Export Live Animals to Korea

Last Modified: June 17, 2026

Electronic Signature ACCEPTED; Original Ink Endorsement REQUIRED

For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsement REQUIRED

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

USDA must ink-sign and emboss the health certificate.

Live Animal Export Country Requirements

View Requirements

Summary of Requirements

The posted health certificate templates/formats are required to be used. 

Note: Multiple animals may be recorded on one health certificate.

Note: Documentation Requirement Reminder: A signed VS Form 17-37 & USDA endorsed Veterinary Health Certificate must accompany all shipments of equines, cattle, and swine and be provided to the Korea animal health officials at the port of entry.

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Note: After arrival in the Republic of Korea, the swine will undergo a 15 day quarantine and novel influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2v) antigen testing.  The sample health certificate posted below is required to be used.

Note: Due to HPAI, Ratite Birds, Hatching Eggs and Day-Old Chicks are not currently eligible for export to Korea. For zones eligible to export Poultry Day-Old Chicks please refer to HPAI Guidance and Restrictions link.

HPAI Guidance and Restrictions for Poultry (excluding ratites) (June 2026)

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Note: According to the National Fishery Products Quarantine Management Service (NFQS) of the Republic of Korea, aquatic animals not included in the Disease List for Aquaculture Health Certificate below are not designated quarantine commodities and can be imported into Korea without health certificates. 

Note: The National Fishery Products Quality Management Service (NFQS) of the Republic of Korea has informed APHIS that no species of living-modified (e.g., genetically modified) ornamental fish and salmonid fish (including eyed eggs) are permitted for import to Korea. Should imported U.S. origin aquatic animals be identified as LMOs through import quarantine procedure, the animals in question may be destroyed.

Note: No requirements for importation of reptiles, unless the species to be exported requires a CITES permit. If a CITES permit is needed, the importer should acquire an import permit from Korea’s Ministry of Environment.

Note: A health certificate for this commodity can also be generated through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). Commercial ferrets facilities must be APHIS approved and notified to Korea prior to export.

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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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