Import of Pet Animals into India - Travelling with pets

Import of Pet Animals into India - Travelling with pets

Trade Notice No.  22/2022-23 Dated: 19^th December 2022   

Subject: Guidelines for import of Pet Animals –reg.

1. Several requests are being received for clarifications regarding the import of Pet animals (cats/dogs). In this regard, it is submitted that the import policy provisions for ‘other’ mammals including pet animals (cats/dogs) are as follows:

2. Imports of Pet Animals may be through Cargo as well as part of Passenger baggage. Reference the above-mentioned Import Policy provisions and in accordance with the CBIC Circular No. 15/2013 Customs dated 08.04.2013, requirement of import authorization is summarized as follows –

3. The following mandatory documents are required when applying –

4. Steps to Apply for an import authorisation to DGFT are as follows:

An application for grant of an Import Authorisation may be submitted (as per ANF-2M of the FTP) along with documents enlisted under Para 3. The application may be submitted against their Importer Exporter Code (IEC), if the applicant has one. Alternatively, they may apply against the permanent IEC No. IIHIE0153E, i.e., IEC for ‘Persons /Institutions /Hospitals importing or exporting goods for personal use, not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture’. 

This online application may be submitted on the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in) by navigating to → Services → Import Management System → Import Authorisation of

Restricted Items → Apply for a new Authorization

5. The Pet Owners travelling to India are advised to initiate the import authorisation application process at least 2 months in advance of the travel dates.

6. It may be noted that any applications for trading/breeding purposes, or applications made on behalf of some another person/ entity shall be duly rejected.

7. Import of pet animals is allowed only through airports and seaports of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata. Where required, the animals shall also be quarantined in the government quarantine station of the said ports for a stipulated period.

8. The applicant should further obtain an Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Officer/ Quarantine Officer (AQCS) of the ports mentioned at point 7 above after submitting a copy of import license issued by the DGFT and a copy of Health Certificate issued by the Veterinarian of the exporting country. The testing for diseases as prescribed in the health certificate should be conducted in the exporting country and all the test reports need to be accompanied with the animals. This NOC needs to be obtained from the Regional Officer/ Quarantine Officer seven days before the date of travel (relaxable up to 3 days depending on the specific circumstances).

Note: Before filling the request for advance NOC to AQCS, the applicant may ensure the following compliances –

1. In case of Transfer of Residence: Stay abroad must be of more than two years.
2. In case of Re-import: Copy of earlier Veterinary Health Certificate for export from India by AQCS in India is to be enclosed.
3. In case of Short Stay in India: A valid import authorisation issued by DGFT (https://gov.in)

9. All International Airlines are directed to ensure that the required regulatory compliances are duly fulfilled prior to on-boarding of pet animals to avoid challenges for their passengers/pet owners upon disembarking at destination. Embassies of India abroad may also consider advising the travellers to India to seek permissions/ licenses as per the procedure summarised above.

This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.