Permits for experimental animal activities: animal test permits

Project authorisation:

Apply through electronic services. Submit the application in Finnish or Swedish. Instructions are also available in English. Send the application in good time, 3-4 months before starting the tests.

Licence:

apply for a permit with a free-form application that explains the information below.

(1) the name, address, domicile and business ID of the applicant;

(2) the business name, if any, used in the activities;

(3) where and what kind of activity the applicant intends to carry out and when the activity is to start;

(4) the name of the person responsible for the activities and an explanation of the requirements for their knowledge of the activities carried out;

(5) the name(s) of the person responsible for the installation and an explanation of their knowledge of their duties;

(6) a report on the qualifications of personnel who take measures, plan measures and projects, care for and euthanise animals;

(7) the name of the designated veterinarian or other qualified expert and an explanation of their qualifications;

(8) a report on the organisation of the veterinary services of the establishment;

9) a report on the composition of the animal welfare body or other manner in which the operator fulfils the obligations imposed on the animal welfare body;

(10) information on the premises, equipment and tools related to the activity and the layout of the applicant's premises;

(11) a report on the species used in the activity and the number of animals intended to be kept on the premises at a time by species;

(12) a report on the environmental conditions of establishments used for the management and storage of animals by species; and

13) if the applicant is a company, cooperative or other entity, or a foundation, a copy of the articles of association or rules and an extract from the register.

Animal test permit = project authorisation

A prerequisite for a project designer’s qualification is a Master’s degree and the completion of animal test courses intended for a designer. If the qualification has been obtained outside Finland, the Finnish Food Authority grants the right to act as a project designer upon application.

Qualification requirement for the person carrying out the measures is the completion of the necessary animal test courses and verified practical skills. Person in charge appointed by the operator checks the qualification before working with animals.

Person in charge for implementing the project ensures that:

• projects are carried out under the requirements of the project authorisation and law;
• where appropriate, corrective action shall be taken and recorded; and
• pharmaceuticals administered to animals for research purposes are recorded.

Licence

Operator must have the required number of qualified personnel and designate:

a person in charge for the activities whose task is to ensure that:

• the operational requirements are met;
• any shortcomings in the activities that undermine animal welfare are remedied without delay;
• projects are carried out under regulations and project authorisations;
• staff working with animals have the necessary qualifications;
• the designated veterinarian, the persons responsible for the establishment and the animal welfare body has the opportunity to carry out their duties under requirements.

a person responsible for the installation, who is responsible for:

• monitoring animal welfare and care;
• ensuring that information on animals kept in the establishment is available to staff working with the animals; and
• ensuring that staff are adequately trained and qualified.

a designated veterinarian for veterinary care and animal welfare advice

An animal welfare body tasked with:

• staff advice on animal welfare issues;
• development and inspection of animal welfare controls, reporting and monitoring;
• monitoring the development and results of projects in terms of animal welfare; and
• deciding on the donation or return of an animal used or intended for the project to a suitable treatment system.

The operator is also required to maintain records on several matters. The operator must submit information to the Finnish Food Authority for annual statistics on the use of animals and for five-year reporting.