Export Live Animals to Hong Kong
Summary of Requirements
For Hong Kong importation information, go to Import of Animals and Birds.
For all health certificates submitted through VEHCS for shipments of U.S.-origin animals and germplasm that are only transiting Hong Kong, select the Hong Kong (Transit) option from the “Country of Destination” dropdown menu.
For animals and germplasm that are destined for export to Hong Kong, first you must first select Country Not Listed from the “Country of Destination” dropdown menu, and then select Hong Kong from the full list of destination countries.
All health certificates for export of livestock, poultry, and birds must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by an APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer within 14 days of departure.
View Hong Kong licensing requirements and import license information.
Laboratory test reports/results are required for equine entry.
Importers of live swine into Hong Kong must apply for import permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
- Swine - Breeding - Health Certificate (184.81 KB) (June 2025)
- Swine - Semen - Health Certificate (May 2025)
For any current restriction on live birds/poultry, check the Temporary Restrictions under the "Reminder" heading at Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website. Transit of day-old chicks is exempt for countrywide HPAI bans and require State or compartment freedom per the below posted sample health certificate.
- Birds, Poultry, and Ostriches - Import Requirements to Hong Kong - Website
- Poultry - Day-Old Chicks - Transit - Health Certificate (103.4 KB) (June 2018)
This certificate will be accepted with the use of digital signatures. A health certificate for this commodity can also be generated through the Veterinary Export Health Certificate System (VEHCS). Once you log on to VEHCS and enter the destination country and commodity, the system will walk you through each step to generate the certificate.
The APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer signature will also be digital with no wet signature or embossed seal; however, a printed paper copy of the endorsed health certificate must accompany each shipment.
For any current restriction on live birds/poultry origin or transits, check the Temporary Restrictions under the "Reminder" heading at Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.
Taking a Pet to Another Country?
Hong Kong does not have any import requirements for aquatic animals, except for endangered species under CITES. The importation requirements for endangered species, including those aquatic animals, are available at Licensing and Inspection.
Visit Hong Kong's website to learn more about importing these animals.
Health certificates for animals for research and laboratory purposes must be issued by the USDA-accredited veterinarian that is in charge of the research animal colony of origin and endorsed by an APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer within 14 days of departure.
- Laboratory Rodents – Health Certificate (188.31 KB) (February 2025)
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Documentation for Import and Export (131.63 KB)
Any GMOs being imported must be accompanied by the GMO Documentation for Import and Export per Hong Kong Regulation, Cap 607A. The GMO documentation does not need to be incorporated into the APHIS-endorsed health certificate or endorsed by APHIS.
Health certificates for the export of commercial shipments of U.S.-origin animals must be issued by a private USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by an APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer within 14 days of departure.
Taking a Pet to Another Country?
If your species is not listed, the requirements for that species are not known. Exporters who want to ship livestock or germplasm whose requirements are not listed above should have the importer or buyer in the destination country apply for an import permit at the appropriate ministry. This import permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.
Need Help?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for animals (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments) and for issuance of health certificates.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
USDA Endorsement Offices
Contact your nearest APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office for questions about endorsing an export health certificate for live animals.