Export Live Animals to South Africa

Last Modified: September 12, 2024

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.

Summary of Requirements

Note: An Import Permit must be obtained from the Republic of South Africa, and space must be reserved at the official quarantine station.

Note: Due to the HPAI outbreak, the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has imposed trade restrictions on the import of U.S. origin day-old chicks and hatching eggs from the following states:

  • Alabama (effective November 7, 2023)
  • Arkansas (effective December 1, 2023)
  • California (effective November 7, 2023)
  • Colorado (effective January 3, 2024)
  • Florida (effective February 22, 2024)
  • Georgia (effective December 1, 2023)
  • Idaho (effective January 3, 2024)
  • Indiana (effective February 5, 2024)
  • Iowa (effective November 2, 2023)
  • Kansas (effective January 3, 2024)
  • Maryland (effective December 1, 2023)
  • Massachusetts (effective August 8, 2024)
  • Michigan (effective January 3, 2024)
  • Minnesota (effective April 7, 2022)
  • Missouri (effective December 1, 2023)
  • Montana (effective April 20, 2022)
  • Nebraska (effective February 22, 2024)
  • Nevada (effective October 31, 2022)
  • New Jersey (effective June 6, 2022)
  • New Mexico (effective April 26, 2024)
  • New York (effective January 3, 2024)
  • North Carolina (effective March 6, 2024)
  • North Dakota (effective December 1, 2023)
  • Ohio (effective December 1, 2023)
  • Oregon (effective June 6, 2022)
  • Pennsylvania (effective January 10, 2024)
  • South Dakota (effective March 11, 2022)
  • Texas (effective April 26, 2024)
  • Utah (effective May 12, 2022)
  • Washington (effective November 22, 2023)
  • Wisconsin (effective January 3, 2024)

Note: Import Permits from the Republic of South Africa are required for live poultry, birds, day-old chicks and hatching eggs.

APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility approval is required for the following certificates:

Porcine - Semen - Health Certificate (244.01 KB)- September 2024

Note: South African Import Permits are required prior to APHIS endorsement of veterinary health certificates.

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.

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.