Export elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceros and tapirs to the USA: certificate 1215

Use these forms and guidance document to export an elephant, hippopotamus, rhinoceros or tapir to the USA.

Exporting from England, Scotland and Wales

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for this export health certificate (EHC) using the online service.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you must apply to DAERA.

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the Guidance notes for certificate 1215

Download a specimen certificate Export of elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceros and tapirs to the USA: certificate 1215, version 2 and application for APHA Veterinarian countersignature: ET145

2. Apply online

You’ll need:

  • a Government Gateway account
  • a Defra account

If you don’t already have them you’ll need to register for these accounts, and so will your official vet or inspector.

Start now

Registration takes around 5 minutes. Official vets and inspectors will also need to have their registration checked by APHA.

Register and sign in as an official vet or inspector.

Read the accessibility statement for this service.

Applying online means you can:

  • see the status of your applications
  • always use the latest version of the EHC
  • copy existing applications

Exporting from Northern Ireland

If you’re in Northern Ireland you’ll need to upload your application for DAERA.

  1. Find out about the requirements for export in the Guidance notes for certificate 1215

  2. Download and fill in Export of elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceros and tapirs to the USA: certificate 1215, version 2

  3. Upload your application.

Make sure you use the latest version of the EHC as they are sometimes updated. The latest version is on this page.

If you do not use the latest version, DAERA will not accept your application.

Help with your application

In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on 03000 200 301.

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877442060.

Find out about call charges.

Published 30 November 2018
Last updated 24 January 2022 + show all updates
  1. EHC now available via EHC Online

  2. A new version of certificate 1215 Export elephants, hippopotami, rhinoceros and tapirs has been released.

  3. Guidance notes updated and application for APHA Veterinarian countersignature ET14 document added

  4. First published.