Export Animal Products to United Kingdom

Last Modified: April 01, 2024

For the purposes of exporting animal products to the United Kingdom (UK), the relevant requirements diverge depending on if the product is entering:

  • Northern Ireland; or
  • Great Britain (GB) [England, Wales, and Scotland] the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man

In some limited cases, described in Section III below, where requirements were not harmonized at the European Union (EU) level prior to BREXIT, the requirements do not diverge.
 

  1. Animal Products to Northern Ireland

    Northern Ireland is not part of the European Union (EU). However, Northern Ireland requires the same certificates as the European Union for the import of most products. Prior to preparing to export, exporters should have their importers in Northern Ireland confirm with the pertinent authorities of Northern Ireland. For commodities where the importer verifies an EU certificate is required, please refer to the general information file for the European Union.
     
  2. Animal Products to Great Britain

    Great Britain (GB), the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are no longer part of the European Union (EU) but have confirmed that they will accept EU harmonized certificates at least until and including September 30, 2021. For the EU harmonized import requirements for certain animal-origin products (for commodities not listed below) for certificates dated prior to September 30, 2021, please refer to the general information file for the  European Union. These portions of the United Kingdom have indicated that they will continue to accept EU harmonized certificates (if dated on or before September 30, 2021), for at least some time after September 30, 2021 (shipments that depart the United States on or before September 30, 2021 should be accepted with the EU harmonized certificates even if the shipments arrive several weeks after September 30, 2021 as long as the certificate was dated prior to October 1, 2021). 
  3. Details not harmonized at the EU level: relevant to exports both to Northern Ireland and also: Great Britain
    • Unless otherwise stated, the below entries apply to the entire United Kingdom.

Contact Information

  • Importers in GB with questions about import requirements of GB may contact the government of GB at: 

    Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) 
    Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
    Eden Bridge House
    Lowther Street
    Carlisle CA3 8DX
    Tel: +44 (0)3000 200 301 (option 3, option 2, option 3)
    Email: Imports@apha.gsi.gov.uk

Commodity Specific Information

Bee pollen (for uses outside of apiculture) - September 2017

Biodiesel (finished fuel which could be derived from animal-origin materials) - September 2017

Blood products derived from livestock other than equidae

Cuttlefish bones - September 2017

Educational materials (animal by-products imported for use or resale as educational tools) - September 2017

Egg shell membranes (hydrolyzed) for human consumption - September 2018

Fishing baits - July 2013

Game trophies - July 2013

Hunting lures derived from cervid urine - June 2023

Intermediate products (information on how to determine if a particular consignment may be exported to the UK as an “intermediate product”) - September 2017

Lanolin (wool grease) intended for technical purposes - September 201

Non-human primate materials - September 2017

Nutraceuticals for pets - September 2017

Peritoneal fluid and derivatives - September 2017

Rodent and other "laboratory animal" materials for research purposes - September 2017

Sponges (animal-origin) - July 2013

Trade Shows - January 2012

Yellow grease (used vegetable oil) for biodiesel production - July 2013

Need Help Exporting Animal Products?

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedures and requirements for exporting animal products, or to obtain a zoosanitary certificate for an animal product, contact the APHIS Veterinary Services office covering the area from which the product will be exported, the area in which your office is located, or the area in which the product is manufactured.
 

Certificate Endorsement or Export Questions

For animal product export certificate endorsement or questions, select your State or Territory to email the appropriate office and include "Animal products: endorsement or question" plus your State or Territory's name in the subject line. Note: Offices may serve multiple States and Territories.

Facility Inspections or Questions

For animal product export facility inspection requests or questions, select your State or Territory to email the appropriate office and include "Facility Inspection" plus your State or Territory's name in the subject line. Note: Offices may serve multiple States and Territories.

All Contacts
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