Entry with pet birds from countries outside the EU (third countries)

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, known as “bird flu”) are still regularly detected, especially the H5 and H7 subtypes. The H5N1 subtype of Asian origin is deemed particularly dangerous. Humans continue to become infected with the disease in different countries around the world. A large number of protective measures have therefore been adopted at EU level. Entry with pet birds from third countries (non-EU countries) must take place under controlled conditions in order to prevent the introduction and spread of the agent. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1933 lays down detailed rules for these imports.

Principles of the scheme

Limiting the number

The number of birds that may be imported under the conditions applicable to tourist travel is limited to a maximum of five animals. However, the scheme only applies to pet birds imported from third countries for non-commercial purposes that are accompanied by their keeper or an authorised person.
If a greater number of animals are imported, the conditions governing the importation of captive birds for commercial purposes apply, as laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692.

Origin

The area or third country from which the shipment is dispatched is a member of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Requirements for the importation of pet birds

Entry from a listed third country

• The pet birds come from a country of origin listed in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 and were kept in isolation under official supervision for at least 30 days prior to the date of movement to the European Union.
  

or

• Alternative I: Entry from a non-listed third country with vaccination against Avian Influenza

Within six months prior to the date of movement to the European Union, but no later than 60 days prior to the movement, the pet birds received a full primary vaccination as well as, if applicable, a secondary vaccination with an authorised vaccine against Avian Influenza of the H5 and H7 subtypes according to the manufacturer’s specifications; this vaccine must not be a live attenuated vaccine and must be administered by an authorised veterinarian or an official veterinarian of the third country of origin from which the shipment is dispatched;

or

• Alternative II: Entry from a non-listed third country without vaccination against Avian Influenza

The pet birds were kept in isolation in the country of origin from which the shipment was dispatched under the supervision of an official veterinarian for a period of at least 14 days prior to the date of movement to the European Union, and they were subjected to a test for the detection of H5 and H7 antigens or genomes of Avian Influenza, which was carried out with a negative result on a sample that had been taken no earlier than the seventh day of the isolation period by an official veterinarian.

Additional requirements

The pet birds were subjected to a clinical examination by an official veterinarian of the country of origin and found free from obvious signs of disease within a maximum period of 48 hours or on the last working day prior to the date of movement from the country of origin, and the pet birds have not been in contact with other birds during the period between the clinical examination and dispatch from the country of origin.

The birds must be moved to a household or another residence directly after their entry and may not take part in shows, trade fairs, exhibitions or other events involving birds prior to the expiry of a 30 day time limit.

Exception from the above-mentioned requirements

Pet birds that do not meet the requirements set out in section 3 can only be moved to an EU Member State if they are intended for a quarantine holding authorised in the EU Member State of destination in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 and if they are quarantined for at least 30 days immediately upon their arrival in the European Union. We recommend that you contact the border veterinarians of the airport of arrival directly in this regard because they may be able to give recommendations on possible quarantine facilities. The birds will only be released from quarantine subject to written authorisation by an official veterinarian and will be monitored by the local competent authority.

Documentation for importation and import routes

The birds must be accompanied by an animal health certificate based on the certificate in Part 1 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1938 when entering the country. This certificate has to be signed by an official veterinarian of the third country of dispatch and is valid for 10 days from the day of issue. In the case of transport by ship, the period of validity is prolonged by the duration of the sea voyage.

In addition, a written declaration in accordance with Part 2 of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1938, to be signed by the animal keeper or an authorised person, must be carried.
Please note that the documents and identity of all pets are always checked when entering from a non-EU country. The accompanying person must register the animal with the customs authority for this purpose.

Special provisions

Imports of pet birds from Andorra, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State are exempt from the above-mentioned provisions. These animals are subject to the provisions applicable to the movement between EU Member States. Accordingly, up to three birds may be imported into Germany without a permit. If more than three animals are imported, an animal health certificate is required in accordance with the template in Annex 1, Chapter 21 to the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403.

Released 16. Mar 2022 as article