Moving to Belgium – Moving of animals and plants

In principle, no customs formalities need be gone through if animals or plants enter Belgium from another Member State of the EU, except if the animals or plants originate in certain areas of the European Union (such as the Canary Islands).
Additional formalities must be gone through if these animals or plants are protected by the CITES Convention.
Animals or plants intended for your own use, that of your family, or to be given as gifts – but not parted with in exchange for payment – are exempt from taxes under certain conditions.

Moving pet dogs and cats to Belgium

People who relocate to or visit Belgium on holiday with their pet dog or cat must satisfy a number of conditions. As far as private household pets are concerned, identification and entry in the Belgian national register are only required for dogs and only for animals that will stay in Belgium for more than six months. The owner can contact a certified veterinary surgeon of his/her choice to assist with these formalities on arrival.

Main conditions

IATA regulations apply to animals in transit during the flight. Some airlines (rightly) refuse to allow pregnant animals on board, and imports of pets less than seven weeks old are banned except in the case of a mother with unweaned young (although transport is not recommended in these circumstances).

All accompanying certificates must at least include a Dutch, French or German translation. Only the rabies vaccination certificate may be in English.

Fuller information (e.g. about the necessary forms) is available from the Belgian Veterinary Service in Brussels.

Animals conveyed to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland and Sweden are subject to special requirements and documentation, which apply even if the animals are only in transit through these countries. More detailed information on these conditions can be obtained from the local embassies of these countries.

Dogs and cats are not required to pass through quarantine in Belgium. A vaccination certificate is required against rabies. This vaccine requires up to 30 days after administration to generate sufficient antibodies in animals that are either vaccinated for the first time (primovaccination) or are re-vaccinated after a previous vaccination (three or twelve months respectively).

A health certificate is recommended (available from a veterinary surgeon).

N.B. The law distinguishes between animals travelling alone and animals accompanied by their owner!

No rights can be derived from this text.

Text last edited on: 08/2006

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
Reproduction is authorised.