The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has responded to fears that new import regulations imposed following the end of the Brexit transition on January 1 were having a ‘catastrophic’ effect on the UK pet industry.
Admitting that it recognised the challenges faced by UK importers, Defra said: “Further guidance will be provided in due course to assist those importing small animals, such as birds, from the EU and non-EU countries as we move forward as an independent state.”
Leading suppliers have warned of stock shortages in pet shops because extra paperwork and new health certificates brought in by the UK government at the start of 2021 have prevented them from importing live animals.
Defra revealed to pbwnews that reptiles, amphibians (excluding salamanders) and invertebrates (excluding bees, molluscs and crustaceans) were not covered by any legislation, meaning that national rules applied when importing them into the UK from 1 Jan 2021.
“In line with our staging of import controls on goods from the EU, there may be additional requirements from July 2021, which will be communicated in due course.
“For any importers who are not yet registered to use IPAFFS (import of products, animals, food and feed system), they can do so here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-of-products-animals-food-and-feed-system.
“Commercial imports must be pre-notified via IPAFFS one working day in advance of arrival at the point of entry.
“You can continue to arrive at any point of entry, and there are no requirements to arrive via a Border Control Point.
“Consignments must be accompanied with the relevant commercial documentation. This includes an invoice and packing list: including list of species, number of animals, premises of origin and premises of destination.
“The consignment must be accompanied by an exporter declaration that the animals are ‘fit to travel’ for commercial moves.”
