Importing items can be difficult with the rules and regulations that are necessary for any item. However, when one desires to import live animals to the United States, there are even more customs to clear. While difficult, it is still possible to import any kind of animal to the United States as long as one makes sure to follow all of the procedures.
The major government body for the importing animals of is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bodies of government that regulate beneath the USDA are the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). All of these bodies of government have specifications that one must adhere to when importing new products.
Animal Species
The first portion for shipping animals depends on the species. Any unique animals falling under the categories of “reptiles, fish, and endangered species” falls under the authority of The U.S. Department of the Interior, Law Enforcement Division, Fish and Wildlife Services. For livestock, the point of authority comes from National Center for Import and Export.
Certification Papers
There is a basic list of papers and approvals to fill out to ensure that one will successfully have any livestock pass through customs. The general requirements usually include a USDA import permit. To do so, you must obtain an import permit from APHIS. You can call their office or request a fax copy of the import permit application at 301-734-8364 or download a copy from the web site. Also, if the imported animals require quarantine for any reason, one must make separate reservations at the two USDA animal import centers that handle quarantines, New York AIC, Rock Tavern, New York, 845-564-2950; Los Angeles AIC, Inglewood, California, 310-725-1970. One should also keep in mind that fees are included for Processing Initial Application(s) of $137.00.
More certification, however, is necessary. One also needs to possess an office health certificate. This certificate is there to ensure:
- Animals were born, raised, and continuously resident in a country recognized by USDA as free of FMD, BSE, and rinderpest
- During the past 12 months there was no evidence of exposure to diseases of concern specific to the exporting country
- The premises have been designated free of TB for 2 years
- No clinical cases of Johne’s disease during the last 5 years
- Animals have been individually identified with unique tamper-proof identification
The last portion of general importation required is a 60-Day quarantine before exporting to the United States.
There can be slight variations and requirements depending on the type of animal one wish to import into the United States. It can also vary depending on its intended purpose (be it for breeding or for slaughter). Some regulations are also stricter depending on which region of the world the import is coming from. For a full list of the different categories of rules oversee the importation of animals from various parts of the world, visit APHIS.
By – Domenic Gabriella for Trade.org