When it comes to international trade, few areas are as tightly regulated as the movement of veterinary goods. At Berencourt Global Logistics we specialise in navigating the complex world of veterinary import and export, ensuring that our clients stay compliant, efficient and on schedule — whether they’re moving animal products or live animals across borders.
What Does ‘Veterinary’ Mean in Customs?
In a customs and logistics context, the term veterinary doesn’t refer to animal healthcare professionals. Instead, it covers the transport of goods of animal origin. This includes fresh and frozen meat, fish, poultry and dairy, but also the movement of live animals. Because these goods pose a higher risk for public and animal health, they’re subject to specific veterinary checks and must meet stringent import requirements.
To move veterinary goods across borders, you’ll typically need:
- Official health certificates
- Import licences (depending on destination)
- TRACES or IPAFFS notifications
- Pre-booked inspection at a Border Control Post (BCP)
Missing even one of these can result in serious delays, fines, or rejected shipments — which is why expert handling is essential.
Challenges in Veterinary Logistics
Importing or exporting veterinary-regulated goods isn’t as simple as arranging transport. There are health and safety checks, documentation requirements and route-specific rules that vary from country to country. For live animals, welfare regulations add another layer of complexity, with strict rules regarding transport conditions, timing and documentation.
At Berencourt, we stay ahead of these regulations and actively advise clients on how to avoid common pitfalls. We ensure your veterinary shipments are routed through the correct BCPs and that your paperwork is 100% in order before anything moves.
Veterinary After Brexit
Since the UK left the EU, veterinary imports and exports have become significantly more complex. Goods that previously moved freely now require full customs declarations, veterinary documentation and entry via approved inspection points. Delays at the border can be common, unless you’re prepared.
Berencourt Global Logistics assists businesses with post-Brexit veterinary logistics, offering practical guidance on compliance and helping them streamline every step of the process. From pre-notifications in IPAFFS to liaison with inspection authorities, we take the pressure off your team and ensure your goods arrive smoothly.
Why work with Berencourt?
With years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, Berencourt offers specialised support for veterinary-related logistics. Our team understands both the commercial pressures and the regulatory landscape. We go beyond transport — we coordinate veterinary inspections, manage customs clearance and help our clients avoid delays and penalties.
Whether you’re importing chilled meat into the UK or exporting live animals into the EU, we ensure your shipment is handled with the highest care and full compliance.
Get in touch with our experts
Are you involved in the trade of animal products or live animals and need a reliable logistics partner? At Berencourt, we’re ready to help.
Contact us today to speak with one of our experts about your veterinary shipments. We’ll make sure everything — from paperwork to border checks — runs exactly as it should.
