Statutory guidance

Import of primates - Import Information Note (IIN) BLLV/6

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 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 and can be viewed on the United Kingdom (UK) legislation website.  

2. Scope 

The conditions that apply to the imports of primates are subject to the Balai regime that includes animals and germinal products which are not covered by other legislation. 

Current policy on non-harmonised animals will continue to follow the Balai Regime. 

More information about Balai animals

3. Rabies quarantine 

The Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 (as amended), requires that all imported primates are quarantined, in a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) approved quarantine facility, for 4 months on arrival into Great Britain (GB). 

It is possible to import some primates into zoos, without the need for quarantine, providing certain conditions can be met. To decide if quarantine is necessary an application for import licence (form RM01) must be produced which, when completed fully, will enable a decision to be made. 

Applications for import licences should be sent to the Centre for International Trade Carlisle (CITC) imports team no later than 4 weeks before the proposed import date. CITC will then carry out a risk assessment based on the information contained in the RM01. If an exemption can be granted a landing licence ID102 will be issued. If quarantine is required, the importer will be notified by CITC and a landing licence RM03 will be issued. 

4. Conditions for imports into GB 

Primates can only be imported if the following conditions are met:

• an import licence must be granted before you import primates into GB (to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) see section 9)
  
  
• the premises the animals are destined for must be approved under the Balai Regime
  
  
• they must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate
  
  
• not more than 48 hours prior to export from the country of origin they must have been clinically examined by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority in the country of origin
  
  
• for imports from non-EU countries they must enter GB through a Border Control Post (BCP) designated for primates unless otherwise specified in the import licence
  
  
• on entering GB they must go to a holding that is both rabies quarantine (unless an rabies quarantine waiver has been granted) and Balai approved

5. Health certification 

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

6. Exceptions 

The Secretary of State can authorise the acquisition of an imported primate by an approved body, institute or centre that belongs to an individual or centre which is not approved. This power is only used in exceptional cases, and you will need to apply to APHA in writing.

7. Northern Ireland (NI)

Trade movements from NI into GB are treated as national movements and as such, no animal health conditions are applicable. 

Find more information about movements from NI to GB 

8. Crown Dependencies 

Trade movements from the Channel Island and the Isle of Man are treated as national movements and as such, no animal health conditions are applicable. 

9. 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