EU semen fears eased but issues remain

Status that allows semen trade has been approved by the Government

- BECKY MURRAY

CONCERNS around the trade of horses and germinal products under new EU animal health law have been eased – but export issues rumble on.

After Brexit, the UK and EU countries had to apply to each other for third-country status to continue to trade breeding animals and products, such as semen and embryos. This means EU-bred horses can be sold to the UK as registered. Unregistered horses have higher import taxes and lower health status, which can affect their ability to travel abroad.

The UK, and all UK studbooks, were granted the status in December, but EU countries had to apply to Defra by 30 June (news, 22 April).