Pet Transport from China to Germany: GACC Export and EU Titre Test
The China to Germany import process
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: GACC-authorised official vet in China
Responsible: Airline, German customs authority
Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from China?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and China falls in “Non-listed third countries and territories”.
Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Germany, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Germany guide.
What does China require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: National rule for all ports (GACC Measures on Quarantine of Articles Carried by Inbound and Outbound Persons, as amended 23 November 2018, article 24): where the destination country or region or the traveller requires quarantine for a pet leaving China, the traveller applies to customs, which inspects the pet and issues the certificate. The GACC online service guide for traveller quarantine says no fee is charged. Applies to dogs and cats leaving China through any port.
出入境人员携带物检疫管理办法（海关总署）, checked 5 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The 90-day wait from the titre test blood draw date cannot be shortened. Start titre test at least 5 months before your planned German arrival (30 days for vaccination to settle, then 90 days waiting). Source: EU pet travel regulations.
Germany has strict federal breed restrictions. Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers are banned from import at federal level. Source: German Dog Import Restriction Act (Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschraenkungsgesetz).
The AHC must be in the EU-specified format, not a general Chinese export certificate. Your GACC-authorised vet must know the correct format. Use a specialist agent if unsure.
This route requires a titre test: unlike China-to-Canada or China-to-Australia (via Singapore, which avoids the EU unlisted country requirement), the Germany route adds the 90-day wait as an unavoidable step.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Air China | Direct cargo from Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG) to Frankfurt (FRA). Cargo only on international routes. Full documentation review before acceptance at cargo desk. | Cargo Only |
| Lufthansa Cargo | Direct services PEK/PVG to Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC). Larger pets travel in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Via Hong Kong (HKG) hub to Frankfurt. AFCD transit rules apply during HKG connection. Useful option if departing from southern Chinese cities. | Cargo Only |
| Air France/KLM | Via Paris CDG or Amsterdam AMS connections to German airports. Small pets in-cabin on some segments. Cargo for larger pets. Check with the carrier for specific China-departure routing. | Cargo Only |
Common questions about this route
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- European Commission · European Commission, movement of pet animals