Importing Cattle into the Isle of Man

If you plan to import cattle into the Isle of Man, please ensure you read the appropriate guidance notes which are available to download. An Import Licence is required for all cattle travelling from the United Kingdom. Please ensure you allow at least 10 days to obtain an Import Licence prior to the date of import. An application form to apply for a Manx passport for an imported animal can be downloaded on this page.

Export Health Certification MUST accompany the consigned animals. Transporting and landing animals without the required documentation is an offence and the animals may be returned to the original holding in the UK.

Summary of Cattle Import Conditions:

Conditions	Cattle - all ages
Isolation on UK holding before import	20 days
UK EHC	520 EHC 520 SUP
Vet examination in UK	<24 hours before export
IOM Import Licence valid for	21 days
Notify DEFA of import	72 hrs before import
UK Herd Health Status	must be from a TB free herd
Pre-import tests	TB within 30 days of export *except if resident in Scotland either since birth or for 120 days
Post-import tests	TB skin test & gIFN blood test 60-90 days post-import
Transport Authorisation over 40 miles as part of economic activity, <8 hours	Type 1
Post-import isolation	Initial 10 days; movement restricted to the holding of import until all testing is compete
Whole farm restriction	21 days
Post-import treatment	BVD test + Warble within 10 day isolation period

Please note that these conditions are subject to immediate change / revocation depending on the animal health and disease status of our own and neighbouring jurisdictions.

Please see the Guidance Notes for the full conditions of import.

Please contact us for further information: agriculture@gov.im

Update 29 July 2016: Cattle imports from Scotland

Cattle that have been resident in Scotland since birth, or for at least 120 days prior to departure are exempt from pre-export TB testing.

Update 19 May 2014: Gamma blood testing

With regard to the gamma blood testing of imports: the total number of such tests funded by the department is to be limited to 30 animals per holding/individual. Additionally, the total compensation payments in respect of failures will be limited to one animal only per holding/individual. These parameters will apply in any twelve month period, irrespective of the total number within the entire importation, and whether comprised of single or multiple consignments.

Important reminders

1. You must inform the department of your intention to import, with the date/time of shipment at least 72 hours in advance. Please note: failure to notify the department at least 72 hours in advance could result in the importer being prosecuted for not meeting the conditions of the Import Licence. Contact number for notification is +44 1624 687595.

2. Your holding will incur a 21 day movement standstill from the date on which you import. Only movements direct to slaughter on the Isle of Man are exempt.

3. Your Export Health Certification must not be tampered with or altered.

As of 5 July 2011 - Great Britain is now officially Blue Tongue Free under EU rules.

For the latest information please contact:

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all. If you require these documents in an alternative format and / or language please contact us to discuss your needs.