Importing Pigs into the Isle of Man

If you plan to import pigs 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 pigs travelling from the United Kingdom. Please ensure you allow at least 10 days to obtain an Import Licence prior to the date of import.

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.

Disease risk

The importation of pigs is the most significant disease risk to the Island's national herd and flock from the importation of livestock.

Summary of Pig Import Conditions

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

Foot and Mouth Disease

Pigs generate truly massive amounts of infectious particles – 1 pig producing as much as an entire herd of cows. The Island follows international measures to mitigate the risk of disease entering local pigs by prohibiting the feeding of waste food to pigs; this practice would be the most serious internal risk to the national herd and flock and the department visits pig holdings annually (at least) to reinforce this message.

Because pigs of all kinds are a similar risk, the department makes no exceptions for 'pet pigs'; indeed, pigs that are kept in smaller numbers as 'pets' are perhaps more likely to be fed scraps – this is both high risk and illegal! All pigs, whatever their breed, size, or number are restricted to their holding and no 'walking licences' or other permit to move pigs off any holding (even on a temporary basis) are issued beyond formal movement licences between farms for bona fide business purposes.

For further information please contact:

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