Export reptiles and amphibians to South Africa: certificate 7981

Use these forms and guidance document to export amphibians like frogs, newts and salamanders and reptiles like tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards and chameleons as domestic pets to South Africa.

Exporting from England, Scotland and Wales

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 Guidance notes for certificate 7981

Download a specimen certificate Export reptiles and amphibians to South Africa: EHC 7981

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

Exporting from Northern Ireland

If you’re in Northern Ireland you’ll need to upload your application for DAERA.

  1. Find out about the requirements for export in the Guidance notes for certificate 7981

  2. Download and fill in Export reptiles and amphibians to South Africa: EHC 7981

  3. Upload your application.

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.

Find out about call charges.

Updates to this page

Published 29 November 2018
Last updated 20 April 2022 + show all updates
  1. EHC now available on EHC Online

  2. First published.