The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animals and animal-derived materials to ensure that exotic animal and poultry diseases are not introduced into the United States.

Generally, a USDA veterinary permit is needed for materials derived from animals or exposed to animal-source materials.  Materials which require a permit include, animal tissues, blood, cells or cell lines of livestock or poultry origin, RNA/DNA extracts, hormones, enzymes, monoclonal antibodies for IN VIVO use in non-human species, certain polyclonal antibodies, antisera, bulk shipments of test kit reagents, and microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi (apply on-line for a VS import permit).  Exceptions to this requirement are human and non-human primate tissues, serum, and blood. We also have information on animal products that do not require an import permit.

Various other animal materials which require a permit include dairy products (except butter and cheese), and meat products (e.g., meat pies, prepared foods) from countries with livestock diseases exotic to the U.S.

Import permit applications may be obtained from the NCIE home page or by writing the Import/Export Animal Products Program at:

USDA, APHIS, VS, NCIE
Products Program
4700 River Road, Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231


For further information or questions concerning import applications, please contact the Animal Products Program at Area Code (301) 734-3277 or by facsimile at (301) 734-8226.

User fees are charged for all import services for restricted animal products.  All applications for a veterinary permit to import materials or transport organisms and vectors must be accompanied by payment before processing can begin.  Acceptable methods of payment are: check, money order (payable to USDA, APHIS), VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or an APHIS User Fee Credit Account.  User fee credit accounts are recommended if there are more than 6 fee activities per year.

To establish a User Fee Credit Account you will need to complete a User Fee Credit Application.

You can obtain the User Fee Credit Application several ways:

1. On-line at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms, select "APHIS 192"
   
   
2. By telephone:
   User Fee Help Line
   (877) 777-2128  (U.S. and Canada only)
   or (612) 370-2291
   
   
3. By writing to:
   USDA, MRP-BS, MBS, ART
   P.O. Box 3334
   Minneapolis, MN 55403
   

*The schedule of primary user fees (9 CFR, Part 130.8) for the importation of animal-derived materials are as follows:

Service		FEE
Processing original application		$94.00
Processing application for renewal		$61.00
Processing amended application		$47.00
Import Compliance Assistance
Per shipment held		$180.00

*Please note all fees are subject to change