Captive birds, other than racing pigeons immediately released after entry to the European Union and Northern Ireland: certificate 8460

Apply online for an export health certificate (EHC) to export captive birds (other than birds kept in captivity for the production of meat, eggs for human consumption or other products and restocking supplies of game birds) from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to the EU or move them to Northern Ireland.

Apply for an export health certificate online

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for an export health certificate (EHC) using the online service to export captive birds to the EU or to move them to Northern Ireland.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you do not need an EHC to export to the EU. Contact DAERA on 02877 442 060 to find out what you need to do.

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes and specimen certificate.

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

Find out more

Stay up to date with any changes to EHCs by signing up for email alerts.

Find out about getting an EHC.

Find out about exporting live animals and animal products from 1 January 2021.

Help with your application

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

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877 442 060.

Find out about call charges.

Published 30 July 2021
Last updated 22 September 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated NFG

  2. Updated guidance notes amending the triangular trade paragraph, removing references to POAO and making it more applicable to live animals.

  3. Guidance notes updated - sections regarding II.1.2 (d) and (e) amended, new link to Avian Influenza Export Health Certification Check added.

  4. Updated guidance notes

  5. Updated NFG with Master of Vessel requirements

  6. Updated guidance notes released.

  7. Updated guidance notes

  8. Amendment to title and summary content of EHC page to clarify the scope of this certificate.

  9. First published.