UK Import Information

If you are importing your pet from within the EU (except for special territories) the below information will not be relevant to you as a customs entry will not be required.

All pet imports from outside the EU, including special territories, require a customs clearance for entry to the UK.

Special territories include:

  • Andorra
  • Azores and Madeira
  • Canary Islands
  • French Guiana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greenland and the Faroe Islands
  • Guadeloupe
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Martinique
  • Monaco
  • Norway
  • Reunion
  • San Marino
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City

From 1st April 2017, the procedure for clearing pets into the UK had changed. It is important that anyone scheduled to import a pet into the UK is made aware of these changes and their implications.

We do offer a customs clearance service and can act as your clearing agent dependant on the airline you are using. If you are unsure on what you need to do in regards to arranging an import clearance agent at MAN or are using the services of a different clearing agent, please contact us direct and we will assist you.

If you would like to use our clearance service, please read the supporting notes to determine which category your pet will come under. Once you have decided which category you will need to select, please complete the instruction form and send this back to us. This will assist us in completing the correct customs entry type on arrival.

Supporting Notes

Imports free from VAT

Owners moving home to the UK from outside the EU

Pet owners transferring residency to the UK from outside the UK must apply for ‘Transfer of Residency’ (ToR) relief with HMRC before arriving into the UK if they wish to avoid paying VAT on arrival.

The process must be completed by the owner on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01

Applications must be completed online, printed and sent to the HMRC ToR email address: nch.tor@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Once received by customs, a reply will be sent with a ToR reference number (usually 10-14 days). This should then be forwarded to Pets on Jets as we will need to use this to complete the customs entry. Please note that ToR numbers cannot be taken over the phone.

Pet Owners who are UK residents and returning to the UK from outside the EU

So long as the importer can provide the following, VAT will not be charged for import:

  • Proof of export from the UK i.e export airwaybill or export customs entry
  • Proof of UK residency

Imports where VAT is charged whether or not it is reclaimed

NON-EU residents visiting the UK with their pets temporarily (holidays, shows, competitions etc…)

VAT will be payable in full on arrival at the final destination and may be reclaimed only after proof of export from the UK has been approved by customs. Where the UK is a transit point, pets will move under bond and customs clearance will be completed at final destination where VAT and Taxes will then be charged. Pets can stay in the UK for up to 24 months on a temporary basis.

Importing from outside the EU but not transferring residence

Any animal entering the UK which has been owned for less than 6 months or has been gifted, purchased, rescued etc. will be liable to import tax upon arrival. Any person importing pets for the purpose of sale or re-sale, breeding and production will require an active EORI number prior to arrival. Applications for a EORI number can be made via the following website: https://www.gov.uk/eori

Importers should consider the nature of their import and select which category they will come under. In order for us to complete the customs clearance upon arrival, we will need all pet owners to complete the below instruction form and send this back to us via email along with any supporting evidence (if applicable) to allow us to determine the type of clearance required and act on their behalf.

Importers Instruction to Pets on Jets

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Your Pet is in good hands.