GENERAL INFORMATION

In order to assist local exporters in meeting veterinary health requirements of importing countries/places, this Department provides services such as the issue and endorsement of health certificates to facilitate the export. Such services include:

• Animal Health Certificate;
• Sanitary Certificate for Products of Animal Origin

Since different countries/places impose different restrictions on the importation of animals and products of animal origin, applicants are strongly advised to first obtain details of the requirements from both the government authority of the country/place of destination and from the airline or shipping company that will carry them. Please note that this Department may not always be able to certify all of the required details.

EC entry easier for Hong Kong dogs and cats

With effect from 1 January 2012, the European Community (EC) has a new import requirements for dogs and cats coming from Hong Kong. Owners of dogs and cats will find easier to take their pets to EC member states. These requirements include:

1. The animal is identified by a microchip;

2. The animal is accompanied by a health documentation (must be in EU format) which requires official endorsement from AFCD;

3. The animal has a valid anti-rabies vaccination status (at least 21 days have elapsed since the completion of the primary vaccination against rabies); and/or

4. The animal has been examined by an approved veterinary surgeon before travelling and found to be in good heath and able to withstand travel to the planned destination.

The certification which certifies the animals have met the above requirements is valid for 10 days in the EC. Some countries/places, including Finland, Malta, Ireland and the United Kingdom, have additional requirement.

• The animals have been treated against tapeworm within a period of not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before arrival.

If the animals transit through a country/place which has not been approved by the EC, a rabies antibody test is required, or the import will be subject to the decision of EC. Different conditions will apply for other pets. Owners are advised to check the import requirements through the website of the animal health authorities of the destination countries/places for the latest information before planning their trip.

For detail information, you can visit the following website:

European Community Official Website:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/index_en.htm

British Official Website :
http://www.defra.gov.uk/

Enquiry

1823 Call Centre Tel:(852) - 1823
icsenquiry@afcd.gov.hk