Guidance

Import of commercial reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates and their genetic material - Import Information Note (IIN) BLLV/9

Published 2 December 2024

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 and can be viewed on the United Kingdom (UK) legislation website.  

2. Scope

The import conditions for commercial imports of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, which include insects (with the exception of honeybees and bumblebees) and aquatic invertebrates (such as coral and starfish) and their genetic material. 

This IIN does not include salamanders, honeybees and bumblebees, or aquatic animals such as crustaceans, molluscs and fish. 

A separate IIN is available for imports of pet reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates (BLLV/8).

3. Country of origin 

Imports are permitted from any trading partner.  

4. Import requirements

All commercial transport of all vertebrate animals including reptiles and amphibians are subject to the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1/2005. All animals including invertebrates must be transported in an appropriate way for the species involved. 

Invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians for research, educational activities or research related to product development activities (not applicable for bees, molluscs and crustaceans) will require prior authorisation to enter Great Britain (GB). This will include to enter on licence, apply through the Centre for International Trade - Carlisle (CITC) and then enter at any port of entry.  

More information about non-harmonised animals 

Invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians must also:

• Comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
  
  
• Comply with the Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. Species listed as species of special concern under this regulation cannot be imported for commercial purposes.
  
  
• Comply with plant health – pests

There are no animal health import requirements for these non-harmonised animals  

5. Documentation 

Animals within the scope of this IIN do not have animal health requirements, and therefore such imports into GB do not need to be accompanied by veterinary health certification. However, consignments must be accompanied by:

• a commercial invoice and packing list containing a detailed list of species, number of animals, premises of origin and premises of destination, contact details of the importer, and intended use of the animal (for example as pet food, ornamental, or pet sales)
• an exporter declaration that the animals are ‘fit to travel’

6. GB and Crown Dependencies (CDs)

Trade movements between GB, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are treated as national movements and as such, no animal health conditions are applicable to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

7. Northern Ireland (NI)

Trade movements from NI into GB are treated as national movements and as such, no animal health conditions are applicable.

Find additional information on movements from NI to GB

8. Plant health 

Many invertebrates have the potential to be serious plant pests in Europe and are therefore prohibited under plant health rules. 

Find a summary of the plant health rules

9. Contact for further information  

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