Export female horses to the USA: certificate 1261
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-16)

Apply online to export female horses (mares and fillies) to the USA.

You cannot export cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses for fattening and slaughter. This applies to journeys from or through Great Britain to anywhere outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. You can still export live cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or horses for other purposes. For example, for breeding and competitions.

Exporting from England, Scotland and Wales

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for this export health certificate (EHC) using the online service.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you must apply to DAERA (#other-ways).

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668bc2a3541aeb9e928f4634/1261NFG.pdf) and guidance notes for Screwworm VEE and FMD SUP certificate (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6436bee7cc99800013b893f1/Screwworm-FMD_Addendum_NFG_v1_May2025.pdf).

Download a specimen certificate Export female horses (mares) to the USA: EHC 1261, version 6 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/642c3dfaddf8ad0013ac0d76/1261EHC_V6.pdf) and Support document: SCREWWORM VEE FMD SUP, version 2 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64391f9f22ef3b000c66f1fb/SCREW_WORM_VEE_FMD_SUP_V2.pdf).

This certificate must be countersigned by an APHA Veterinarian. Apply for this countersignature by downloading an ET145 document from Improve International (https://www.improve-ov.com/instructions/instructions.php?ta=ta_search)

2. Apply online

You’ll need:
- a Government Gateway account
- a Defra account
If you don’t already have them you’ll need to register for these accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-register-for-export-health-certificate-ehc-online), and so will your official vet or inspector (http://apha.defra.gov.uk/official-vets/Guidance/exports/ehc-online.htm).

Start now (https://exporter.apply-export-health-certificate.service.gov.uk/forms/1261EHC)

Registration takes around 5 minutes. Official vets and inspectors will also need to have their registration checked by APHA.

Register and sign in as an official vet or inspector (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/certify-an-export-health-certificate).

Read the accessibility statement for this service (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accessibility-statement-for-export-health-certificates-online).

Applying online means you can:
- see the status of your applications
- always use the latest version of the EHC
- copy existing applications
- apply for multiple certificates
Exporting from Northern Ireland

If you’re in Northern Ireland you’ll need to upload your application for DAERA.

Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668bc2a3541aeb9e928f4634/1261NFG.pdf) and guidance notes for Screwworm VEE and FMD SUP certificate (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6436bee7cc99800013b893f1/Screwworm-FMD_Addendum_NFG_v1_May2025.pdf).

Download and fill in Export female horses (mares) to the USA: EHC 1261, version 6 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/642c3dfaddf8ad0013ac0d76/1261EHC_V6.pdf) and Support document: SCREWWORM VEE FMD SUP, version 2 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64391f9f22ef3b000c66f1fb/SCREW_WORM_VEE_FMD_SUP_V2.pdf).

Upload your application (https://selfservice.daera-ni.gov.uk/Daera/Forms/#/export).

Make sure you use the latest version of the EHC as they are sometimes updated. The latest version is on this page.

If you do not use the latest version, DAERA will not accept your application.

Help with your application

In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on xx-xxxx-xxxx.

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on xx-xxxx-xxxx.

Find out about call charges (https://www.gov.uk/call-charges).