PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Pets: Imports (3 November 2022)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made in negotiations with the European Commission on securing Part 1 listed status for transporting pets to the EU.

Asked by:
Karin Smyth (Labour)

The United Kingdom has been formally 'listed' as a 'Part 2' third country for the purposes of the European Union pet travel scheme, which means that new rules apply to pet movements from Great Britain to the European Union and to Northern Ireland. The pet health and documentary requirements for such pet travel are set out under the European Union Pet Travel Regulations.

Defra recognise the undue impact that these changes are having on many people, including pet owners and assistance dog users. We are continuing to seek agreement from the European Commission on awarding Great Britain 'Part 1' listed status and recognition of the United Kingdom's tapeworm-free status, and we see no valid animal health reason for these not to be granted. We have one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe to protect our biosecurity and we continue to discuss pet travel issues with the European Union at appropriate forums.

Answered by:
Sir Mark Spencer (Conservative)
14 November 2022