Import Regulations for Bringing Horses to France

Passport Identification
All horses entering France must have a valid passport, and be identified by a microchip compliant with ISO 11784 and 11785 standards.

Any horse that has a non-sport horse or a non-studbook passport, is considered to be an ‘unregistered horse’ and must therefore travel via a different set of rules and regulations in comparison to registered horses.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not a legal requirement, but if your horse is travelling on shared transport, it is recommended that the horse is vaccinated against the main diseases.

Export Health Certificate (EHC)
A health certificate issued by an accredited official export veterinarian in the UK is mandatory for horses entering France.

This certificate must confirm that the horse is free from contagious diseases and fit for travel.

Blood Test Requirements

There are different blood test requirements depending on the passport and sex of the horse.

Border Control Post Inspections

Horses may only enter France via Calais or Caen ports, where they will undergo further vet and customs inspections at the Border Control Post. These inspection appointments must be arranged and approved in advance of travel.

Import Duties – Permanent Imports
Import taxes may apply when bringing horses into France from non-EU countries, including the UK post-Brexit.

The amount of taxes depends on the value, sex and passport of the horse, and its purpose (e.g., competition, breeding, or personal use).

To pay the import taxes, you must:

1.Declare the horse to French customs prior to entry.

2.Provide all required documentation, including the horse’s passport, health certificate, and proof of value (e.g., sales invoice).

3.Pay the applicable VAT and any other duties as determined by French customs.

There are certain situations where you will be able to claim tax relief on the import duties, or will be able to off-set the import VAT against your tax return.

It is advisable to work with a customs agent or transport company experienced in equine imports to streamline this process.

Import Duties – Temporary Imports

If a horse will be returning to the UK within 12 months of import, then the owner can purchase a Carnet for the horse to travel on. The cost of this depends on the value of the horse. The horse can travel between the UK and Europe as many times as they like within the Carnet period, without having to pay any import taxes in each direction of travel. The horse must return to the UK once the Carnet term has been completed.

Transportation
Use an authorised equine transport company that complies with the United Kingdom, European Union and French transport regulations.

Ensure that the transport vehicle is designed for the welfare of the horses and meets safety standards.