Poultry travel documentation
If you transport animals in connection with an economic activity over 65 kilometres - approximately 40 miles - you must have a valid transport certificate known as a ‘transporter authorisation’.
The type of authorisation you will need depends on the duration of the journey(s) you intend to make:
• Type 1 transporter authorisation - for journeys up to and including eight hours
• Type 2 transporter authorisation - for journeys over eight hours
A Type 2 authorisation is valid on short journeys as well, so if you intend to undertake a mixture of journeys both under and over eight hours, you should apply for this type of authorisation.
Find guidance and application forms for all types of animal welfare transportation documentation on the Defra website.
You will need to submit the following additional information along with your form when applying for a Type 2 transporter authorisation:
• copies of valid competence assessment certificates
• copies of valid vehicle approval certificates only if required by the member state of intended destination, and transiting member states
You must declare if you have any Home Office Simple Cautions or convictions, or any current court orders restricting ownership or the keeping or control of any animals when you apply for transporter authorisations. This affects anyone who transports poultry on your behalf - see the guide on farmed animal welfare during transportation.
Anyone who has been convicted or given a Home Office Simple Caution in the three years prior to making an application will generally be refused an authorisation.