Information : France

COUNTRY NAME: France

There is free movement of animals between EU Member States, subject to compliance with EU trade legislation.  See below for specific requirements for individual species of animal.

Live Cattle

The animals must be properly identified, undergo a veterinary inspection, be fit to travel, and be accompanied by an Intra-Community Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC), issued under the EU TRACES system by the Department.

Cattle are usually exported from approved assembly centres and must complete a 30-day residency period on a holding and a TB test prior to export.   A list of assembly centres can be found here.

Trade in cattle with certain EU Member States is subject to additional guarantees in relation to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR).  Please click here ‌for further information. 

Live pigs, sheep and goats

The animals must be properly identified, undergo a veterinary inspection, and be fit to travel.  The animals must also be accompanied by an Intra-Community Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC) issued under the EU TRACES system by the Department.

If you have any questions, please contact your local DVO.

Live horses to France

There is a “Tripartite Agreement” between Ireland, France and the UK on the movement of horses (except for slaughter) between these countries. 

Thoroughbreds used for racing, breeding, in training or moving to a sale; and Sporting Horses competing in an FEI-sponsored competition can travel to France under the Tripartite Agreement (TPA) if these horses are associated with a ‘TPA approved’ body and have been issued with a document known as a DOCOM.  These horses must also be microchipped and have a valid passport.

Please contact the following “TPA approved” bodies for further information: The Turf Club, The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) and Horse Sport Ireland (HIS).

All other types of horse movement to France are not included in the TPA and should comply with the normal EU health certification rules. 

If you have questions, please contact horseexports@agriculture.gov.ie.