Importing Live Equines and Equine Germplasm into the United States

• Live equine and equine germplasm shipments must be accompanied by a USDA import permit, except for certain shipments from Canada and Mexico. See Importing Live Equines and Germplasm from Canada and Importing Live Equines and Germplasm from Mexico for more information. 
• Importers should apply for an import permit online using the APHIS eFile system. This will expedite the permitting process and enable users to track the status of their permits, confirm receipt, and easily renew or amend existing permits. Visit Animal Health Permits to learn more about applying for an import permit, including paper applications.
• Importers must submit the import permit application at least 7 business days prior to shipping live equines or equine germplasm.
• An import permit is valid for 14 days for live equines and equine germplasm.
• APHIS charges a fee for processing import permit applications and for amending and/or renewing a permit, if applicable.

• A valid official, original, paper export health certificate, written in English or with English translation, is required for entry, except for equine semen from Canada. 
• The official health certificate must be issued by either a full-time salaried government veterinarian of the national Competent Veterinary Authority (the exporting country’s national government agency responsible for animal health), or an authorized veterinarian acting on their behalf. Each official health certificate must be endorsed by the full-time salaried government veterinarian of the exporting country’s national Competent Veterinary Authority. 
• The original paper export health certificate, with wet pen and ink endorsement, MUST accompany the shipment upon arrival; APHIS will not accept a photocopy of the export health certificate. 
• Original paper supplemental health documentation is needed for horses that reside in multiple countries within the 60 days preceding import into the United States. The Equine Import Requirements for Horses Residing in Multiple European Union (EU) Member States During the 60 Days Prior to Export to the United States (222.31 KB)contains additional import documentation needed for horses of EU origin. For U.S. origin horses being temporarily exported to CEM-affected countries, follow the import documentation requirements in the Equine Import Requirements for U.S. Returning Horses  (195.1 KB)notice.
• Certification and testing requirements are country specific and must reflect the animal health status of the region(s) in which the horses have resided or transited.

Port Inspection for Live Equine(s)

• A USDA port veterinarian must inspect the equine(s) at the first U.S. port of entry, unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. import permit. Qualifying horses temporarily entering from Canada by land do not require an inspection.
• The importer or designated agent must arrange for port inspection at least 3 business days prior to arrival. Contact information for USDA at the port of entry is listed on the import permit (if applicable), or you may select the U.S. State below to find contact information for APHIS Port Services.

• The initial inspection consists of an examination of the shipment and a review of the required accompanying documentation such as the export health certificate, supplemental health documentation (if required), and the U.S. import permit. View user fee rates for inspection services.

Port Inspection for Equine Germplasm

• A USDA port veterinarian must inspect the equine germplasm at the first U.S. port of entry, except for equine semen from Canada or if otherwise indicated on the U.S. import permit.
• The importer or designated agent must arrange for port inspection at least 3 business days prior to arrival. Contact information for USDA at the port of entry is listed on the import permit or select the U.S. State below to find contact information for APHIS Port Services.

• Equine germplasm containers and tanks from a country affected by foot and mouth disease (FMD) must be disinfected at the airport in the exporting country prior to departure and again upon arrival in the United States, under the supervision of a USDA veterinarian.
• Shipments of equine germplasm that are refused entry into the United States should contact USDA Port Services at the port of entry for information on how to return the shipment to the country of origin.

• All live equines entering the United States must undergo import quarantine, except horses from Canada. Quarantine may be 3 days, 7 days, or 60 days. The quarantine length is determined by: 
  • The animal health status of the country or countries of residency where the equine resided in for the 60 days prior to import into the United States. 
  • The animal health status of country or countries transited before arrival at the U.S. port of entry.
  • The purpose of entry (competition, breeding, permanent or temporary residency).

• The importer or designated agent must reserve space at an APHIS-approved equine quarantine facility associated with the port of entry at least 3 business days prior to the date of arrival.

• For horses residing in a CEM-affected country or countries within 12 months of seeking import into the United States, exporting from a CEM-affected country, or transiting a CEM-affected country or countries, the importer must also reserve space at an approved CEM quarantine facility. For more information, see Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) Testing for Imported Horses.

• USDA tests live equines during import quarantine to determine if they are free of certain foreign animal diseases. The cost of diagnostic testing is separate from the quarantine fee. See USDA Import Testing of Horses (152.24 KB) for more information.
• The importer is responsible for all costs and fees associated with the import, including but not limited to USDA fees for port inspection, quarantine stay, and laboratory testing during quarantine.
• USDA may provide cost estimates for federal quarantine at a USDA Animal Import Center. To determine costs associated with a private quarantine facility, you must contact the facility itself.