Statutory guidance

Import of treated pig bristles - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/7B

Published 2 December 2024

1. General information 

This Import Information Note (IIN) must be read in conjunction with the IIN for general information for imports of animal by-products (ABPs), 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 and can be viewed on the UK legislation website. 

2. Scope  

Import conditions for treated pig bristles from countries which may not be free of African swine fever for the last 12 months prior to the date of importation. 

Only Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10 (b) (iv) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 may be used for the production of pig bristles. 

3. Production standards 

Pig bristles must have been obtained from animals originating and slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, in the country of origin. They must be dry and securely enclosed in packaging. 

In accordance with the requirements of Annex XIII, Chapter VII treated pig bristles must have either: 

• been boiled, dyed or bleached
• undergone some other form of treatment which is certain to kill pathogenic agents, provided that evidence to this effect is submitted in the form of a certificate from the veterinarian responsible for the place of origin. Factory washing may not be regarded as a form of treatment for the purposes of this provision. 

4. Country of origin 

Imports are permitted from countries listed in the document ‘Fresh meat of ungulates’, which may not be free of African swine fever for the 12 months prior to the date of importation.

Documents listing countries approved to export animals and animal products to GB are published by the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers for:

• non-EU countries
• EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries

5. Approved establishments 

Products must be produced in an establishment approved to export to GB. Importers should check prior to importation that the premises are listed on the correct list.  

Find consolidated lists of approved plants (excluding the EU)

Find approved EU ABP establishments 

If the establishment or plant is not listed, importers are urged to contact the company concerned, who should contact their competent authority immediately. If the plant is not included on the appropriate list when veterinary checks are carried out the consignment is likely to be held and could be rejected and re-exported or destroyed. 

6. Health certification  

Imports to GB must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate based on the GB model health certificate.  

Also, in the case of import of treated pig bristles which have undergone a treatment other than boiling, dyeing or bleaching, additional health certification must be obtained as per section 3.

Model health certificates for pig bristles

This requirement applies to products in the high and medium risk categories. Find information about import risk categories, inspection rates and related rules for animals and animal products imported from:

• the EU to GB

• non-EU countries to GB 

7. Contact for further information  

For more information about import requirements, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (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