Animal Product Imports
If you are importing animal products, byproducts, or products exposed to animal-sourced materials into the United States, there are import and permit requirements you need to follow.
APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animals and animal-derived materials to ensure they do not introduce foreign animal diseases into the United States.
Find information about APHIS-recognized animal health statuses of foreign regions for specific animal diseases, pests, or acceptable commodities.
If the animal products you're importing are for human consumption, you may also need to meet requirements from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. These are in addition to APHIS requirements described below.
VS Import Requirements
Generally, you need a VS permit for materials derived from animals or exposed to animal-source materials.
Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant
The VS Permitting Assistant has the most updated and comprehensive information about which products do or do not require a VS import permit.
For exported products returning to the United States, learn about the reentry process by using the VS Permitting Assistant as well. Be sure to follow all steps and instructions.
New to eFile or the VS Permitting Assistant? Visit APHIS eFile Permitting Resources and Training.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will review all imported animal products at the port of entry, including those that do not require an import permit.
Note: VS charges user fees for most import and export work, including permitting. For details, visit VS Import and Export User Fees.
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General Inquiries
Contact APHIS' Animal Product Import and Export team for general questions about animal product imports, such as permit applications and import requirements. For import shipments, please submit admissibility documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
For general requests, such as permit applications and import requirements:
Animal Product Import and Export Team
Email: apie@usda.gov
Phone: 301-851-3300
Email is preferred.
General Inquiries
Contact APHIS' Animal Product Import and Export team for general questions about animal product imports, such as permit applications and import requirements. For import shipments, please submit admissibility documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
For general requests, such as permit applications and import requirements:
Animal Product Import and Export Team
Email: apie@usda.gov
Phone: 301-851-3300
Email is preferred.
Refused or On-Hold Shipments
Contact the Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) veterinary medical officer (VMO) about shipments of APHIS-regulated animal products that are refused or are held at the U.S. port for noncompliance.
AQI Veterinary Medical Officers
AQI VMOs can assist with imported animal product shipments that are held at the U.S. port for noncompliance. Use the dropdown menu to find contact information for your nearest AQI VMO.
Animal Product Imports
For general requests, such as permit applications and import requirements:
Animal Product Import and Export Team
Email: apie@usda.gov
Phone: 301-851-3300
Email is preferred.
AQI Veterinary Medical Officers
Use the dropdown menu to find contact information for your nearest Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) veterinary medical officer.