FROM 1 February 2026, in Northern Ireland, you will be required to provide an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) when applying for a horse passport. You will also have to provide an EEN to update your passport with any changes, such as ownership changes when you buy an equine, or to apply for a replacement or duplicate passport in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged passports.

Failing to obtain an EEN means that you may be unable to buy, sell, move or export your equine without a valid, up-to-date passport.

Anyone keeping an equine at livery or at an establishment that they do not operate themselves will not need to register that establishment, but should be certain that the establishment is registered. You will need to obtain the EEN from the owner/operator of the establishment when applying for a horse passport or when applying to update a horse passport.

The introduction of the Equine Establishment Number is a significant and positive stride in equine biosecurity and welfare. It ensures clarity in tracking movements and strengthens disease response across Northern Ireland. The process is simple, free, and must be done now—if your premises hosts equines of any kind, get that DAERA form downloaded, filled in, and back in to them. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit DAERA’s website and download the “Equine Premises Registration Form.”

2. You’ll need your name, contact details, and the full address of the premises. If you already have a bovine herd number, you may be able to piggy back that; otherwise, a fresh EEN will be allocated.

3. Send it to your local DAERA office via post or email (details are on the form). There’s no fee—this is a statutory requirement.

4. Once approved, DAERA issues your unique Equine Establishment Number. Keep this safe—it will be needed on passports, movement documentation, and export health certificates.

5. Changes in keeper, premises, or status? Notify DAERA within 30 days to update your EEN records.