CBIC notifies revised Procedure for Import of Pets and Live Animals [Read Circular]

CBIC - Import Pets - Live Animals - Taxscan

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC) on Monday notified the revised procedure for the Import of Pets and Live Animals.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has issued Office Memorandum dated July 15, 2020, prescribing the procedure for import of Live Animals in general and also for import of pets (only Dogs and Cats) as baggage/Personal imports by Passengers.

The office memorandum elaborated on the ease of understanding and doing business as well as streamlining the complete process of import of live animals into India by the importers, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Process for import; Application Form for obtaining advance No Objection Certificate from AQCS; Veterinary Health Certificate format to fulfill Indian requirements; format for advance No Objection Certificate; format for Physical Examination of Pet at the port of arrival; format for Physical Examination of the pet/animals during Quarantine period at AQCS; format for final No Objection Certificate, etc. have been standardized for import of live animals including pets into India and are annexed herewith. The details of post-import tests and the name of laboratories where required tests will be done have also been mentioned.

The DAHD has also clarified, “the concerned AQCS will inspect only those documents which pertain to veterinary health requirements. The other documents/ licenses, which are required under various rules & regulations of other Departments including Customs, shall be inspected by the Customs authorities.”

The notification seeked to clarify the procedure, which must be followed by the importers/Airlines before arrival for import of Pet/Live Animals to ensure quicker clearance.

Firstly, if there are a maximum of 2 Pets (only dog and cat) brought with passengers eligible and availing Transfer of Residence after 2 years stay abroad. Passengers must ensure eligibility about transfer of residence under Baggage Rules, 2016. Passengers to obtain Veterinary Health Certificate from the Country of Export. Passenger to apply for advance NOC to AQCS and obtain the same. Airline will not lift the live animals until advance NOC from AQCS is obtained by the passenger.

Secondly, if in case there is a re-Import of pets by passengers, the Passenger to ensure that he possesses a copy of earlier Veterinary Health Certificate for export issued by AQCS India; obtain veterinary Health Certificate from Country of Export; apply for advance NOC to AQCS and obtain the same and airline will not lift the live animal until advance NOC from AQCS is obtained by the passenger.

Lastly, pets brought by the passengers for short stay must obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate from Country of Export; obtain Import License from DGFT;  apply for advance NOC to AQCS and obtain the same and airline will not lift the live animal until advance NOC from AQCS is obtained by the Importer.

“On arrival, the Customs Officers shall allow clearance only based on final NOC provided by AQCS after the examination of said pets/live animals and production of DGFT license and/or clearance of WCCB, wherever applicable. For the procedures related to clearance by AQCS, the above said O.M referred in para 2 may be referred to,” the circular said.

The Board has also provided the format of the Veterinary Health Certificate for Import of Pet Dogs into India in the form of Annexure I.

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