Exporting horses - what does it require?

1. Health Certificate

Obtain a health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian, confirming that the horse is healthy and meets the necessary health requirements for export. The certificate must be issued within 48 hours before departure, so you’ll need to contact the regional veterinary officer.

2. Registration in TRACES
TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) is a mandatory EU system for tracking and controlling animal transport. Your veterinarian or an authorized person must register the horse in TRACES. This involves entering details about the horse, its health status, and the planned transport. Once the information is entered, TRACES will generate the necessary health certificate electronically.

3. Vaccinations and Tests

• Ensure the horse is vaccinated against the required diseases, which may vary depending on the destination country.
• The horse may also need to undergo blood tests, such as for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The test results must be documented in the health certificate.

4. Horse Passport and Identification

• The horse must have a valid EU horse passport, which includes information on ownership, vaccinations, medical treatments, etc.
• The horse must be identified with a microchip, and this information must be recorded in the horse passport.

5. Transport Preparation

• The horse must be transported in a vehicle approved for animal transport according to EU regulations.
• The driver must have the required training (transporter certification) and be capable of handling horses during transport.
• If the transport exceeds 8 hours, a transport plan must be prepared and approved by the relevant authorities.

6. Notification of the Destination Country

• In some cases, the authorities in the destination country must be informed of the horse's arrival via TRACES.
• The destination country’s authorities may also require the horse to be inspected upon arrival.

7. Monitoring and Control

• TRACES enables authorities in both the sending and receiving countries to track the transport and ensure all requirements are met.
• The system also facilitates inspections and any necessary checks during the transport.

8. Arrival and Possible Quarantine

• Upon arrival, the horse may be subject to inspection by local veterinary authorities.
• Some countries may require a quarantine period, depending on the health status of the country of origin.

9. Documentation and Record Keeping

• Ensure all necessary documents are in order, including the health certificate, passport, transport plan, and any additional permits.
• These documents should be retained for a specified period in case of future inspections or audits.

Final Remarks:
Exporting horses to another EU country requires careful planning and compliance with EU regulations and directives. The TRACES system plays a central role in ensuring that the transport is carried out safely and in accordance with the law. To avoid issues, it is crucial to work with experienced professionals, such as veterinarians and transporters, who are familiar with EU regulations. Please note that this article cannot be used as a substitute for professional advice, but is intended to provide an overview.