Rules for pets transiting EU from 01st January 2022

Shortened version:

Pets transiting EU airports need documentation for the transit country and the final destination. So for example, a pet travelling on KLM from UK, transit in Amsterdam and then final destination Dubai, UAE – will need an AHC/EHC for entry to EU and then an EHC/import permit for entry to UAE.

Luckily the helpful and knowledgeable team at Heathrow Vet services can advise on these changes. Please do contact us for more information.

 

The longer version is as below:

NEWS:  As of January 1st  2022 also those Live Animal shipments that transit the European Union have to comply with the Import Regulations of the European Union (similar to other transit points in Europe), even though the country of destination is a Non-European Union Member state.

Please note that in 2021 the European Animal Health Law was published which now overrules national law. In the past, a national permission allowed our hub that Live Animals in transit did not have to comply with full European Union (EU) import regulations. As of January 1st 2022 the local transit permissions are not valid any longer and only EU law applies. However, a transition period from January 1st to 15th was agreed with the local authorities.

Therefore, as of January 1st all Live Animal shipments transiting the European Union have to comply with the Import Regulations of the European Union even though the country of destination is a Non-European Union Member state.

Especially (but not only) the transit requirements for the following species changed and the Import Regulations to the European Union fully apply:

  • Pets (!)
  • Birds
  • Rabbits
  • Ferrets
  • Bees and bumblebees
  • Poultry
  • Live shrimp larvae for breeding purposes

Please not that it is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that the Live Animal shipments meet all documentary requirements. A non-compliance will lead to a stop of the shipment by the veterinarian at transit point or in worst case the return of the animal to the origin.

Thank you for your support

The full EU legislation is outlined here:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019R0628&from=EN