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Horse travel from and to the UK: “The main challenge is to be well prepared"

Friday, 16 April 2021
Horse travel

 

Text © World of Showjumping


 

With the United Kingdom out of the EU, there are a lot of new regulations to be aware of when travelling with horses over the border. WoSJ had a talk with European Horse Services’ CEO Filip Vande Cappelle to learn more about the dos and don’ts.

“The main challenge is to be well prepared and send all the right papers to the correct authorities in time,” Vande Cappelle explains. “One of the biggest differences, compared to the procedures in pre-Brexit times, is that all horses have to be inspected at a Border Control Post in the first EU point of entry. These inspections can be done on reservation only and will have to match with your ferry or train booking. Since the capacity of these BCPs is limited, we expect waiting times – not to mention additional costs.”

Another issue connected to the UK leaving the EU, is that the different certificates for the driver and the vehicle – that previously were issued in the UK – no longer are valid in the EU, and the other way around. “These documents are absolutely required, prior to bringing your first horse abroad. Since local authorities might have other priorities, we do not expect them to check every vehicle and driver on arrival in the EU though. However, one needs to realize that it will be impossible to get any (re)export health certificate in an EU country since all vehicles need to be registered in the European Traces system,” Vande Cappelle says. 

European riders travelling to shows in the UK are facing exactly the same problem: They will need to comply with the UK regulations and plan well in advance. To get all authorizations and certificates issued, takes several weeks

Are there any differences between professional transporters and people that in private capacity drive horses over the border? “Sure, professional transporters have to comply with even more regulations and permits compared to a private person. The biggest misunderstanding about the current EU regulations is probably the correct meaning and interpretation of ‘non-commercial transport’. Many people think this term relates only to professional transports, which is incorrect.  Over one year ago, the EU clarified this term: A private person only falls under the scope of the term ‘non-commercial transport’ when driving his or her own horse in his or her own private vehicle without having any commercial intention. If the said private person is going to a show where there is something to win – in prizes or in kind – it will be considered as ‘commercial’ and you will need the Certificate of Competence and must meet other regulations. The same if your horse or vehicle is owned by a company; according to the EU, the transport is then no longer qualified to be considered as ‘non-commercial’.”

New tests are also required for horses travelling from the UK into EU – like the Coggins test and the EVA VN-test. “Before 1 January 2021 these were not required for horses travelling from the UK into the EU. As of Brexit however, UK is now considered as a “third country” by the EU and horses have to comply with the same requirements as for other third countries. European horses that are going to the UK for temporary purpose – for example for a show – will however not need these tests to return to Europe. Registered horses from the EU do not need testing or additional vaccinations when being imported into the UK,” Vande Cappelle says.

When it comes to customs, declarations must be submitted not matter if you are importing or exporting. “These custom declarations need to be done on both sides of the Channel: In the UK and Europe. For people who are travelling up and down with the same horses and equipment several times a year, we recommend they apply for an ATA-Carnet, which will ease the customs procedures at both borders. Others will need import and export declarations for which they can best rely on a customs agent.” 

To learn more about the new regulations, please click here.



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