I am aware of a communication circulating on social media that outlines the possible difficulty of importing and exporting pigeons to and from the UK, post Brexit. For a number of months I have been following guidance issued by DEFRA the APHA and reviewing the relevant EU regulations to assess the i
Source: NIPA
I am aware of a communication circulating on social media that outlines the possible difficulty of importing and exporting pigeons to and from the UK, post Brexit. For a number of months I have been following guidance issued by DEFRA the APHA and reviewing the relevant EU regulations to assess the impact on Channel racing. While there seem to be potential issues OF increased paperwork/health certification relating to the permanent import of pigeons from EU countries i.e importing a pigeon purchased from a fancier on the continent; the impact and requirements for the transportation of pigeons for sporting purposes may be very different. Guidance previously issued by DEFRA/APHA that includes reference to the requirements for transporting racing pigeons to the continent for sporting purposes has been interpreted in a way that requires far less documentation compared to the permanent import or export of pigeons. However, this interpretation is awaiting confirmation from DEFRA and APHA and with this in mind I had in initial conversation with DEFRA in December 2020 and requested a more detailed conversation in relation to this aspect this month after the Brexit deal had been finalised. Hopefully this meeting will go ahead this month and result in clarification and guidance specific for the transportation of pigeons for racing purposes. In the meantime there is reason to be positive. An update will be issued as soon as possible Ian Evans CEO
