The Reptile Trade Association (REPTA) has alerted the trade to the latest government information on importing live reptiles and amphibians into the UK in light of Brexit.
The requirements apply to both commercial and non-commercial importation of reptiles and amphibians (except salamanders) and invertebrates (except bees, molluscs and crustaceans) from the EU at the end of the transition period.
This group of animals are ‘non-harmonised’, so are not covered by any legislation (unless subject to CITES Invasive species (Regulation 2014/1143)), meaning that national rules apply.
COMMERCIAL IMPORTS
From January 1, importers will need to comply with the following requirements:
> Commercial imports must be pre-notified via IPAFFS one working day in advance of arrival at the point of entry
> Imports can continue to arrive at any point of entry with no requirements to arrive via a BCP
> Consignments must be accompanied with the relevant commercial documentation. This includes an invoice and packing list, including 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.
NON-COMMERCIAL (PET) IMPORTS
> Entry via any traveller point of entry
> Animals must travel with the owner or another authorised person
> The animals must be accompanied by an owner or vet declaration that the animals are fit and healthy to complete the journey
> They must be accompanied by a declaration that the animals are not intended for sale or change of ownership.
CONTROLS
In line with the UK Governments staging of import controls on goods from the EU, there may be additional requirements from July 2021.
Suggested wording to be used for commercial declarations is: “I the undersigned, declare that it is my responsibility as the person organising the journey, to ensure that the animals are fit to travel.”
Defra acknowledges that, while these new requirements ‘should not introduce significant difficulties for importers’, they were announced at a late stage, with very little time before they came into effect.
“As a result our focus will be on ensuring awareness of the new requirements as we continue to communicate them in the new year.”
Any importers not yet registered to use IPAFFS, can do so at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-of-products-animals-food-and-feed-system
