Import of animals from third countries for commercial purposes

It is possible to import animals such as dogs, cats or ferrets from third countries for commercial purposes only when:

• the animals come from a third country from which such import is possible (the countries are specified in the Commission Implementing Decision of 15 December 2011 laying down the list of third countries and territories authorised for imports of dogs, cats and ferrets and for non-commercial movements of more than five dogs, cats and ferrets into the Union and the model certificates for imports and non-commercial movements of those animals into the Union (Official Journal L 343 of 23.12.2011, pp. 65-76),
• the animals hold a necessary veterinary certificate and meet the requirements specified in the certificate (model certificate can be found in Appendix I to the said Decision);
• the animals are subjected to a border veterinary inspection at the border veterinary inspection point approved for category "O" animals (as regards Polish air border crossing points, the only such point is the Warsaw airport);
• the animals must be identified (by means of a microchip) and then vaccinated against rabies. For certain countries (not listed in Appendix II to Regulation 998/2003/EC) the animals must be subjected to a rabies antibody titration test (taking into account a 3-month long ban on entering the EU).

Detailed information can be found on the General Veterinary Inspectorate's website at www.wetgiw.gov.pl (opens in a new tab), bookmark "Import from third countries".

When bringing other accompanying animals than dogs, cats or ferrets, travellers should contact the General Veterinary Inspectorate by phone or mail due to complex import requirements.