These Regulations supplement, and make provision for the enforcement, of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 (the “EU Regulation”) in England. They provide for the identification of equine animals, and replace the Horse Passports Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1611).

Part 2 of the Regulations contains provisions which set out various administrative and procedural requirements. In particular, regulation 3 designates the Secretary of State as the competent authority and the zootechnical authority for the purposes of the EU Regulation. Other provisions in Part 2 set out various requirements in relation to the identification of equine animals and the identity document in relation to an equine animal.

Part 3 sets out various exceptions in relation to wild or semi-wild equine animals.

Part 4 sets out various criminal offences for breach of provisions of these Regulations and the EU Regulation.

Part 5 contains provisions about enforcement and penalties and gives powers to inspectors of enforcing local authorities. In particular, regulation 37 provides that enforcing local authorities may choose to apply civil sanctions instead of criminal penalties where they are sure that an offence has been committed. Part 6 then sets out the civil sanctions that are available to enforcing local authorities.

Part 7 sets out miscellaneous provisions, in particular for the review of these Regulations and the revocation of the Horse Passports Regulations 2009.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.