Benelux

Horses crossing Benelux borders more easily: less paperwork for non‑commercial Movements

31 Mar. 2026

Horses, ponies and other equidae can now cross the borders between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg more easily. For many non‑commercial movements within the border regions, an animal health certificate is no longer required. This reduces the administrative burden for riding schools, riders and horse owners who temporarily travel to a neighbouring country.

Less administration for riders and horse owners
The decision is part of a joint approach by the three Benelux countries to apply European animal health rules in a practical and coordinated way across borders. The Benelux decision was signed by the Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Jaimi van Essen, in the context of the Dutch Benelux Presidency.

Jaimi van Essen, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature: “With this signature, we are reducing regulatory pressure in the equestrian sector, allowing riders to move through the border regions more easily. And we are not doing this alone: together with our Benelux partners, we continue working to simplify rules.”

Ariadne Petridis, Secretary-General of the Benelux: “With this simplification, we make everyday life easier for horse owners in the border regions without compromising animal health. This demonstrates how cross‑border cooperation within the Benelux can lead to concrete benefits on the ground.”

Exemption for non‑commercial movements
The exemption from the animal health certificate applies to non‑commercial movements, such as recreational use, participation in events, temporary cross‑border grazing, and the use of equidae as pack animals.

Only in Benelux border regions
This decision applies exclusively to the Benelux border zones: in Belgium, the provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, Antwerp, Limburg, Liège and Luxembourg; in the Netherlands, the provinces of Zeeland, North Brabant and Limburg; and in Luxembourg, the entire territory. For commercial transports or movements outside the border regions, the existing regulations and certification requirements remain in force.

Basic conditions remain unchanged
The basic conditions remain the same. Horses must be correctly identified and registered in accordance with applicable regulations.

This easing is possible thanks to the stable animal health situation in the three countries. In the event of a threat of a contagious disease, the arrangement can be immediately adjusted or suspended.