United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Imports: Cattle and Bovine (Live)
There are many different processes involved with importing different species of regulated live animals into the United States including guidelines and regulations, permits and certification, and associated user fees.
Live Animal Import Permits: Applicants may submit import permit applications, VS Form 17-129, to National Import and Export Services (NIES) at:
Live Animal Import Permits
USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services
National Import Export Services
4700 River Rd. Unit 39
Riverdale, MD 20737
For faster service, importers (or other applicants seeking to import live animals, semen or embryos) may submit applications to the National Import and Export Services at VS.Live.Animals.Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov.
VS form 17-129
- Instructions for Completing and Faxing VS Form 17-129
- Instructions for Completing and electronically Submitting VS Form 17-129
Online Submission Process for Live Animal Import Permits: Importers with an existing Level 2 eAuthentication may access ePermits to create and submit a completed application (VS Form 17-129) for an import or transit permit for APHIS-regulated live animals and their reproductive tissue (genetic resources). For instructions on how to obtain a Level 2 eAuthentication authorization, and for additional
information about electronic submissions, click here.
Important Updates
Travel Advisory: Information for Travelers Who Visit Farms or Come Into Contact with Animals in Other Countries
U.S. citizens and international visitors who visit a farm or make contact with live animals in another country may unknowingly spread potentially devastating animal diseases. Learn more
Contact Us: If you have any questions, or require further information related to imports of live animals, birds or germplasm, please contact National Import and Export Services at (301) 851-3300, option#2 or send an email to VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov.
Importing Cattle, Live Bovines
(Note: these species may only be
imported from the following listed countries)
Miscellaneous
- Information on BSE and Minimal Risk Regions for the Importation of Live Ruminants
- Addendum for Rest Stops for Breeding Cattle from the United States and Canada - May 2008
- Guidelines for the Importation of Cattle/ Ruminants (except from Canada and Mexico) into the United States, including general requirements and necessary permits and certification
- Questions and Answers for Ruminants Imported from Canada
- List of Plants Approved to Handle Immediate Slaughter Animals
Australia; a permit and export health certificate are required
- Protocol Feeder Cattle from Australia
- Model Health Certificate Feeder Cattle from Australia
- Protocol Breeding Cattle-Water Buffalo from Australia June 2018
Canada
- Protocol Cattle and Bison from Canada June 2018
- NOTE: As of November 13, 2017, the requirement for individual age identification for cattle destined for immediate slaughter has been removed from the Canadian export certificate.
Mexico
- Protocol Feeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico March 2018
- Protocol Breeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico March 2018
- Protocol Slaughter Cattle and Bison from Mexico March 2018
- Model Health Certificate Breeding Cattle and Bison from Mexico
- Model Health Certificate Feeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico
- Model Health Certificate Slaughter Cattle and Bison from Mexico
- Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico
- US Breeding Cattle to Mexico
New Zealand
(protocol is being updated); a permit and export health certificate are required.