A commercial captive-bird movement from Spain is not the same as ordinary pet travel. Use this 2026 guide to understand the checks to make before payment or transport.
This guide concerns a captive parrot bought in Spain and moved to a new owner in England, Scotland or Wales. That is a commercial captive-bird movement, not automatically a pet bird travelling with its existing owner. Northern Ireland has different arrangements and should be checked separately.
Before proceeding, record the scientific species, individual ring or microchip number, source, current premises and purpose of movement. Those facts determine which CITES and animal-health controls apply.
Current GOV.UK guidance says captive birds must come from approved breeding premises and normally have been kept there for at least 21 days before export or since hatching. It also describes pre-export testing, official health certification, individual identification, transport-container requirements, entry controls and a minimum 30-day period in an approved post-import quarantine facility.
The importer bears the relevant import and quarantine costs. Confirm the approved premises, certificate model, tests, Border Control Post and quarantine arrangement with APHA before entering a contract.
GOV.UK says a permit is required when moving a specimen listed in UK Annex A, B or C into or out of Great Britain. The corresponding document from the other country's management authority can also be required. Annex A commercial use may need an Article 10 certificate, but that is not the same thing as an import permit.
Use the current online APHA application service and check whether stricter measures apply. GOV.UK also advises buyers not to ship, pay for or enter a contract over a specimen until the correct permit is held.
Not automatically. A captive bird sold and transported to a new owner is a commercial movement; the separate pet-bird rules apply only when their conditions are met. Confirm the classification with APHA before arranging travel.
There is no reliable universal timeframe. CITES decisions, premises approval, testing, health certification, carrier booking and official controls have separate lead times. Do not commit to a date until the responsible authorities confirm the route.
No. Article 10 concerns commercial use of Annex A specimens. Moving a CITES specimen into Great Britain can require separate import and corresponding export documentation. Check the specimen and transaction with APHA.
Reviewed 14 September 2026. Check the current GOV.UK captive-bird import note and GOV.UK CITES permit guidance, then contact APHA for the facts of the individual movement.
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