Animal Product Imports

Last Modified: May 26, 2025

If you are importing animal products, byproducts, or products exposed to animal-sourced materials into the United States, there are import and permit requirements you need to follow.

APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animals and animal-derived materials to ensure they do not introduce foreign animal diseases into the United States. View APHIS-recognized animal health statuses of foreign regions for specific animal diseases, pests, or acceptable commodities.

If you're importing animal products for human consumption, you must comply with requirements from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. These are in addition to VS import requirements described below.  

VS Import Requirements

Generally, you need a VS permit for materials derived from animals or exposed to animal-source materials.

Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant

Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant

The VS Permitting Assistant has the most updated and comprehensive information about which products do or do not require a VS import permit.

For exported products returning to the United States, learn about the reentry process by using the VS Permitting Assistant as well. Be sure to follow all steps and instructions.

New to eFile or the VS Permitting Assistant? Visit APHIS eFile Permitting Resources and Training.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will review all imported animal products at the port of entry, including those that do not require an import permit.

Note: VS charges user fees for most import and export work, including permitting. For details, visit VS Import and Export User Fees.

I Want To...

Apply for an import permit

Use APHIS eFile to submit and track your permit applications, apply for renewals and amendments, and receive a copy of the permit.
Learn about permitting for organisms and vectors

APHIS regulates the import and interstate transport of organisms and vectors of pathogenic diseases of livestock and poultry.
Submit an import declaration

Learn how and when to file APHIS-required import data in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Bring animal or animal-derived products into the United States in passenger baggage

Visit our page on traveling with food or agricultural products.
Find or become an approved establishment for processing animal trophies, hides, or feathers

Learn what items need special processing at an approved establishment, find an approved establishment, and learn how to become an approved establishment.
Find an APHIS-approved establishment for the import of meat and casings

See our list of approved foreign entities.

Apply for an Animal Health Permit by Email

Import Guidance Documents

Latest Updates

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General Inquiries

Contact APHIS' Animal Product Import and Export team for general questions about animal product imports, such as permit applications and import requirements. For import shipments, please submit admissibility documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

For general requests, such as permit applications and import requirements:

Animal Product Import and Export Team

Email: apie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300

Note:

Email is preferred.

Animal Product Imports Contacts

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Refused or On-Hold Shipments

Contact the Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI) veterinary medical officer (VMO) for help with shipments of APHIS-regulated animal products that are refused or held at the U.S. port for noncompliance. Use the dropdown menu to find contact information for your nearest AQI VMO.

Animal Product Imports Contacts
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