Exporting Products of Animal Origin and Germplasm

In order to correctly classify the substance you wish to transport, please contact the UCL Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (dangerousgoods@ucl.ac.uk).

Exporting products of animal origin or germplasm from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland will need an export health certificate (EHC) from 1st January 2021. This also applies if your product will transit through the EU or Northern Ireland to another country. The EHC confirms your export meets the health requirements of the destination country. Find out how to apply for a certificate via UK Government guidance pages.

Your shipment must be checked at a border control post or point of entry in the first country you enter. Make sure to use a customs agent who can support you with the required documentation and can notified border control posts as needed.

Exporting directly to a country outside the EU, you will also usually need to complete an export health certificate (EHC) and some supporting documents. The EHC confirms your export meets the health requirements of the destination country. Find out how to apply for a certificate via UK Government guidance pages.

Note that germplasm from endangered animals may also need a CITES permit. Use the Species+ tool to search for the animal that the germplasm came from and if it is classified. Make a note of which annex it is classified as under wildlife trade regulations - A, B, C or D.

If Species+ says the animal is banned, you cannot export its germplasm. If it is in Annex A, B or C, you need a CITES export permit. If it is classed as D and also listed in Appendix III, you will need a CITES export permit. Otherwise, you do not need to do anything. More guidance on endangered animals is available on the UK Government website.