Importation of Ungulates and Equids from Egypt, United Kingdom and Uruguay: What Changes in 2026

Key data

Importers of ungulates and equids from Egypt, United Kingdom and Uruguay must review their operations urgently. The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2188, published on 2 October 2026 and entering into force on 1 October 2026, amends Annexes II and IV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, which is the framework regulation governing the health conditions for the entry of these species into the European Union.

The change is significant: it directly affects the zones or categories of animals permitted from those three countries, likely in response to health situations such as disease outbreaks. Veterinary and customs authorities at border inspection posts are already obliged to apply the new criteria.

What does this regulation establish?

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 establishes the list of third countries, territories or zones from which the entry into the EU of certain animal species is permitted, including ungulates (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer...) and equids (horses, donkeys, mules). This list is not static: it is updated periodically based on the health status of each country.

Regulation 2026/2188 introduces specific changes to the entries for three countries:

Annexes II and IV of Regulation 2021/404 contain, respectively, the lists of countries authorized for ungulates and for equids. The amendment may involve the expansion, restriction or redefinition of the authorized geographic zones within each country, or changes in the categories of animals permitted.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact of this regulation is operational and compliance-related. There are no new fees or tariffs directly linked to this regulation, but the economic consequences of failing to adapt are immediate:

• Rejection of consignments at the border: If a consignment of ungulates or equids comes from a zone that is no longer listed as authorized, border veterinary authorities must reject it. This involves costs for return, quarantine or destruction of the animal.
• Suspension of operations: Importers with ongoing contracts from Egypt, United Kingdom or Uruguay must verify whether their suppliers are still in authorized zones before the goods reach the border inspection post.
• Review of health certificates: The veterinary certificates accompanying the consignments must reflect the new conditions. A certificate issued under the previous criteria may not be valid.
• Impact on the equestrian sector: Imports of competition or breeding horses from the United Kingdom—a relevant market for Spain—may be affected if the authorized categories change.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish and European importers of ungulates (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer) from Egypt, United Kingdom or Uruguay.
• Importers of equids (horses, donkeys, mules) from the three countries mentioned, including competition, breeding or slaughter animals.
• Customs agents and freight forwarders who manage import documentation for live animals from these origins.
• Official veterinarians and competent authorities at border inspection posts (BIPs), who must apply the new admission criteria.
• Farmers and equestrian sector companies that have purchase agreements or supply contracts with suppliers in Egypt, United Kingdom or Uruguay.
• Foreign trade advisors and consultants who advise companies in the agricultural or equestrian sector.

Practical example

A Spanish company importing sport horses from the United Kingdom has scheduled the arrival of three equids in November 2026. Regulation 2026/2188 has modified the entry for the United Kingdom in Annex IV of Regulation 2021/404.

Before the animals are shipped, the company must:

1. Consult the updated Annex IV of Regulation 2021/404 to verify that the zone of the United Kingdom from which the horses originate is still listed as authorized.
2. Confirm with the British exporter that health certificates are issued in accordance with the new requirements of the regulation.
3. Notify the border inspection post of entry (for example, the BIP at Madrid-Barajas airport or Barcelona port) with the updated documentation.

If the United Kingdom zone has been restricted or removed from the authorized list and the company does not detect it in time, the consignment may be rejected at the border, with the return or quarantine costs that this entails.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the updated Annexes II and IV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as amended by Regulation 2026/2188. Verify whether the specific zones of Egypt, United Kingdom and Uruguay from which you operate remain authorized.
2. Contact suppliers in the three affected countries to confirm that their facilities or zones of origin are still included in the lists authorized by the EU.
3. Review health certificates in progress or pending issuance. Certificates must comply with the new requirements; those issued under previous criteria may not be accepted at the border.
4. Inform your customs agent or freight forwarder about the changes so they update the import documentation and prior notifications to the border inspection post.
5. Consult the competent veterinary authority (in Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or the corresponding autonomous community) if you have any doubts about the application of the new criteria.
6. Monitor future updates to Regulation 2021/404, as the lists of authorized countries are reviewed frequently based on international health status.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source — EUR-Lex: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2188

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602188