all the documentation required for the movement has been submitted correctly and within the specified timeframes, a large proportion of the documentary check will be carried out in advance of the consignment’s arrival. This includes examination of any veterinary certificate and other relevant documentation accompanying the consignment.
• Once the documentary checks have been carried out and are satisfactory, all live animal consignments will be subjected to identity and physical checks, as well as sampling, where required.
• If all the checks have been successful, the consignment is cleared: the decision is entered in Part 2 of the CHED, which will be provided to you, the consignee, in electronic form. Your consignment is now free to move to destination.
• If the consignment does not meet the entry requirements, it will be rejected entry and returned at the expenses of the person responsible for it.

First published 24 March 2021