Civil & Administrative

#32026R0636Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 adopting lists of third countries for non-commercial pet animal movements

🇪🇺European Union··Other·Medium Impact·View source ↗

AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.

🇬🇧 English

This EU regulation establishes three lists of third countries and territories for the non-commercial movement of pet animals (dogs, cats, ferrets and birds) into the EU. Annex I and II list countries where pet dogs, cats and ferrets do not require a rabies antibody titration test when entering the Union, based on their rabies control standards. Annex III lists countries from which non-commercial movements of pet birds are exempt from certain animal health requirements due to minimal risk. The lists largely carry over from previous rules under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. The regulation applies from 22 April 2026, coinciding with the repeal of earlier pet movement legislation to ensure continuity.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.

Key Changes

  • Establishes Annex I list (Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican) where no rabies titration test is required for dogs/cats/ferrets
  • Creates Annex II list of 40+ additional countries/territories (including UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan) also exempt from rabies titration test
  • Maintains Annex III list identical to previous bird exemption countries (Andorra, Switzerland, Iceland etc.) for minimal-risk pet bird movements

+ 3 more changes with Pro

Obligations

What this law requires

high

Apply the list of third countries or territories set out in Annex I to this Regulation for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets that do not require rabies antibody titration tests when entering the Union

EU Member States, border control authorities, veterinary authorities
operational
high

Apply the list of third countries or territories set out in Annex II to this Regulation for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets that do not require rabies antibody titration tests when entering the Union

EU Member States, border control authorities, veterinary authorities
operational
high

Exempt non-commercial movements of pet birds from certain animal health requirements when originating from third countries or territories listed in Annex III

EU Member States, border control authorities, veterinary authorities
operational
high

Implement this Regulation from 22 April 2026 as the effective application date, coinciding with the repeal of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 and entry into force of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131

EU Member States, competent authorities
operational
medium

Recognize that pet animals (dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds) moving non-commercially from countries listed in Annexes I, II, and III are subject to the exemptions specified in Article 17(1) and Article 28 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131

EU Member States, veterinary authorities, border agencies
disclosure

Affected Parties

Pet owners moving dogs, cats, ferrets and birds into the EUTravelers and residents returning with pets from third countries+2 more…

Tags

pet animals,non-commercial movement,rabies control