The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on Wednesday notified the requirement of COVID-19 testing in live animals before importing into India.
The Board has issued the notification in the light of the Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
“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,” the CBIC while instructing all Principal Chief Commissioner/Chief Commissioner of Customs/Custom (Preventive), All Principal Chief Commissioner/Chief Commissioner of Central Tax and Customs, all Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs /Custom (Preventive), and all Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Central Tax and Customs said.
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 sensitise officers under your jurisdiction regarding the above-mentioned requirements for import of live animals,” CBIC added.
Subscribe Taxscan Premium to view the JudgmentSupport our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan AdFree. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates.
