Genehmigung zur Einfuhr von Wirbeltieren aus Drittländern zu Versuchszwecken beantragen

If you wish to import vertebrate animals from a third country for animal testing purposes, you will require a permit.

If you wish to import vertebrate animals from third countries (non-EU states) in order to use them in animal experiments or their organs or tissues for scientific or non-scientific purposes, you must apply for an import permit. A permit is not required for farm animals and fish (except zebrafish). Farm animals include horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, pigeons, turkeys, ducks and geese.

The importer is the person who applies for a corresponding permit from the competent authority. Responsibility is determined by the applicant's registered office. If the applicant is not domiciled in Germany, the domestic place of destination (place of intended use) is decisive for determining the competent authority.

• Statement or confirmation from the animal welfare officer
• Proof that the animals were bred for one of these purposes:
  • Use in animal experiments
  • Use of the organs or tissues for scientific purposes
  • Use of the organs or tissues for purposes other than scientific purposes

• You must prove that the animals were bred for experimental purposes or for the purpose of subsequent organ removal. Otherwise, you must prove that the animals bred for these purposes are not otherwise available or that the intended use requires the use of imported animals

• You must provide a statement or confirmation from the animal welfare officer regarding the import
• You must provide information on the place of import and the recipient

You can submit the application for authorization to import vertebrate animals from third countries for experimental purposes in paper form or online.

• You provide the necessary information and submit the required documents.
• The Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety will check the application.
• You will receive a notification which, if the test result is positive, authorizes you to import vertebrate animals from third countries for experimental purposes.
• You will be informed of the administrative fee to be paid.

If you wish to submit the application online:

• Log in to the Lower Saxony administration portal via the Elster company account.
• If necessary, submit electronic copies (scans) or digital copies of the required documents.

There is no legal deadline.

Please remember to apply for the permit in advance of the actual import.

Action before the administrative court

• Authorization for the import of vertebrate animals from third countries for experimental purposes Issue
• Import of vertebrate animals from third countries in order to
  • to use these animals in animal experiments
  • to use their organs or tissues for scientific purposes
  • to use their organs or tissues for purposes other than scientific purposes
• Responsible: Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety

Responsibility lies with the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety.