Statutory guidance

Import of untreated pig bristles from an African swine fever free country - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/7A

Published 2 December 2024

1. General information 

This Import Information Note (IIN) must be read in conjunction with the IIN for general information for imports of animal by-products (ABPs), which provides information on pre-notifications, veterinary checks, risk categories and more.

References to European Union (EU) legislation within this document are references to direct EU legislation which has been assimilated in Great Britain (assimilated direct legislation), as defined in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and can be viewed on the UK legislation website. 

2. Scope

Import conditions for untreated pig bristles from countries that are free of African swine fever. 

Pig bristles can only be derived from Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10 (b) (iv) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

3. Production standards 

Pig bristles must have been obtained from animals originating and slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, in the country of origin. They must be dry and securely enclosed in packaging. 

4. Country of origin

Imports are permitted from trading partners listed in a document published by the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers for:

• non-EU countries
• EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries 

Untreated pig bristles can only come from countries, or in the case of regionalisation, regions thereof, listed in the document for fresh meat of ungulates, which are free of African swine fever for the 12 months prior to the date of importation.

5. Approved establishments 

Products must be produced in an establishment approved to export to Great Britain (GB). Importers should check prior to importation that the premises are listed on the correct list.  

Find consolidated lists of approved plants (excluding the EU)

Find approved EU ABP establishments 

If the establishment or plant is not listed, importers are urged to contact the company concerned, who should contact their competent authority immediately. If the plant is not included on the appropriate list when veterinary checks are carried out the consignment is likely to be held and could be rejected and re-exported or destroyed. 

6. Health certification or documentation

Imports to GB must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate based on the GB model health certificate.

Model health certificates for pig bristles

This requirement applies to products in the high and medium risk categories. Find information about import risk categories, inspection rates and related rules for animals and animal products imported from:

• the EU to GB
• non-EU countries to GB 

7. Contact for further information  

For more information about import requirements, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) imports team:

Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX

Email: [email protected] 

Telephone: 03000 200 301