Statutory guidance

Import of bovine semen - Import Information Note (IIN) BSTC/1

Updated 27 March 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bovines-live-or-germinal-products-import-information-notes/import-of-bovine-semen-import-information-note-iin-bstc1

1. General information 

This Import Information Note (IIN) must be read in conjunction with the IIN for general information for imports of live animals and germplasm, which provides information on pre-notifications, veterinary checks, risk categories and more. 

References to European Union (EU) legislation within this document are references to direct EU legislation which has been assimilated in Great Britain (assimilated direct legislation), as defined in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. This can be viewed on legislation.gov.uk.

2. Scope 

Imports of bovine semen of domesticated farm animals are governed by both the legislation in force at the time of its collection and at the time of trading. Bovine semen cannot be imported from countries with whom a trading protocol has not been agreed at the time of collection. 

Bovine semen is defined as ‘prepared or diluted ejaculate of male domestic animals of the bovine species’.

All the protocols require the semen to have been collected under specified hygienic conditions, at premises free from specified diseases, from donors of proven health status and under the supervision of approved veterinarians. 

3. Country of origin 

Imports are only permitted from trading partners listed in the approved country documents.

See the list of countries approved to export bovine semen from:

These documents say which countries can export bovine semen to Great Britain, and which countries or regions currently have trade suspensions.

4. Approval of collection and storage centre 

All semen must be collected in and by centres and teams approved for export to Great Britain, which comply with the conditions for approval and supervision set out in GB legislative requirements. 

See the list of:

5. Conditions for bovine semen production 

Imported bovine semen must be produced and imported in accordance with the provisions of The Bovine Semen Regulations (England) 2007 (SI No 2007/1319 for England, SI No 2007/330 for Scotland and SI 2008/1040 for Wales) as amended. These require that semen is imported to a licensed storage facility. 

6. Health certification

Imports to Great Britain (GB) must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate based on the GB model health certificate for bovine germinal products. This must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) or inspector of the veterinary authority in the country of origin.

For EU countries with recognised regionalisation due to a disease outbreak, the ISO code for the region must be added to both:

  • box I.8 of the health certificate
  • the first paragraph of the animal health attestations.

You can find the ISO code in column 1 of the list of EU countries approved to export bovine semen.

This provides assurance that the products originate from animals outside of the control zone.

Model 1

This applies to imports into and transits of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species collected, processed and stored in accordance with The Bovine Semen (England) 2007, dispatched from a semen collection centre where the semen was collected. 

Model 2 

This applies from 1 Jan 2005 to imports and transits of stocks of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species collected, processed and stored before 31 December 2004 in conformity with The Bovine Semen (England) 2007, applying until 1 July 2004, and imported after 31 December 2004 in accordance with Article 2(2) of Directive 2003/43/EC, dispatched from a semen collection centre where the semen was collected. 

Model 3 

This applies to imports into and transits of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species collected, processed and stored in accordance with The Bovine Semen (England) 2007, and of stocks of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species collected, processed and stored before 31 December 2004  in conformity with Directive 88/407/EEC, applying until  1 July 2004, and imported after 31 December 2004 in accordance with Article 2(2) of Directive 2003/43/EC dispatched from a semen storage centre. 

7. Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands

Existing controls continue to apply, and therefore these movements must be in accordance with the General Licence. Consignments must comply with the conditions in the licence which may require it to be accompanied by a health certificate. 

You must notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of imports of bovine semen from Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. See the IIN for general information for imports of live animals and germplasm for more information about pre-notification.

8. Special arrangements for Canada 

Find information about special arrangements for Canada, including how to apply for an export certificate and related forms.

Model health certificate for bovine semen from Canada

9. Contact for further information  

For more information about import requirements, contact the APHA imports team:

Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX

Email: imports@apha.gov.uk 

Telephone: 03000 200 301

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