Equine Animal (Identification) (Scotland) Regulations 2019

As a Registered and Recognised Passport Issuing Authority, the Clydesdale Horse Society is committed to ensuring full compliance with all horse passport regulations and legislation.

We set out below the current and currently enforceable Horse Passport Legislation.  If there are any questions concerning the application, adherence to or compliance with this legislation please be in touch with our Secretary who will, in turn, liaise with the Executive Committee and Council of the Clydesdale Horse Society, as necessary.  The Secretary’s details are as follows:-

Ian A Roy, Secretary, 7 Turretbank Place, Crieff, PH7 4LS

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07720 895870

Please also be aware The Horse Passport regulations are actively enforced by Trading Standards.

Horse Passport Legislation

It is a legal requirement for all horses and ponies to be issued with a passport. Horse Passport law is governed by the Commission Regulation EU 2015/262. Horse passports are required throughout the EU for identification, effective disease control and in order to protect the human food chain.

Since 28th February 2005 it has been a legal requirement for all equidae to be issued with a passport from a DEFRA/Scottish Government approved Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO). The Clydesdale Horse Society (CHS) is an authorised PIO.

Regulations and Legislation

The Equine Animal (Identification) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 were introduced on 28 March 2019 and replaced the Horse Identification (Scotland) Regulations 2009. 

A copy of the legislation is attached.

The Equine Animal Identification Scotland Regulations 2019

Key changes to the previous Regulation include:

 • The requirement that all equine details be held on a Central Equine Database (details of equine animals registered to a Scottish postcode are held on ScotEquine which is operated on behalf of Scottish Ministers by ScotEID);

• that all equine animals, regardless of age or status must be implanted with a microchip by 28 March 2021;

• the introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for certain offences relating to the movement of equine animals; and

• the use of ScotEquine cards for movements within Scotland.

The guidance has been published on the Scottish Government website and can be found here:  https://www.gov.scot/publications/horse-passports-guidance-owners-keepers-veterinarians-local-authorities-scotland-2020/.  The link also provides the option of downloading a PDF version of the guidance which can be printed.

You should also be aware, as reflected in these guidelines, that in Scotland we also specific regulations which apply to us in this work called Minimum Operating Standards (MOPs).  A copy of the current version of MOPs is also attached.

Mops 2021