GENERAL INFORMATION

In order to assist local exporters in meeting veterinary health requirements of importing countries/places, this Department provides services such as the issue and endorsement of health certificates to facilitate such exports. Such services include:

• Animal Health Certificate;
• Sanitary Certificate for Products of Animal Origin

Since different countries/places impose different restrictions on the importation of animals and products of animal origin, applicants are strongly advised to first obtain details of the requirements from both the government authority of the country/place of destination and from the airline or shipping company that will carry them. Please note that this Department may not always be able to certify all of the required details.

EC entry easier for Hong Kong dogs and cats

With effect from 23 November 2004, the European Community (EC) has relaxed quarantine restrictions on dogs and cats from Hong Kong, provided that they meet certain requirements. Owners of dogs and cats are having an easier time taking their pets to EC member states. These requirements include:

1. The animal is identified by a microchip;

2. The animal is accompanied by a pet passport (for animals of European origin) or equivalent health documentation which requires endorsement from AFCD;

3. The animal has a valid anti-rabies vaccination status; and,

4. The animal has been examined 24 hours by an approved veterinary surgeon before travelling and found to be in good heath and able to withstand travel to the planned destination.

The certification which certifies the animals have met the above requirements is valid for four months in the EC and must then be renewed. Some countries/places, including Finland, Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom, have additional requirements.

• Finland requires the animal to be treated for hydatid tapeworm before travelling.

• Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom require the animal has been blood tested for rabies antibodies at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least six months before travelling.

• Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom require treatment for hydatid tapeworm and ticks within 48 hours prior to movement.

• For the United Kingdom, the animal can travel only via approved routes on approved carriers and must land at the specified airports. At present, the animal imported from Hong Kong can travel only by British Airway and must land at London Heathrow Airport.

If the animal has visited another country/place which has not been approved by the EC within six months before travelling to EC member states, it is not eligible to enter the EC under the new arrangement. Different conditions apply for other pets, such as rabbits or ferrets. Owners are advised to consult the website of the animal health authorities in the countries/places they are visiting, their private veterinary surgeon or this Department for the latest information before planning their trip.

For detail information, you can visit the following website:

European Community Official Website:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_third_en.htm

British Official Website :
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

Enquiry

1823 Citizen's Easy Link (CEL) Tel:(852) - 1823
icsenquiry@afcd.gov.hk