Importing Live Water Buffalo and Yak into the United States

Northern Border Port of Entry Requirements

APHIS requires confirmed pre-shipping approval from the Northern Border Port Services (NBP) office for the import of all Canadian breeder yak and water buffalo. For contacts, view Port Services offices by State or email vs.npb@usda.gov.

If the port of entry does not have adequate facilities to safely inspect such animals, inspection will be deferred to the destination facility. The following steps are required:

• The importer must notify the NBP office at least 14 days in advance of the proposed shipment, providing the address of the destination premises and the scheduled date and time of arrival. The NBP office will arrange an inspection or assessment of the destination facility, as appropriate, to approve the facility prior to import. The NBP office will verify that APHIS Veterinary Services personnel are available to perform the inspection of the animals on the proposed date of arrival.
• Once the facility is approved, the NBP office will immediately email notification of the approval to the importer. The importer may then schedule an appointment with the port of entry veterinary medical officer (VMO), at least 7 days in advance, for clearance. The shipment will not be allowed entry without written (email) notification of approval.
• A copy of the email approval notice from the NBP office must be presented to the Port VMO, along with the completed VS Form 17-29, Declaration of Importation (106.94 KB), the required import permit, and the original Canadian Food Inspection Agency-endorsed export health certificate.
• After clearance at the port, the import water buffalo/yaks will be released. If the port inspection is not possible, the animals must proceed to the destination State under seal to the previously approved destination premises for inspection.