International trade: Customer Information Notes - API/AI/08/160
Import of animal hides and skins: Reminder of the Rules
Purpose
To remind you of the rules for importing hides and skins and draw your attention to the guidance on the Health Protection Agency’s website when using these materials to make products such as drums.
Information
The rules for importing hides and skins and game trophies are set out in EC Regulation 1774/2002. Importer Information Notes which explain the requirements are available from Defra's website:
Importers should be aware of the need to import hides and skins or game trophies which meet the appropriate health conditions set out in EC law. Alternatively, the hides and skins must have been treated sufficiently to enable them to meet the conditions of the General Licence referred to in paragraph 5.
The Products of Animal (Third Country Import) Regulations provide for enforcement of EC Regulation 1774/2002 in relation to import of hides and skins and game trophies. Any importer who imports such products not in compliance with EC law may be subject to appropriate enforcement action.
A General Licence (PDF) exists for the import of certain tanned hides and skins.
Importers should also be aware of the information on the website of the Health Protection Agency and take appropriate precautions against any risks of anthrax when using hides and skins to make other products. A question and answer document giving further information is available.
If you are in any doubt over where the hides or skins have been sourced from. You should follow the advice on the HPA website which comes from USA Centre for Disease Control about the processing methods that could be applied to cattle and goat hides to reduce the risks of disease from handling them. Those methods include:
- Heat (heated to an internal temperature of 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) or placed in boiling water for a minimum of 30 minutes)
- Preservation in 2 percent formaldehyde
- Chemically treating in acidic or alkaline solutions (soaking in a solution below pH 3.0 or above pH 11.5 for 24 hours)
- The use of hypertonic salts.
- Traditional tanning methods
The full document is available here.
Information about anthrax can be found on the Defra website.
Contact point for enquiries
AHIT Chelmsford 01245 358383
Fax: 01245 351162
E-mail: AHITChelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
International Animal Health, Imports Team
Page published: 5 November, 2008