Importing birds and eggs into the UK seems to be a very complicated and costly process - and the information is not very clear! (this might be to stop us importing, but in my opinion just increases illegal activity). This page will hopefuly shed a little more light on the subject by giving you some information I have worked out aswell as giving you some direct links to official government information sheets and application forms. It might seem a little sketchy, but all the info you need is here, its just better to link directly as these laws can change at any time and I don't want to be giving out old information.

Great Britain imports birds in compliance with European Union rules laid down in Council Directive 90/539/EEC and Commission Decision 2000/666/EC for poultry and captive birds respectively.

Council Directive 90/539/EEC - defines poultry as "fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants an partridges reared or kept in captivity for breeding, the production of meat or eggs for human consumption, or for re-stocking supplies of game".

Commission Decision 2000/666/EC - defines captive birds as "birds other than poultry".

Import controls are there to help prevent disease being brought into the country and so should be followed carefully, legaly and correctly. Imports fall into two main categories: those for imports from the European Union (EU) and those for imports from third countries.

Poultry intended for show/exhibition only can be imported under "Captive Bird" rules. The eggs of such birds may be imported under the same conditions. The "Captive Bird" rules can be found here and the relevant licenses can be found by clicking here

This page here from DEFRA gives you access to relevant information on importing captive birds to Great Britain and importing from other EU member states, along with those outside the EU.

Useful contacts:

DEFRA's Exports Strategy

Animal Health (AIT - International Trade Unit - Animals)
Defra, 1A Page Street, London. SW1P 4PQ
Fax No: 020 7904 6428
E mail: animalexports@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Exports to Africa and Middle East
Ramany Srikandarajah – Tel: 020 7904 6421

Exports to Asia and The Far East
Countries A-L (including Japan and Korea)
Ramany Srikandarajah – Tel: 020 7904 6421
Countries M-Z (plus China)
Mel Herzog – Tel: 020 7904 6442

Exports to the Americas, and Australasia
Lydia Breslin – Tel: 020 7904 6353

Exports to EU Member States, Accessionary States and Europe
Toyin Ikotun – Tel: 020 7904 6412
Jason Ircha – Tel: 202 7904 6392

 

Note: if Pekins are being imported, please bare in mind that they are not the same as the UK show standard. They weight and type varies from country to country. Use the forums to get more advice.