Guidance

6 March 2026: Military action in the Middle East – emergency measures

Updated 19 March 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/6-march-2026-military-action-in-the-middle-east-emergency-measures

OVS note number:  2026/13

Date:  06 March 2026

Purpose

To advise officials at Border Control Posts that they may accept scanned copies of health certificates as a temporary contingency measure while there is disruption due to military conflict in the Middle East.

Background

Following the military action in Iran, we are taking steps to ensure that disruption to trade flow is minimised. Where, due to disruption due to military conflict in the Middle East, original official certificates cannot be supplied at the point of inspection, Official Inspectors are able, at their discretion, to accept a scanned copy of the original certificate in lieu of the original certificate until 20 March 2026. The scan must be legible, uploaded onto IPAFFS or provided to the PHA directly and include all pages including the signature and stamp(s) of the certifying officer.

This temporary measure applies to:

  • live animals, including hatching eggs;
  • germinal products;
  • products of animal origin intended for human consumption, including composite products;
  • animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption.

Any extension of this allowance will be subject to a review of the current military situation. This allowance does not represent a general acceptance of scanned certificates for official controls in GB.   

Contact point for enquiries

Email:  imports@apha.gov.uk

Imports and EU Trade Team

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