Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection

Authorisation to import vertebrate animals from third countries for experimental purposes

If you want to import vertebrates from third countries for use as laboratory animals, you will need an import permit from the competent authority.

Detailed description

If you wish to import vertebrates other than horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, pigeons, turkeys, ducks, geese and fish (except zebrafish) from third countries for use as laboratory animals, you require authorisation from the competent authority.


This applies to

  1. the use of animals in animal testing
  2. the killing of vertebrates solely for the purpose of using their organs or tissues for scientific purposes.

Authorisation shall be granted if it is proven that the animals in question have been bred for one of the purposes mentioned.


Otherwise, the permit can only be granted if

  1. bred animals with the characteristics required for the respective purpose are not available or
  2. the respective purpose requires the use of animals that have not been bred.

Other import regulations remain unaffected.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • As a rule, the facility or business must have animal welfare officers and other persons who are obliged to pay particular attention to the protection of the animals.
  • The animals must have been bred for this purpose.
  • By way of derogation, approval may only be granted if
    • bred animals with the required characteristics are not available.
    • the respective purpose requires the use of animals that have not been bred.

Documents required

  • Import permit application form.
  • Evidence that the animals were bred specifically for the purpose.

Please note

You must apply for the permit in good time before you intend to import. The application must be submitted to the authority responsible for the destination.

Deadlines

Depending on the circumstances of each individual case.

Procedure

  • Submit the application for import authorization, including all required documents, to the competent authority.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and request additional documents if necessary.
  • The competent authority authorizes or refuses the import.

Processing time

The application is usually processed within a few weeks.

Fees

Framework fee between 64 and 207 euros

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Animal Welfare Act


Animal Welfare and Laboratory Animal Ordinance

Address and contact information

Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection

Protection of Laboratory Animals

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Keywords: Importing laboratory animals Laboratory animals from third countries Authorization for import of laboratory animals

Last updated: 08.06.2026