Key data
| Regulation | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/135 — amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 |
|---|---|
| Publication | April 13, 2026 |
| Entry into force | January 20, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Importers, breeders, traders and transporters of dogs, cats and ferrets for commercial purposes |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries / Animal Health |
| Scope | European Union |
| Amended regulation | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 |
Importers and transporters of dogs, cats and ferrets for commercial purposes have new obligations as of January 20, 2026. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/135, published on April 13, 2026, amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 and updates the animal health requirements that must be met for a shipment of these animals to enter the territory of the European Union.
If your company imports, breeds, markets or transports these species for commercial purposes and has not reviewed your protocols since January 2026, you are operating at risk of border retention.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation 2026/135 updates three blocks of requirements within the EU's animal health framework for the importation of dogs, cats and ferrets:
| Regulated area | What changes |
|---|---|
| Documentation | The documentary requirements for the entry of shipments of these species into the EU are updated |
| Veterinary controls | New rules are established on veterinary controls applicable at the border |
| Post-entry handling | Specific conditions are set for the movement and handling of animals once within EU territory |
This regulation does not create a new regulation from scratch: it directly amends the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, which was the previous reference framework for animal health import requirements. Companies already operating under that regulation must identify what specific aspects have changed and update their procedures accordingly.
The scope of application is limited to movements for commercial purposes. The movement of companion animals without commercial intent has a different regime and is not covered by this regulation.
Economic and operational impact
The economic impact of this regulation is not measured in fees or direct economic sanctions: it is measured in the cost of non-compliance. A shipment retained or returned at the border can result in:
- Cost of round-trip transport without the goods entering the market
- Expenses for animal care and accommodation during retention
- Loss of commercial value of animals if they cannot be reintroduced into the supply chain
- Reputational damage to customers and business partners
- Possible contractual penalties for failure to meet delivery deadlines
From an operational perspective, the changes affect three phases of the import process: pre-shipment document preparation, the moment of border control, and the management of animals once within the EU. Any company that has not updated its internal protocols since January 2026 must do so urgently, as the regulation is already in force.
Who does it affect?
Regulation 2026/135 directly affects all operators involved in the commercial import chain of dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU:
- Importers: companies or individuals that introduce shipments of these species from third countries into the EU for commercial purposes
- Breeders: breeding establishments that import breeding animals or young animals from outside the EU
- Traders: animal trading companies that operate with suppliers outside the EU
- Transporters: animal transport companies that manage the movement of these species at the time of entry and after entry within EU territory
It does not affect individuals traveling with their pets without commercial intent, nor movements between EU Member States.
Practical example
A Spanish company that imports purebred dogs from a non-EU country for sale to professional breeders prepares a shipment of several specimens. Until now it operated under the documentary and veterinary protocols established by Regulation (EU) 2020/692.
With the entry into force of Regulation 2026/135 on January 20, 2026, that company must verify that:
- The documentation accompanying the shipment complies with the new updated requirements, not those of the previous regulation
- Veterinary controls at the border are carried out in accordance with the new standards established
- The plan for movement and handling of animals within the EU, once the entry control is passed, complies with the new conditions set
If the company presents documentation in accordance with Regulation 2020/692 without incorporating the updates from 2026/135, the shipment may be retained at the point of entry until the situation is resolved, or directly returned to the country of origin, with all the costs that entails.
What should companies do now?
- Review current documentary protocols: compare the documentation you currently use with the new requirements of Regulation 2026/135 to identify what has changed compared to Regulation 2020/692.
- Update veterinary control procedures at the border: coordinate with your official veterinarian or customs agent to ensure that controls at the point of entry are carried out in accordance with the new standards.
- Review post-entry handling protocols: verify that the conditions for movement and handling of animals within the EU after entry comply with the new rules established.
- Train staff involved: inform logistics, documentation and animal care teams about the changes to avoid operational errors in upcoming shipments.
- Consult with an official veterinarian or specialized advisor: since the regulation has been in force since January 20, 2026, any shipment in progress or planned must comply with the new requirements immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Since when are the new requirements mandatory for importing dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU?
The new requirements are applicable as of January 20, 2026, the date of entry into force of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/135. The regulation was published on April 13, 2026, but its application is retroactive to January 2026.
What regulation does Regulation 2026/135 amend?
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/135 amends the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, which was the previous reference framework for animal health import requirements for these species in the European Union.
What happens if I do not comply with the new requirements when importing pets into the EU?
Non-compliance can result in retention or return of shipments at the border, with the resulting economic loss for the importer or transporter. This is not a direct administrative sanction, but rather the inability to introduce the goods into EU territory.
Which companies and professionals does Regulation 2026/135 affect?
It directly affects importers, breeders, traders and transporters of dogs, cats and ferrets for commercial purposes operating in the European Union. It does not apply to individuals traveling with their pets without commercial intent.
What specific aspects change with the new pet import regulation?
The regulation updates three areas: the documentation required for entry, the veterinary controls applicable at the border, and the handling conditions for animals once within EU territory.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is based on the text of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/135 and related EU legislation as of the publication date. Regulations may be subject to interpretation and may be updated or amended. Companies should consult with specialized legal and veterinary advisors to ensure full compliance with applicable requirements. The author and publisher assume no liability for the use or misuse of this information or for any damages arising from reliance on its contents.