The Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011

Powers of authorised officers

34.  An authorised officer of the Secretary of State or an enforcement authority may—

(a) inspect and examine any animal;

(b) inspect any product, or genetic material, including its packaging, seals, marking, labelling and presentation, and any plant or equipment used for or in connection with it;

(c) have access to, and inspect and copy any documents or records (in whatever form they are held), and remove them to enable them to be copied;

(d) have access to, inspect and check the operation of any computer and any associated apparatus used in connection with the records; and may require any computer records to be produced in a form in which they may be taken away;

(e) seize and retain anything required as evidence in proceedings under these Regulations;

(f) open any bundle, package, packing case, or item of personal luggage, or require any person in possession of or accompanying the same to open it and inspect the contents;

(g) take samples of any animal or product for laboratory tests, for checking against any relevant document relating to the animal or product or otherwise for checking compliance with these Regulations or any condition of import enforced by these Regulations.