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Import of live animals

Importation of pets must comply with the MAST import conditions. Importers must apply for an import permit to MAST and the pets must fulfill health requirements (vaccinations and testing) in addition to staying in quarantine for 2 weeks upon arrival. Please refer to the below instruction guides to help you understand the requirements relating to the different categories of approved countries. 

Approved exporting countries

Dogs and cats can only be imported to Iceland from approved exporting countries

Approved exporting countries are divided into two categories with regard to rabies. Category 1 countries are rabies-free countries. Category 2 countries are countries where rabies is present but well controlled. Dogs and cats that are to be imported to Iceland shall have remained in an approved exporting country for the last 6 months prior to importation (or from birth) or in another exporting country that is in the same category with regard to rabies.

  • Category 1 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway (excl. Svalbard), Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
  • Category 2 countries: Canada, Greenland, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Turkey, USA.

If a country from which an importer intends to import a dog or a cat is not on the list, the importer can apply for the country to be assessed by MAST as to whether that country can be considered an approved exporting country. The approved country list is revised twice a year by MAST.

However MAST may authorize the import of a dog or a cat from a non-approved country of export, when the following conditions are met:

  • The pet has been owned and cared for by the importer in the country of export for at least six months prior to importation, and
  • The owner/importer is a resident in the country of export and is moving to Iceland and bringing the pet with him/her.
  • The ownership of the pet and the residency in the country of export must be confirmed with valid documents submitted to MAST along with this application form.
  • A dog/cat that is imported to Iceland on these grounds must meet the health conditions according to country category 2.
  • Application for an import permit for a dog/cat from a non-approved country.

Guidance notes for importing dogs and cats to Iceland

Certificate of health and origin for import of dogs and cats

Approved quarantine stations for dogs and cats in Iceland

Import permit applications

Instructions and Certificates for pets other than dogs and cats

Frequently Asked Questions

We have collected frequently asked questions to help you with your import preparation. If you still have enquiries regarding importation of pets you can contact MAST, office of import and export; tel: +354 530 4800 / e-mail: petimport@mast.is 

 Importing deep frozen dog semen to Iceland

  • The importer must obtain an import permit issued by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) before importing the deep-frozen dog semen.
  • The importer shall ensure that the importation complies with all import conditions.
  • Failure to comply with the import conditions may result in rejection of the importation.
  • An authorised veterinarian in the country of export must perform all veterinary procedures.
  • Only certificate forms DS1 (category 1 countries) and DS2 (category 2 countries) are valid for this purpose.
  • The signed certificate must be sent to MAST for approval no later than 10 days after semen collection.

 

 

Updated 17.02.2021
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