Quality Assurance

Transporter Authorisations

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)  remind animal transporters to check the expiry of their current transporter authorisation with another reminder being sent out by the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

The UK transporter authorisations are required for those transporting animals as part of an economic activity, on journeys over 65km within, from, to and through Great Britain. The Transporters involved in economic activity include farmers, livestock and poultry hauliers, pet couriers and rescue charities along with those who move horses in connection with professional riding, livery and stabling.

To comply with current welfare in transport regulations, animal transporters must submit an application to renew their authorisation. Failure to do so could result in hefty penalties if transporters are found to be operating without valid authorisation.

To obtain a renewal application pack please contact APHA https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/about/access-and-opening#animal-transport

The Haulage Assurance Scheme

The Haulage Assurance Scheme is an essential element in the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) ‘whole chain’ consumer assurance programme.

Only haulage operators who are approved members of the Haulage Assurance Scheme can transport cattle, sheep and pigs which are destined for the Scotch Beef UKGI, Scotch Lamb UKGI and Specially Selected Pork brands. Haulage drivers are specially trained to handle and transport livestock and must hold a livestock certificate of competence.

Animal welfare and wellbeing are of paramount importance in ensuring the highest product quality. The QMS Animal Welfare and Wellbeing Charter recognises the five freedoms of animal welfare and wellbeing and is a guiding principle for all QMS assurance schemes, which are supported and approved by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), Scotland’s independent animal welfare charity.

The Haulage Assurance Scheme is owned by QMS who have contracted Food Integrity Assurance, an independent inspection and certification company, to carry out the required farm assessments in order to certify and approve scheme members.