Import Authorisation

For all samples that are being sent to us from outside the UK, there are a number of import considerations you need to be aware of to ensure your samples reach us safely and in a timely manner.

Samples from within the European Union

If you plan to ship samples to us from within the EU, you will need to include the Facilitation Letter opposite. This Facilitation Letter also applies to Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. It is likely to speed up the passage of your samples through Border Inspections if you include a copy of the Letter in the external paperwork of the package.

Samples from outside the European Union

If you plan to ship samples to us from outside the EU, you will need to quote the relevant Authorisation number opposite. Please read the Authorisation in full and if it does not cover the type of sample you are submitting or the country you are submitting from or if you cannot comply with its conditions, please contact us. It is likely to speed up the passage of your samples through Border Inspections if you include a copy of the Authorisation in the external paperwork of the package.

Our laboratories are licensed under The Animal Health Act 1981, Importation of Animal Products and Poultry Products Order 1980 (as amended) and Importation of Processed Animal Protein Order 1981 (as amended) to import Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology Samples derived from Canines, Felines, Equines, Rodents and Lagomorphs. Please contact us if the current licence number is required.

Please note: IMP/GEN licences are General Licences that anyone can use and that do not have to be applied for by a specific facility. You can find these opposite.

Import Licences / Authorisations

ITIMP21.1432: AUTHORISATION FOR THE IMPORTATION FROM THIRD COUNTRIES OF RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC SAMPLES Dog cat and ferret Blood or urine samples, intended for particular studies or analyses only. (Not for resale).

Poulton Laboratory only:

ITIMP22.1813: AUTHORISATION FOR THE IMPORTATION FROM THIRD COUNTRIES OF RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC SAMPLES – Formalin fixed tissue samples, cytology slides in ethanol, together with blood, urine swabs and faecal samples from domestic animals, intended for particular studies or analyses only. (Not for resale).

Please click here to download our current import licences.

Facilitation Letter

FACILITATION LETTER: For diagnostic imports from EU countries.

Please note: The IMP/GEN/2011/01: “General Import Licence (EU Countries)” has been revoked and is now instead covered by the Facilitation Letter above.

General Import Licenses

IMP/GEN/2010/12: “General Import Licence, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Rodents from Australia, Canada, Iceland,Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and USA (all tissues except semen)”

IMP/GEN/2011/03: “General Import Licence, Formalin Fixed Tissues (Mammals and Birds) from Specified Non-EU countries” and associated “Country List”

IMP/GEN/2010/01: and associated Amendment Notice: “General Import Licence, Any product derived from fish, reptiles and invertebrates from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand and USA”