The Law

The Border Inspection Post (BIP) at Stansted Airport has been established to comply with the requirements of EU Directive 91/496 and is approved for the import of Ungulates and Registered Equidae. These animals arriving from countries that are not members of the European Union are required to be removed to the BIP for Veterinary Checks. This also applies to animals destined for other EU countries when Stansted is the first BIP of entry. Those remaining on board for onward travel to another member state are subject to transit checks.

The Enabling Regulation in the UK is the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations 2006 ( As Amended).

Advance Information

The Directive requires that advance notification be given at least 24 hours prior to the arrival of live imports to Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) in the form of the Common Veterinary Entry Document for Animals (CVEDA) via TRACES system. A follow up e mail to AHVLA, Chelmsford to confirm CVEDA numbers to be sent to : exporthub.chelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
This will ensure that a Veterinary Officer of AHVLA is available to carry out the required checks at the BIP without undue delay.
For consignments arriving on Saturday or Sunday, AHVLA should be advised on the preceding Thursday.

HM Customs, HM Immigration Service and Stansted Airport Security also require advance notification relating to persons accompanying the animals. Information on their requirements can be found in procedures.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

The Border Inspection Post (BIP)

However, it is usual practice for the Airlines to give advance information but, legally, it is the importer’s responsibility.

This will ensure that a State Veterinary Officer is available to inspect the animals on their arrival at the Border Inspection Post.

HM Customs, HM Immigration Service and Stansted Airport Security also require advance information relating to the persons accompanying the animals; information on their requirements can be found in Procedures.

Telephone and fax numbers are shown in contacts of this publication.