Want to import your horse? We calmly go through all the options and steps with you. Then, together with the exporting agent, we arrange all documents and transport to the stable.
View all destinations in Europe
Would you like to bring your horse to Europe? EHS can import horses at several European airports.
Temporary import in Europe
There are also situations where you can bring in a horse from abroad without actually buying the horse. For example, a horse owned by a foreign rider who comes to train with you or participates in equestrian events in the area and stays in your stables in the meantime. Or a mare that is brought to you for breeding purposes. The aim is always for the horse (or horses) to leave again later, and preferably within a reasonable period of time. We call this “temporary importation”. This can also be done under cover of an “ATA Carnet”.
Here we again make a distinction: are the horses coming from another EU member state or from third countries?
We speak of permanent import when you bring a horse into your home EU member state with the intention of keeping or reselling the horse at least indefinitely. This usually happens with horses you buy, inherit or receive from someone abroad. It also includes horses returning to Europe (after first being exported) or horses coming to Europe when the owner moves.
As an EU citizen – or an EU-based company – you have to pay taxes when you acquire a horse from abroad. To know exactly what taxes you have to pay, you need to distinguish between a purchase in another EU member state or a purchase in a non-EU member state (a “third country”).
All approved European airports
We can import horses through several airports in Europe. Below is an overview of the airports we use most often.
Do you have a specific request or another airport in mind? Feel free to let us know – we will be happy to look at the possibilities together!
Belgium
Liège Airport
Liège
Airport features the “Horse Inn”, a facility with 55 spacious and fully
equipped stalls, specifically designed for the comfort and safety of horses
during transport.
Brussels Airport
This airport has experience with large-scale horse transports. In March 2016, a plane carrying 86 horses left for the Middle East, which at the time was the largest horse transport on a single flight in Europe.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg Findel Airport
Despite being a relatively small airport, it has a well-developed cargo terminal and is used for various types of air cargo – sometimes including animal transport,
depending on conditions and providers.
Germany
Frankfurt am Main Airport
As one of the largest airports in Europe, Frankfurt plays an important role in international horse transport, with facilities that meet the highest standards of animal welfare.
The Netherlands
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Schiphol is
a major hub for international horse transport and offers comprehensive
quarantine and health services for horses travelling through this airport.
