Export Live Animals to Japan

Last Modified: August 20, 2024

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.

Summary of Requirements

For all commodities other than the animal commodities listed* below to Japan, USDA Accredited Veterinarians may issue health certificates electronically through the online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). These certificates will be digitally endorsed by APHIS once received in the system and available for printing by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian once the endorsement is completed by APHIS. An APHIS-endorsed, printed paper copy must accompany the shipment.

Health certificates for the animal commodities listed* below, may be submitted by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian through VEHCS; however, the APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer's ink (wet) signature with the application of the APHIS embossed seal must appear on the health certificate. Certificates received by APHIS through the VEHCS system will be printed and endorsed in our offices, and the hard copy will be returned when complete. This APHIS-endorsed and embossed paper copy must accompany the shipment. 

* Pet Birds - Commercial (Birds, Non-Poultry)
   Rodents - Research (Research/Laboratory Animals)
   Pet Rodents – Commercial (Other Animals)
   Zoo Mammals - Other than Giraffes or Camelids (Other Animals)

Note: The following certification statements must appear on health certificate for swine and swine semen to Japan:

"There has been no clinical evidence of PED on the premises of origin of the live swine animals for export for at least 12 months prior to the start of export isolation."  

Test requirements during export isolation: "PED: PCR test using fresh feces with negative result"

Note: As of September 24, 2014 additional requirements for PED must be included for swine semen. (311.92 KB)

Note: For HPAI related restrictions please reference Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (MAFF) site.

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APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility approval is required.

Note: Research canines and felines must be approved by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and listed with current information in order to be allowed import. 

Note: Japan has banned the importation of prairie dogs as of March 1, 2003.

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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.

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.

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USDA Endorsement Offices

Contact your nearest APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office for questions about endorsing an export health certificate for live animals. 

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