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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA FAQ's and resources about coronavirus (COVID-19).  LEARN MORE

Import Animal Products

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.  

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.

Visit the APHIS Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) website to learn more about submitting APHIS-required import data in ACE.
APHIS’ Veterinary Services (VS) is excited to announce the launch of the eFile Animal Products, Organisms and Vectors permit application! Formally known as the Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant (VSPA), users can enjoy a new permitting experience, now with the addition of the Animal Products, Organisms and Vectors application to APHIS eFile. Click here to go to the VSPA and get started!


IMPORTANT NEWS ON COVID-19 AND ANIMAL PRODUCT/
BY-PRODUCT IMPORTS


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