Horse Import Process & Regulations
To import a horse, the following steps and regulations apply:
1. Notify the Society: Inform the Society’s secretary of your intention to import a horse and begin the application process. (Forms available on the AHSSA website).
2. Complete the Required Forms: Fill out the “Livestock Improvement Permit” and “Veterinary Import Permit” forms from the Director: Animal Health. These permits must be obtained prior to shipping the horse from the export country. Authorization from the Registrar of Animal Improvement is required before the veterinary import permit can be issued. For enquiries, contact 012 319 7434 or 012 319 7424. (Forms available on the AHSSA website).
3. Submit Forms: Send the completed “Livestock Improvement Application” form to the AHSSA office along with the horse’s passport or original registration certificate.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed import fee to the Society and Animal Improvement. The office will verify membership status.
5. Council Approval: The secretary will submit the forms and proof of payment to the Council for approval. Once approved, the Secretary will:
> Sign and approve the import application, stamping it with the Society’s seal.
> Issue a cover letter for import approval.
> Send the signed application and approval letter to the Registrar and member.
> The member will submit these documents along with proof of payment to the Registrar.
IMPORTANT: Follow up directly with the Registrar’s office after submitting the documents.
6. Complete Import: Once the import permit is received, complete the import.
7. Change of Ownership: Follow- up on current recorded owner in that country if the export request for this horse has been made with the foreign registering authority and the necessary change of ownership has been done.
8. Export Documents: Once the above is complete, the export country’s registration authority must issue a WAHO- approved export pedigree, transferring ownership to the buyer (SA Society member). Send the following documents to the SA Society:
> WAHO Certificate
> Original Registration Certificate
> DNA Profile
> DNA Parentage Verification Report
> Five-Generation Pedigree
Additional Requirements:
If the imported stallion will be used for breeding, submit a CEM-free certificate and clinical certificate.
If importing a pregnant mare, include the stallion’s DNA profile, a certified copy of the stallionโs registration certificate, and a covering certificate.
Registration Deadline: Applications for the registration of an imported horse must be submitted within 90 days of the horse’s arrival in South Africa. Once all required documents are received, the horse will be recorded in the new country’s Studbook, and the SA Arabian Horse Society will issue a new Registration Certificate to the new owner.
