How to Move (Export) Animal Bones (ABP)?

As a rule, exporters of animal bones and protein products will need to get a model declaration form or an export health certificate (EHC).

These guidelines are for anyone who is moving ABP to (or through):

• Countries outside of the EU
• Northern Ireland (NI)
• The European Union (EU)

Note: The importer may have extra information about shipping animal by-products out of the United Kingdom. If not, another section has suggestions for researching export markets and finding new overseas customers.

Even though you cannot export or move some kinds of ABP, you must follow the special rules when exporting (or transporting):

• Byproducts from endangered species (see further details below).
• Animal parts used for foodstuffs (see another guide about how to export or move food, drink, and agricultural products).

Traders do not get charged for inspections and certifications when moving agrifood goods from Great Britain (i.e. England, Wales, and Scotland) to Northern Ireland. Instead, the certifier can invoice the government to reclaim the costs through the Movement Assistance Scheme.

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Animal By-Product You Can’t Export

You cannot export (or transport) any untreated and unprocessed ABP from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, to any country in the EU, or to any non-EU countries via the European Union.

Furthermore, you must not export (or move) any of the following to a non-EU country:

• ABP (including any derived products) that will end up being incinerated or used in landfill sites.
• Most of the animal by-products classed as high risk (e.g. category 1 and 2).
• Parts of cattle, goats, and sheep classified as specified risk material (SRM).

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Exporting ABP to EU or Northern Ireland

Exporters will need to get an export health certificate (EHC) or a model declaration form before they can (any):

• Export animal by-products to the European Union from Great Britain.
• Move or transport ABP to Northern Ireland (NI) from Great Britain.
• Transit through the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI).

Other regulations for exporting or moving animal bones, protein, and other by-products, include:

• Complying with new Brexit rules that apply to travel and doing business with Europe.
• Ensuring the EU or NI-based import agent notifies the BCP or NI point of entry that the consignment will be arriving (they will confirm how much notice is required).
• Following HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) guidance for trading and moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland.
• Having the goods checked at (in the first country entered):
  • An EU border control post (BCP).
  • Northern Ireland point of entry.

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Additional Regulations

When exporting or moving animal by-products (ABP) from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to the European Union or Northern Ireland, you must also ensure:

• Mammalian processed animal protein (PAP) was processed in a region considered as posing a negligible bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk through method 1 (e.g. pressure sterilisation).
• Tallow (a fatty substance made from rendered animal fat) for non-feed use has a marker using glycerol triheptanonate (GTH).

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Export Health Certificate (EHC) Finders

The Animal and Plant Health Agency guide explains how to find an export health certificate (EHC) and supporting documents, as well as the EHC process for exporting animal bones and protein.

Otherwise, you would need to contact the competent authority in the EU country (or DAERA in Northern Ireland) in advance. They will confirm the paperwork requirements and which rules you need to follow.

Note: Email the import conditions to [[email protected]] to get an EHC (e.g. if the competent authority says you need one).

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EU Listing of Approved Establishments

Establishments in Great Britain that export ABP products to the EU (directly) or supply other establishments in the United Kingdom that export to the EU, will need to be listed with the European Union.

• Contact DAERA in Northern Ireland for a list of animal by-products approved premises.
• Defra has a list of businesses approved to export to the EU (e.g. for England, Scotland, and Wales)

Note: You can send an email to the ABP team [[email protected]] to list your establishment.

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Checks at Border Controls after 1st of January 2021

Getting ABP checked at an EU border control post (BCP) or a point of entry for Northern Ireland is a requirement to protect animal health and welfare and public health.

Hence, the authorities may refuse entry, seize the goods, destroy them, or return them to Great Britain if cargos arrive at an (any):

• EU port where they are unable to carry out BCP checks.
• EU BCP that is unable to check the type of product.
• EU BCP and does not have the correct documentation.

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How to Find the Correct BCP?

You will need to find a designated veterinary BCP at a port or airport (e.g. one that will accept ABP). As a result, it may be necessary to redirect the trade route.

What if the ABP Fails its Inspection?

The border control post (BCP) will destroy an ABP if it fails to pass the inspection due to risks to animal welfare or public health.

Also, they will notify the importer (or agent) and give them a choice of destroying the goods or returning them to Great Britain, if the goods fail for some other reason.

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Exporting ABP to a Non-EU Country

The Animal and Plant Health Agency guide explains how to find an export health certificate (EHC) and supporting documents, as well as the EHC process for exporting animal bones and protein.

If not, you would need to contact the competent authority in the country (in advance) to confirm the paperwork requirements and the rules you must comply with.

Note: Email the import conditions to [[email protected]] to get an EHC (e.g. if the competent authority says you need one).

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Moving ABP from Endangered Animals

The Species+ online tool contains information about taxonomy, legislation, and the distribution and trade in MEA-listed species. You can use it to determine the annex of your by-product’s classification (e.g. A, B, C, or D) – as per EU wildlife trade regulations.

You cannot export a banned animal. But, you may need a CITES permit to export the ABP from a listed animal to the United Kingdom.

Note: Another section contains detailed information about transporting animal by-products (ABP) and paperwork needed to do so.

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