Equestrianism: Post-Brexit Issues!
The United Kingdom, apart from COVID-19 issues, is adjusting to new life post-Brexit, that is, outside the European Union (EU), the transitional period having ended at 11 00 pm UK time on 31 December 2020.
In the initial months, there will be teething problems with the export and import of goods from the EU, including bureaucratic delays, in addition to the need for truck drivers to have negative COVID-19 tests, whilst the Pandemic lasts.
These issues are also affecting the sports sector, including the sale of high value horses from the UK to the EU, especially for breeding purposes, Also, the movement of horses for sporting purposes, such as eventing, show jumping and other equestrian competitions.
One of the problems, under the new arrangements, is the absence of vets in Calais, France to make the required health and welfare checks and issue the corresponding certificates before the horses may be imported permanently or temporarily into the EU.
Apart from the additional paperwork and formalities, there are additional costs also involved, despite the UK/EU Trade Agreement signed on 24 December 2020 and approved by Parliament on 26 December 2020.
The number and value of horses that are transported from the UK to the EU each year, for sporting and other purposes, is not insignificant.
For more information on the issues regarding the movement of horses between the UK and the EU and how to deal with them, see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-horses-and-ponies-special-rules.
See also the guidance offered by the Sport’s National Governing Body, the British Equestrian Federation, at https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/equine/transport/brexit.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
