Customs Requirements and Procedures

For Animals

The procedure for the Customs clearance of animals is as follows:

The arrival of the animals must be reported to Customs. The pre-advice procedure approved by Customs can be applied with the arrival being reported on the touchdown of the aircraft. A removal note must be produced and approved by Customs. This document must accompany the animals to the Border Inspection Post and be presented to the staff upon arrival. The document may be completed and presented to Customs before the flight arrival if the pre-advice procedure is being used. The accuracy of the document is of paramount importance.

Animals must only be moved between the cargo area and the Border Inspection Post by the prescribed route.

Subject to customs and DEFRA approval, animals may be loaded onto the road vehicles and held within the approved area at the Border Inspection Post until clearance has been obtained.

Handling Agents are required to present the Customs release authority and the airline release note to the BIP before the animals will be released. This may be transmitted by fax.