These Regulations implement in Northern Ireland article 8 of Council Directive 90/427/EEC on the zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae (O.J. No. L224, 18.8.90, p. 55), and Commission Decision 93/623/EEC establishing the identification document (passport) accompanying registered equidae (O.J. No. L298, 3.12.93, p. 45).

The Regulations establish a system of identification documents (horse passports) for horses born in Northern Ireland and registered with recognised organisations. The Regulations specify when a horse must be accompanied by a passport (regulation 8) and also the form of the passport (Schedule).