DEFRA issues a number of licences that may be required for research or teaching around the University, such as Plant Health licences, SAPO licences (Specified Animal Pathogen Order, issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Animal, Plant Health and Animals on behalf of DEFRA or licences to keep specific animals such as non-native shellfish.

Each summer, information on these licences is requested for general risk management purposes. Please note that information regarding phytosanitary certificates that may have accompanied imported material is not required.

If you require assistance applying for a SAPO licence please contact your faculty Biological Safety Team and Faculty Compliance Lead. If you require a DEFRA licence or SAPO import licence please contact the regulatory compliance team.

Note that SAPO open general license is conditional. This licence does not extend to: (i) any living creature that may be a carrier of an animal pathogen; (ii) any specified animal pathogen or carrier for which a licence is required under Article 4 of the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008 (as amended) (see Notes 4 and 10). If you cannot comply with this open general licence, you must apply for an appropriate licence.

_{Issued: 22 May 2017; Last reviewed: May 2026 Next review: May 2027}