United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Export requirements for meat and poultry products

See export requirements for the European Union (EU) for basic requirements. The following information concerns the specific United Kingdom (UK) requirement which remain applicable.

Samples of animal products

• Samples can include meat, dairy products and research samples, and may be exported to this country provided the following conditions are being met:
  • The shipment must be of a non-commercial nature.
  • A permit has been issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in England, the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Government or the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for Northern Ireland authorizing the entry of the product.
  • Importation would be permitted for laboratory or research purposes. It would normally be permitted for animal or human consumption. Once the testing is complete, residue of the product and packaging must be destroyed at a named incineration plant.
  • The permit must be presented to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) headquarters in Ottawa for their information and so that the shipment information and any appropriate guidance can be relayed to the CFIA area or regional office concerned.
• The following information must be provided with the permit:
  • name and address of the consignee;
  • name and address of the consignor;
  • name, address and number of the originating establishment;
  • flight number or vessel identification;
  • date, place of departure and arrival;
  • nature and weight of products; and,
  • reason for the request.

Imports of other animal products

• For the importation into the UK of products not covered under the samples section above and for which there is no EU legislation in place, an animal health import licence may be required.
• In some cases, a "general licence" may already be in place. These are valid indefinitely and are sent to importers on request.
• Where a general licence does not exist, the importer should apply for a "specific licence". If granted, a licence would be issued to a named applicant.
• The validity period of the licence and quantity permitted may vary depending on the nature of the product and country from which it is imported.
• Both general and specific licences set out the conditions under which the product can be imported. This may include a requirement for a veterinary certificate to accompany each consignment.
• Licences are available from the above mentioned UK government bodies.