Importation Guidelines

These guidelines have been drawn up with the help of the Belgium and Irish herd books, in addition to drawing upon expertise from within the Society, to provide a source of reference to members planning to import Pedigree Belgian Blue cattle into Great Britain. The objective being to steer the inexperienced away from some of the pitfalls that exist.

Key Points

1. No imported animal can be entered onto the British Herd Book, without it being issued with an authorised International Pedigree. (Pedigree Officiel stamped with a Visa for International Use from Belgium or a Full Pedigree from the Republic of Ireland) This Pedigree can only be issue by the Herd Book of the country of origin, of the animal.

2. It is the responsibility of the purchaser or his/her agent to ensure that the animal arrives in this country with all the correct paper work. A simple phone call to the Herd Book in which the animal is currently registered will enable an animals Pedigree status to be checked prior to purchase and subsequent export.

3. The purchaser should ensure in writing, on the contract of sale, that it is the responsibility of the vendor or his/her agent, to confirm that the animal has International Pedigree status, and has been issued with the necessary health certificates, prior to the export of the animal. Contact your local DEFRA Divisional Health Office for guidance on current health requirements.

4. A purchaser is ill advised to import an animal from overseas prior to it being inspected and blood typed in its country of origin. Failing to do this may result in there being delays and extra costs in obtaining an International Pedigree. Without this the animal will only be of commercial value. You are strongly advised to check the animals height and weight against the ‘Inspection Criteria at Society Sales,’ ‘Bluefact Sheet’ before purchasing and importing the animal.

5. Seek advice as to when and how moneys should be paid and confirm who is paying for any fees likely to be incurred.

6. An importer is advised, prior to purchase, to seek advice from the Society Secretary. He will then put you in touch with a member of the Society, experienced in livestock importations, who will be able to guide you.

7. Pedigree cattle and their subsequent offspring, imported into the United Kingdom, can only be entered onto the British Herd Book, if the imported animal is registered within 45 days of the date recorded on the Importation Health Certificate.

8. It is not the responsibility of the British Blue Cattle Society to carry out inspections for, or on behalf of, an overseas Herd Book or Society; however the Society Secretary is more than pleased to advise a member in order to ensure that the importation and the pedigree transfers take place, as smoothly as is possible.

9. Pedigree Certificates are passed from Herd Book to Herd Book. An animal will only be transferred onto the British Herd Book, and a new pedigree issued, once the appropriate fee has been received.
A comprehensive leaflet is available from the Society Secretary.

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Importation Guidelines