The demand for European horses in China continues to grow, and at EHS we see more and more shipments heading in that direction. However, while transport within Europe already comes with its fair share of regulations, the bar for export to China is significantly higher.
One aspect that is often underestimated: the correct and timely registration of your horse. If this is not properly arranged, you risk delays, additional costs… or even that your horse is not allowed to depart at all.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you absolutely need to take into account.
1. The basics: 6 months correctly registered and stabled in Belgium
For export to China, there is a strict requirement: your horse must be registered in the Belgian database (HorseID) for at least 6 months and must have physically stayed in Belgium for at least 6 months.
The FASFC (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain) strictly controls this.
Important:
It is not enough for your horse to have simply “been in Belgium.” All locations where the horse has stayed must also be correctly registered in the database. In other words: if the FASFC cannot trace a 6-month history, export is not possible.
Feel free to contact us if you are unsure whether this has been done correctly.
Tip:
Make sure every stable your horse stays at is registered in HorseID on time.
Do not wait until just before export.
2. Vaccinations
Not all vaccinations are allowed for export to China.
- West Nile vaccinations must NOT be recorded in the passport
- For influenza and rhino (EHV), blood tests must be positive if the horse has been vaccinated
3. Blood tests: timing is everything
A common mistake: taking blood samples “just to be prepared.” This makes no sense without a Chinese import permit.
Why? Blood tests are only valid after the import permit has been approved.
Important process:
- First: obtain the import permit
- Then: perform blood tests
- Next: repeat testing during quarantine
4. Quarantine: mandatory and strictly regulated
For export to China, horses must stay in quarantine with us for 30 days.
What many people don’t know:
– blood tests must already be done before quarantine starts
– these tests are repeated during quarantine
However, you cannot simply start whenever you want. Without approval from the Chinese authorities, nothing can move forward. China determines when the flight will take place and therefore when quarantine must begin.
5. No complete documents? No start
Before your horse can even be placed on the export list, all vaccination pages must be fully provided. Without these documents, your horse cannot be added to the list and the process cannot be started.
6. Why preparation really makes the difference
Exporting to China is not a last-minute process. It requires months of preparation.
Correct registration ensures:
– no delays
– no double costs
– smoother approval by the FASFC
– efficient planning of quarantine and flight
In short: how to avoid problems
✔ Ensure your horse has been registered and physically present in Belgium for at least 6 months
✔ Register all locations correctly in HorseID
✔ Avoid West Nile vaccinations
✔ Only start blood tests after receiving the import permit
✔ Take into account 30 days of quarantine + double testing
✔ Gather all vaccination pages in advance
✔ Keep in mind that China determines the timeline
In doubt? Let us check it in time
When exporting to China, the difference is often in the details. A small mistake can cause weeks of delay.
Feel free to send us:
– where your horse is currently located
– how long it has been in Belgium
– whether export to China is planned
We will review the situation together with you and tell you exactly what is needed, so you can export without surprises.
