Border Inspection Posts
Information related to Border Inspection Posts, including what they are and their role in the importation of products of animal origin.
What is a Border Inspection Post?
Border Inspection Posts (BIP) are European Union (EU) approved entry points for products of animal origin, originating in countries outside the EU.
Such products must undergo certain veterinary checks in accordance with European Directive 97/78/EC. These rules apply to both commercial and personal traffic.
What are the Border Inspection Posts in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has 2 Border Inspection Posts approved for the import of certain types of animal products.
Hours of Business: 08.00-16.00 Monday - Friday.
Northern Ireland does not currently have an approved Border Inspection Post for live animals. All animals originating in a country outside the European Union must be accompanied by a completed "Common Veterinary Entry Document" issued at an approved Border Inspection Post.
Animals including dogs and cats which can comply with the Rabies (Importation of dogs,cats and other mammals) Order (Northern Ireland) 1977 can be imported directly into Northern Ireland.
Notification of imports to a Border Inspection Post
Advance notice of the products arriving at the Border Inspection Post must be given using the TRACES (Trade and Control Expert System) Internet based system.
Importers or their agents must register as "Economic Operators" before they can use the system.
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