In a written answer on 22 July 2026, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi ruled out any extension of the five-day deadline for non-commercial movement of pet animals from non-EU countries, arguing the current rule is proportionate to prevent commercial abuse. The decision maintains existing restrictions that affect pet owners facing illness, flight cancellations or force majeure, who after five days must use border control posts and TRACES, increasing costs and administrative burden.
The answer responds to a question from Sebastian Everding (The Left), who challenged the scientific basis for treating deferred private transports differently from those within the deadline. Várhelyi stated the five-day requirement, originally set under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and now carried forward by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, remains unchanged. He confirmed the Commission does not plan to use its empowerment under Article 245(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 to propose an extended period, nor will it proactively ask non-EU countries to apply for listing under the relevant provisions.
The answer contains no new scientific risk assessment or concrete proposals, instead reaffirming existing legal provisions. Policy orientation is conservative: prioritising misuse prevention over flexibility for pet owners. No institutional follow-up is signalled, leaving the five-day rule intact for the foreseeable future.