importing

[discodazz]

hi, i was thinking of going to hamm and buying a few geckos but was wondering if theres anything important that i need to know first, like do you need a license or have to quarantine animals for a while? thanx

[Athravan]

You should always quarantine reptiles - but you do this yourself. It just avoids any possibility of mites/parasites/disease, even if you buy another reptile in the UK it is sensible to quarantine unless you are absolutely 100% about the health and origin of the reptile.

As for licensing there is now a law that needs licensing for journeys of over 65km but you are exempt if you are transporting your own animals, purchased as pets and not transporting anyone elses animals or for business purposes. The license is free and just a quick form so may be worth getting anyway.

[discodazz]

oops, i meant do customs keep your reptiles for quarantine before you can bring them to the uk.
would you happen to know where i could get one of these licenses. thanx

[tarantulabarn]

The only reason customs would keep any animals you bring back is if you have incorrect paperwork, as far as i know you dont need any paperwork for geckos, but to be safe always get a reciept, you only need one of the transport licenses is if you are buying to sell or being paid to collect for other people.

If you tarvel in your own way and are only buying for yourself to keep as pets you are ok, if you travel on one of the organised trips these are pretty much covered with licenses etc,

if you are unsure let me know which animals you are going for and i will check the latest cities list

[Athravan]

As long as you are not bringing anything illegal or without paperwork into the country (check cites list) then customs should not confiscate your animals. There is no quarantine for reptiles as far as i'm aware.

The transport license forms and guidance can be downloaded and printed from
Defra, UK - Animal health and welfare - Animal welfare - Transport - EU

[tarantulabarn]

Thanks Athravan, couldnt find the link when i posted the reply

[discodazz]

thanks folks.
the main geckos im after are goniurosaurus. dont know if im definately goin yet thats y i havent put my name down for your organized trip so will probs get a license just in case.

[tarantulabarn]

the missus and her brother picked up 4 in march, think they were somewhere about 50 euros each, really nice ones

[discodazz]

see now i really want to go.

[ukgeckos]

you wont need paperwork for cave geckos and you only need it for geckos covered by cites. but make sure you get receipts as it make it so much easier, ive been and waited for an hour in customs and then the next time ive gone straight through!
a little tip is to take the ferry rather than tunnel as you get less hassle!