Export Live Animals to China

Last Modified: June 30, 2026

Electronic Signature ACCEPTED; Digital Endorsement for SOME COMMODITIES ONLY

For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Digital endorsement for SOME COMMODITIES ONLY

USDA-accredited veterinarians can electronically issue health certificates and use VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System) to submit them to USDA for endorsement. 

Digital endorsement varies by species—see requirements on this page for details. The health certificate either bears the original ink signature and embossed seal or digital signature/seal.

Live Animal Export Country Requirements

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Beijing is not currently allowing the importation of aquatic animals. Please arrange for aquatic animals to arrive at a different Chinese port of entry. Other animals are now allowed entry. 

Summary of Requirements

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(1) Only the below People’s Republic of China (PRC) health certificates are approved for bovine semen and embryos from USA to PRC. When filing the health certificate form, please use the Tab key to move from field to field. Do not use the Enter key.

The below protocols and health certificates are only intended for US-resident cattle producing semen and/or in vivo embryos.

Please note, before bovine semen and embryos are eligible for export, the collection facilities must be inspected by Chinese officials.

(2) Current List of China-Approved Bovine Embryo and Semen Collection and Production Facilities (135.18 KB) - January 2015 to Current

  • Bovine - Embryos - Protocol - Under negotiation. Protocol not available. - February 2025
  • Bovine - Embryos - Health Certificate - Under negotiation. Health certificate not available. - February 2025
  • Bovine - Semen - Protocol - Under negotiation. Protocol not available. - February 2025
  • Bovine - Semen - Health Certificate - Under negotiation. Health certificate not available. - February 2025

As of March 9, 2011, China requires temporary attestation for novel A/H1N1 flu (additional document required). As of August 1, 2014, China requires negative PCR test results for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) and porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV) during quarantine (additional document required as of January 2022).

NOTE: China will NOT ALLOW live poultry from the following States:  

  • The State of Arkansas on or after October 7, 2022.
  • The State of California on or after August 22, 2022.
  • The State of Colorado on or after April 8, 2022.
  • The State of Delaware on or after January 4, 2025
  • The State of Florida on or after October 14, 2022.
  • The State of Georgia on or after November 21, 2023.
  • The State of Idaho on or after April 14, 2022.
  • The State of Illinois on or after November 30, 2022.
  • The State of Indiana on or after February 8, 2022.
  • The State of Iowa on or after March 6, 2022.
  • The State of Kansas on or after March 11, 2022.
  • The State of Maryland on or after November 21, 2023.
  • The State of Michigan on or after April 13, 2022.
  • The State of Minnesota on or after March 25, 2022.
  • The State of Mississippi on or after November 4, 2022.
  • The State of Missouri on or after March 4, 2022.
  • The State of Montana on or after April 7, 2022.
  • The State of New Jersey on or after May 17, 2022.
  • The State of New York on or after March 23, 2022.
  • The State of North Carolina on or after February 9, 2024.
  • The State of North Dakota on or after March 29, 2022.
  • The State of Pennsylvania on or after April 15, 2022.
  • The State of Rhode Island on or after June 12, 2026. 
  • The State of South Carolina on or after December 31, 2024
  • The State of South Dakota on or after March 5, 2022.
  • The State of Vermont on or after December 5, 2025
  • The State of Washington on or after May 5, 2022.
  • The State of Wisconsin on or after March 14, 2022.

China does not allow live poultry exports from U.S. states they consider HPAI affected (as listed above).

Please modify Certification Statement #1 of each of the following health certificates, to exclude all states currently banned, as follows:

  1. The United States of America officially confirms that commercial poultry flocks are free from highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (except for: list all of the state above individually here), viscerotropic velogenic Newcastle disease, and plague of gosling.
     

For all other aquatic animal exports, see information below.

APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility approval is required.

For exports of U.S. origin aquatic species that are not included on the lists above, the Chinese importer should contact the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) to request a special import permit. 

Health Certificates for Naked Mole Rats and Parasites & cocoons to China must be digitally endorsed by APHIS within VEHCS and a printed copy accompany the shipment.

Rodent health certificates must be printed, signed and physically endorsed by APHIS.  All other commodities may be issued and endorsed within VEHCS. 

Health Certificates for Giant Panda semen to China must be physically endorsed by APHIS with an original ink signature and embossed seal. The original APHIS-endorsed certificate must accompany the shipment. 

Taking a Pet to Another Country?

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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.

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