Export male horses to the USA: certificate 3987
Apply online to export stallions/male horses to USA.
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 this export health certificate (EHC) using the online service.
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you must apply to DAERA.
1. Check what you need for your export
Find out about the requirements for export in the
and .Download a specimen certificate
, and an .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.
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
Exporting from Northern Ireland
If you’re in Northern Ireland you’ll need to upload your application for DAERA.
-
Find out about the requirements for export in the
and . -
Download and fill in
and .
Make sure you use the latest version of the EHC as they are sometimes updated. The latest version is on this page.
If you do not use the latest version, DAERA will not accept your application.
Help with your application
In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on 03000 200 301.
In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877442060.
Updates to this page
Published 30 November 2018Last updated 29 August 2024 + show all updates
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Guidance notes updated regarding the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024.
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From 22nd July 2024, you cannot export cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses for fattening and slaughter.
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Updated NFG
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Guidance notes updated.
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Piroplasmosis Addendum removed
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Screwworm and FMD SUP and Screwworm and FMD SUP NFG added
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Piroplasmosis Health Certificate Addendum document has been added to the certificate.
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The guidance notes have been amended.
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Guidance notes updated.
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Updated specimen certificate released.
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Specimen certificate updated.
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Specimen certificate and guidance notes updated
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A new version of guidance notes for certificate 3987 export male horses to the USA have been released.
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A new version of the EHC has been released.
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Guidance notes updated and application for APHA Veterinarian countersignature ET145 document added
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Added a link to EHC online - a new digital service that allows exporters to apply for and manage their export health certificates online.
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EHC version to 3
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First published.