To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) to detail the rules regarding the movement of cattle from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; and (ii) for his assessment of these rules.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law) and Regulation 2017/625 (Official Controls Regulation), which apply in Northern Ireland (NI) by virtue of their listing in Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework, sets out the rules for the movement of cattle between Great Britain (GB) and NI.

The rules vary depending on the reason for movement (Breeding & Production (B&P) or Direct Slaughter (DS)) but in summary include:

Pre movement Requirements.

Disease Freedom, e.g. Bovine TB.

GB level residency - DS 3 months, B&P 6 months.

GB Establishment level residency – 40 days.

Age – Born after 14 Feb 2015.

the animals must be pre-notified to the NI port of entry at least 24 hours in advance via a CHED-A electronic notification on TRACES NT

Movement Requirements.

During movement the animals must be accompanied by the relevant Export Health Certificate and be presented to the SPS Inspection facility for documentary, identity, physical and welfare checks.

Post Movement Requirements.

Re-identification if applicable (not required for DS moves).

30-day restriction at destination (not required for DS moves).

In October 2021, the EU Commission amended Regulation (EU) 2020/692 providing a derogation enabling NI cattle return directly from approved shows and sales in GB without needing to fulfil the six-month residency period.

Please note that due to the ongoing outbreak of Bluetongue in GB, movement of cattle and other ruminants from GB to NI is currently suspended.

The Windsor Framework is an international agreement between UK Government and the European Union. Any change to the agreement or to the applicability of Animal Health Law, Official Controls Regulation and supplementing legislation in NI is a matter for the UK Government and the European Union.