The Importation of Animal Pathogens Order 1980

Prohibition on importation of animal pathogens and carriers

4.—(1) The importation into Great Britain of an animal pathogen or carrier is hereby prohibited except under the authority of a licence in writing issued by the appropriate Minister and in accordance with the conditions of that licence.

(2) A licence may be either general or specific and may, in either case, be issued subject to such conditions specified therein as the appropriate Minister may see fit to impose for the purpose of preventing the introduction or spreading of disease into or within Great Britain.

(3) A general licence shall be issued by the publication of it in such manner and to such extent as appears to the appropriate Minister to be sufficient to bring it to the notice of those persons likely to be affected by it.

(4) The appropriate Minister may vary, revoke or suspend a licence—

(a) in the case of a general licence by a notice published, so far as practicable, in the same manner and to the same extent as the licence; and

(b) in the case of a specific licence by a notice in writing served on the person to whom the licence was issued.

(5) A person who has in his possession an animal pathogen or carrier which he knows to have been imported in contravention of the provisions of this order shall with all practicable speed report the fact together with any other relevant information connected therewith to a veterinary inspector.