These terms are applicable exclusively to animals that are being imported. For pet animals traveling with their owner, please refer to the conditions specified on the respective species-specific pages (links provided on the left-hand side).
General conditions for import
- The country of origin of the animal must be approved for import.
- The specific animal species must be approved for import.
- The place of origin of the animal must not be subject to restrictive provisions due to the animal disease situation.
- The importer must comply with any safeguard measures (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website).
- The animal must possess an EU model health certificate for import, which needs to be issued by the competent authority in the country of origin (the official veterinarian).
- The health certificate can be in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
- The importer must submit a prior notification using the TRACES-system (Trade Control and Expert System).
- A veterinary border inspection must be carried out in the first EU country that the animal enters.
- The CHED-A (Common Health Entry Document for Animals) issued by the border veterinarian must accompany the animal to its final destination.
You are responsible for following the rules
The compliance with entry regulations is the responsibility of the individual importing animals and initiating the transportation of animals (e.g. animals ordered from the internet). If you fail to adhere to the regulations, the animal's entry into the Union will be halted, and it can be either returned to the country of origin or euthanized at the border at your expense. Also, remember that you must beforehand ascertain whether certain animals can be kept in Finland without special permission (e.g. CITES species).
In the event of an animal disease outbreak, import requirements may change rapidly. Ensure that the settings mentioned in the import requirements are up to date before importing. Safeguard measures are regulations set by the European Commission due to hazardous situations identified in the country of origin, and these decisions bind Member States. Such hazardous situations could include disease outbreaks in a certain area. Protective decisions restrict or prohibit the import of animals.