UK introduces new rules for commercial imports of pets from higher risk countries

The government has unveiled a new ‘Approved Importers scheme’ for pet imports from currently higher risk countries.

The move is being taken as an increasing number of people are choosing to import pets from abroad with the hope of rehoming them, unaware of the associated health and welfare risks.

The scheme is being introduced to replace the temporary ban on commercial imports, including rescue animals, from Belarus, Poland, Romania and Ukraine, and allow for safer movements to resume.

Under a new safeguarding declaration, anyone commercially importing dogs, cats and ferrets into Great Britain from the previously suspended countries can now apply for Approved Importer status with the Animal and Plant Health Agency from 29 October 2022.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “Commercial imports, including rescue animals are often of unknown background and disease status.

“Under the government’s new scheme, tighter controls will mean approved importers must arrive through designated points of entry and share all relevant health certificates, documents and blood tests before arrival to allow for more rigorous checks to take place. This will help protect animal and human health.”

Biosecurity Minister, Lord Benyon, added: “The new scheme means we can safely lift the temporary suspension and allow only for safe movements from Animal and Plant Health Agency-approved importers, helping to ensure we maintain our biosecurity standards and our vital rabies-free status.”

The scheme will remain in place until the government is satisfied risks have reduced enough to allow controls to be lifted.