Equine animals not intended for slaughter to the European Union and Northern Ireland: certificate 8431

Apply online for an export health certificate (EHC) to export equine animals, such as horses or donkeys, not intended for slaughter from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to the EU or move them to Northern Ireland.

From:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
30 June 2021
Last updated
30 August 2024 — See all updates
Destination country:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus
Show 27 more
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
Commodity type:
Equine
Certificate status:
Active

You cannot export cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses for fattening and slaughter. This applies to journeys from or through Great Britain to anywhere outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. You can still export live cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses for other purposes. For example, for breeding and competitions.

Apply for an export health certificate online

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for an export health certificate (EHC) using the online service to export equine animals to the EU or to move them to Northern Ireland.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you do not need an EHC to export to the EU. Contact DAERA on 02877 442 060 to find out what you need to do.

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the following documents:

2. Apply online

You’ll need:

  • a Government Gateway account
  • a Defra account

If you don’t already have them you’ll need to register for these accounts, and so will your official vet or inspector.

Start now

Registration takes around 5 minutes. Official vets and inspectors will also need to have their registration checked by APHA.

Register and sign in as an official vet or inspector.

Read the accessibility statement for this service.

Applying online means you can:

  • see the status of your applications
  • always use the latest version of the EHC
  • copy existing applications
  • apply for multiple certificates

Find out more

Stay up to date with any changes to EHCs by signing up for email alerts.

Find out about getting an EHC.

Find out about exporting live animals and animal products from 1 January 2021.

Help with your application

In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on 03000 200 301.

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877 442 060.

Find out about call charges.

Updates to this page

Published 30 June 2021
Last updated 30 August 2024 + show all updates

  1. Guidance notes updated

  2. Specimen certificate updated.

  3. Guidance notes updated.

  4. OV supportive declaration document updated

  5. A new version of this certificate has been released and guidance notes updated

  6. From 22nd July 2024, you cannot export cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses for fattening and slaughter.

  7. Guidance notes updated

  8. Guidance notes updated - amendments to parts 6, 7, 9 and section regarding II.1.11.

  9. EHC and guidance notes updated in line with updated legislation

  10. Update to guidance notes

  11. Updated NFG with Master of Vessel requirements

  12. Specimen certificate updated

  13. Update to guidance notes

  14. Export Health Certificate (EHC) is now available in the EHC Online service.

  15. Guidance notes updated

  16. First published.

Contents

Related content