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Importing country requirements - United Kingdom
The import requirements and health certification for
Northern Ireland may be different from those imposed on animals exported to Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Where this entry refers to 'Great Britain' or 'GB', this will be taken to mean Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Contact the
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or the
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the United Kingdom (UK) for further information.
If you require assistance with importing aquatic animals to Northern Ireland, you may seek assistance by contacting their authority via email at
daera.helpline@daera-ni.gov.uk.
See also
Transiting animals and animal products through Great Britain.
Refer to these and the Department's websites for current information about exporting animals (including any suspensions).
- Note
- Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.
Importing country requirements - Great Britain
It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements for Great Britain.
The importation of aquatic animals into GB is strictly regulated under UK legislation and enforced by the Department through Departmental officers in the regional office from where the animals are to be exported.
From 30 April 2024, the UK Government introduced updated model health certificates for many live fish and shellfish commodities. Information about the process to import live fish and shellfish, including model health certificates, into GB, can be found on the
UK Government website.
- Note
- Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.
Health requirements
It is the responsibility of the exporter to use the appropriate health certificate and ensure that this and any accompanying declarations are in English.
Certificate for movement of aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities to the UK until and including 31 July 2025:
From
31 July 2025, import of aquatic animals for farming, ornamental use, relaying or depuration, put and take fisheries and other purposes into Great Britain, or live aquatic animals for transit via Great Britain must be undertaken under the
GBHC676 AOOP: Import of aquatic animals for farming, ornamental use, relaying or depuration, put and take fisheries and other purposes into GB, or live aquatic animals for transit via GB (NEW) certificate.
This is a new certificate which replaces GBHC671.
Certificate for movement of aquatic animals intended for closed ornamental facilities to or for transit via Great Britain
from 31 July 2025:
- Note
- Certificate GBHC671 will only be accepted until 31 July 2025. This is the last date (inclusive) that this certificate will be accepted, based on the date it was signed, not the date the consignment arrives in Great Britain.
Australian Departmental officers will only endorse health certification for animals destined to the UK if it is written in English.
Australian Departmental officers will
not endorse health certification for animals destined to the UK if only presented in a language other than English.
The UK Government has published
guidance for exporters completing health certification for animals destined to the UK.
- Email
-
Imports@apha.gov.uk
Special conditions
Other Requirements
Transport requirements
The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.
Pre- and post-arrival quarantine requirements
The importing country may have specific pre- and post-arrival quarantine requirements and you should check this.
Basis for Micor entry
Based on importing country website and information.
Entry last reviewed 11 February 2025.
