Guidance

Import of ovine and caprine genetic material - Import Information Note (IIN) OCGTC/2

Updated 27 March 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/caprine-or-ovine-live-or-germinal-products-import-information-notes/import-of-ovine-and-caprine-genetic-material-import-information-note-iin-ocgtc2

1. General information 

This Import Information Note (IIN) must be read in conjunction with the IIN for general information for imports of live animals and germplasm, which provides information on pre-notifications, veterinary checks, risk categories and more. 

References to European Union (EU) legislation within this document are references to direct EU legislation which has been assimilated in Great Britain (assimilated direct legislation), as defined in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. This can be viewed on legislation.gov.uk.

2. Scope 

Import conditions for semen, ova and embryos of animals of ovine and caprine species. 

3. Approved countries

Imports are only permitted from trading partners listed in the approved country documents.

See the list of countries approved to export ovine and caprine ova, embryos and semen from:

These documents say which countries can export to Great Britain, and which countries or regions currently have trade suspensions.

4. Approved establishments 

All genetic material must be collected in and by centres and teams approved for export to Great Britain (GB), which comply with the conditions for approval and supervision set out in GB legislative requirements. 

See the list of:

5. Health certification 

Imports to Great Britain (GB) must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate which conforms to the appropriate GB model health certificate for ovine and caprine germplasm.

For EU countries with recognised regionalisation due to a disease outbreak, the ISO code for the region must be added to both:

  • box I.8 of the health certificate
  • the first paragraph of the animal health attestations.

This provides assurance that the products originate from animals outside of the control zone.

You can find the ISO code in column 1 of the list of EU countries approved to export ovine and caprine embryos or ovine and caprine semen.

6. Northern Ireland

Existing controls continue to apply, and therefore these movements must be in accordance with the General Licence. Consignments must comply with the conditions in the licence which may require it to be accompanied by a health certificate.

You must notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of imports of ovine and caprine genetic material from Northern Ireland. See the IIN for general information for imports of live animals and germplasm for more information about pre-notification.

7. Contact for further information on import requirements 

For more information about import requirements, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) imports team:

Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX

Email: imports@apha.gov.uk 

Telephone: 03000 200 301

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