The Importation of Animals Order 1977

Cleansing and disinfection of vessels, aircraft, etc., to which Article 6 does not apply

15.—(1) If it appears to an inspector that the presence in Great Britain of any vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container to which this Article applies may, by reason of its previously having carried or otherwise been in contact with any animals, give rise to the risk of disease being introduced into or spread within Great Britain, he may, by notice in writing served on the master of that vessel, the operator or commander of that aircraft or, as the case may be, the person in charge of that vehicle or that container, require that—

(a) the vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container, or any part thereof, or any apparatus, equipment or thing therein, shall be cleansed and disinfected in such manner, to such extent, at such place and within such time as may be specified in the notice; or

(b) the vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container shall be exported from Great Britain within the time so specified.

(2) Where, by virtue of a notice served under paragraph (1) above, any vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container, or any part thereof, or any apparatus, equipment or thing therein, is required to be cleansed and disinfected, an inspector may detain that vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container until the requirements of the notice have been properly complied with.

(3) If any person on whom a notice is served under paragraph (1)(a) above fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof, a local authority or a veterinary inspector or other person acting for or on behalf of the appropriate Minister may, without prejudice to any proceedings for an offence arising out of such default, enter the vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container to which the notice relates, and carry out, or cause to be carried out, the cleansing and disinfection specified in the notice; and in exercising the powers conferred by the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, a local authority or a veterinary inspector or other person acting for or on behalf of the appropriate Minister may enter any land or premises.

(4) Where an officer of Customs and Excise has reasonable grounds for believing that any vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container to which this Article applies may previously have carried or otherwise have been in contact with any animals, he may detain that vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container pending its examination by an inspector.

(5) This Article applies to any vessel, aircraft, vehicle or container which, at the time when it is brought to Great Britain, is not carrying any animals.