Requirement of COVID-19 testing in live animals before importing into India
The CBIC issued Instruction No. 15/2021-Customs dated June 30, 2021 for the requirement of COVID-19 testing in live animals before importing into India.
Reference is invited to O.M. F.No. L-110110/5/2021-Trade-Part(1)(E-19215) dated June 21, 2021 issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying on the above-mentioned subject (copy enclosed).
It is stated that in order to rule out the spreading of COVID-19 infection through imported animals, the Cats (domestic- Felis catus), other members of the family; Felidae i.e. tigers (Panthera tigris), lions (Panthera leo), snow leopards (Panthera uncial), pumas (Puma spp.), etc. and Gorillas (Gorilla spp.) have to be tested for COVID-19 infection by the travelers/exporters in the exporting country while importing into India, till COVID-19 situation prevails.
In this regard, the concerned Regional officers/Quarantine officers, Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) will issue advance NOC/Final AQCS clearance for import of aforesaid animals into India after receiving a negative COVID-19 test report (no more than 3 days old before export into India) in addition to other existing requirements in this regard.
It is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the above-mentioned requirements for the import of live animals.
