Protection against animal diseases
As a consequence of global trade and international commercial relations, there is a permanent hazard of animal diseases being introduced into, and subsequently spreading within, the European Union.
The veterinary health regulations must be observed during the commercial movement of goods with non-EU countries in order to protect the fauna and consumers, as well as to avoid the potentially serious economic consequences that could affect trade and economic operators in the EU.
Which goods are affected?
The veterinary health regulations apply not only to living animals, such as livestock, domestic animals, and bees, but also to products that are derived from animals. Such products include raw material and waste material from animals, meat, eggs and egg products, honey, as well as milk and dairy products.
How is the German customs involved?
The Customs authorities are involved in monitoring the observance of veterinary health regulations; therefore animals and products that could be the carriers of infectious agents may be held and inspected when they are being imported or exported.
Animals and animal products may only be brought into the European Union from third countries through Customs offices which have been assigned a veterinary border inspection post. These customs offices are identified by the note "Abfertigung von lebenden und toten Tieren, Teilen und Erzeugnissen davon, Rohstoffen und Abfällen von Tieren sowie sonstigen Gegenständen, die Träger von Ansteckungsstoff sein können gemäß § 2 a Absatz 1 Tierseuchengesetz" (Clearance of live or slaughtered animals, animal parts and products, animal raw materials and waste materials, and other material which can carry infectious agents pursuant to section 2a (1) of the law on epizootic diseases) in column two of the nationwide list of Customs services.
Specific veterinary health documents (Common Health Entry Document - CHED) must be shown at Customs offices. You should be aware of the fact that the veterinary health procedures take place at the border inspection offices prior to the main Customs procedure.
Customs offices (in German)
Are there any other rules that must be observed?
As well as the rules mentioned above, when animals are transported and when animals and products derived from animals are being imported or exported, other regulations may also apply and must be observed:
- Animal welfare legislation, including the animal transport regulations
- Veterinary medicine legislation
- Species protection legislation
Which authorities are responsible for monitoring the observance of animal health regulations in Germany?
In Germany the competent veterinary authorities in each federal land are responsible for monitoring the observance of the veterinary regulations; they also decide whether the conditions for import have been met.
At the federal level, the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture is the competent authority under veterinary health legislation. It is assisted by other agencies such as the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food.
You should inquire with your competent veterinary authority about the current veterinary health regulations in good time.
Where can I find out more about the current veterinary health regulations?
For questions about the current veterinary regulations that apply to the import of animals and animal products from non-EU countries you should contact the supreme regional (land) authority competent for veterinary legislation in good time.
You can also request information about veterinary health legislation from the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture, the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, German veterinary border inspection posts, and regional veterinary authorities.
