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Animal Health Permits

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APHIS eFile is a web-based system that allows users to submit permit applications,

track applications, apply for renewals and amendments, and receive a copy of the

permit—all while online.

Users are required to sign up for a Verified Identity eAuthentication account to

access eFile; however, once you receive your eAuth ID and password, it provides a

centralized authentication service for all web-based services across the Federal

Government. Learn more at USDA eAuthentication .

If you are importing a pet dog or cat, do not apply for an import permit. Contact

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for requirements.

If you are importing dogs for resale, whether through commercial sale or

adoption, contact APHIS Animal Care.

If you are importing food products for human consumption, visit USDA's Food

Safety and Inspection Service.

APHIS eFile
Effective May 31, 2022, all new and renewal permit applications for live animals and

animal products, organisms, and vectors must be submitted via the APHIS eFile

system.

We encourage you to take advantage of the online access option to apply for

permits via APHIS eFile. This will help to expedite the entire permitting process and

enable users to track the status of their permits, confirm receipt, and easily renew or

amend existing permits.

Permits Offered Through the eFile System

Permit Name eFile

Link Instructions

VS 16-3: Application for Permit To Import

Controlled Material or Transport Organisms or

Vectors or Animal Products and By-Products

eFile

Step-by-step instructions for

completing VS 16-3 using

eFile (3.29 MB)

VS 16-7: Application for Permit To Import Cell

Cultures and Their Products eFile

VS 16-6A: Renew and/or Amend Existing VS

16-6A Import Permit eFile

VS 17-129: Application To Import or Transit

Live Animals, Semen, Embryos, and Eggs for

Hatching

eFile

Step-by-step instructions for

completing VS 17-129 using

eFile (1.52 MB)

VS 16-79: On-Hold Shipment Notification

Application eFile

Step-by-step instructions for

completing VS 16-79 using

eFile (1.14 MB)

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply for a Permit by eMail (for NoneAuthenticated Users)

Complete the appropriate form(s) and send by email. A fully completed VS 16-3 will

be required for each new permit, permit amendment, and permit renewal request.
VS 16-3: Application for Permit To Import Controlled Material or Transport

Organisms or Vectors or Animal Products and By-Products

General Instructions for Completing VS 16-3

VS 16-7: Application for Permit To Import Cell Cultures and Their Products

General Instructions for Completing VS 16-7

VS 17-129: Application for Import or in Transit Permit (fillable) (for live animals,

semen, or embryos)

General Instructions for Completing VS 17-29

VS 16-79: On-Hold Shipment Notification Application (fillable) (for animal

products and byproducts)

For faster and easier application submission and review, use APHIS eFile to create

and submit your application.

Contact Us

Animal Products

Animal Product Import and Export

Email: apie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300

Mailing Address

USDA-APHIS-VS

4700 River Rd., Unit 40

Riverdale, MD 20737 

Note:

Email is preferred. For urgent requests, state "URGENT" in the email subject line.
Live Animals

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export

Email: laie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300

For questions about import permits or permit applications:

Live Animal Import Permit Team

Email: laipermits@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3000

Select Agents and Toxins

Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins

Email: dasat@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-2070

Fax: 301-734-3652

Website

Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins

Website

Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins

Animal Health Permits Contacts