Animal transport; application for authorization as a transporter.

Transporters who perform transports of vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity require a license, depending on the duration of the transport.

Two authorizations are distinguished:

• Approval for transports with a duration of up to 8 hours (type 1)
• Approval for transports with a duration of more than 8 hours (long transport: type 2)

For Type 1 approval, you must meet certain requirements regarding your location/company headquarters, qualified personnel, and handling that complies with animal welfare laws.

For Type 2 approval, you must meet some additional requirements. The detailed information can be found in the "Prerequisites" section.

Approvals are granted for a maximum period of five years.

A shipment includes the entire transportation process from the point of shipment to the point of destination, including unloading, stowage, and loading at intermediate points.

If there are any changes to the information or paperwork you provided to your veterinary office as part of the approval, notify your veterinary office no later than 15 business days after the change.

Requirements you must meet to get a type 1 permit (transport duration up to 8 hours):

• You are based in Germany or have a representative in Germany.
• You have demonstrated that you have sufficient and appropriate staff, equipment and procedures.
• You or your representatives are not known to have committed serious infringements of Community and/or national animal welfare legislation in the last three years. If your veterinary office considers that you have sufficiently demonstrated that you have taken all necessary measures to avoid further violations, a license may still be granted, if appropriate.

Requirements you must meet to obtain a Type 2 permit (transport duration longer than 8 hours):

• You meet all the requirements for Type 1 approval.
• You have submitted valid certificates of competence for all drivers and attendants to be used for long transports.
• You have submitted valid certificates of approval for all road transports to be used for long transports.
• You have submitted details of your procedures for recording and tracking your road vehicles.
• You have submitted details of your procedures for keeping in constant contact with your drivers.
• You have submitted contingency plans that will come into play in the event of an emergency.

After you have submitted the documents and papers, they will be reviewed at the veterinary office and your information will be documented. Subsequently, you will receive your approval.

If you are a farmer, you do not need a permit to transport your own animals in your own means of transport over a distance of less than 50 km from your farm.

You also do not need a permit

• for the transport of vertebrate animals that is not related to an economic activity, as well as
• the transport of animals that takes place under the guidance of a veterinarian directly to or from a veterinary practice or veterinary clinic.

You must apply for approval before you start your activity. Only after receiving the approval you may start your activity.

• The following evidence and declarations are required for Type 1 approval:
  
  • Proof of sufficient and suitable staff
  • Proof of sufficient and appropriate equipment
  • Declaration that you or your representatives have not committed any serious infringements of Community and/or national animal welfare legislation in the last three years
  • Declaration that you or your representatives have not applied for approval from any other competent authority in Germany or any Member State
  .
• The following verifications are additionally required for Type 2 approval:
  
  • Certificates of competence for all drivers and attendants used for long hauls
  • Valid proof of registration for all road transport vehicles used for long hauls
  • Proof that you can track and record the movements of your road vehicles and maintain constant contact with drivers
  • Emergency plans that come into play in urgent cases
  • Please check with your local veterinary office to see if you need to submit any further documentation.