Basic information
Outline of the system
Import of all live animals (including pets), products of animal origin meant for human consumption and products of animal origin not meant for human consumption is regulated under the Animal Diseases Act 1925. Under regulations made under this Act, an importer must apply to the Livestock and Veterinary Division for an import permit prior to import. The Import Permit lays down all the animal health and veterinary public health conditions which need to be fulfilled and certified by official veterinary authorities of the exporting country prior to export.
All import permits (except for live pets) are being issued online on the TRADENET (MNS system) according to the GN 186 of 2019.
Product coverage
Import of:
(a) live animals including pets;
(b) products of animal origin meant for human consumption; and
(c) products of animal origin not meant for human consumption.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The purpose of the Import Permit is to protect the country against sanitary threat in line with the WTO SPS Agreement.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
N/A.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to the above-mentioned goods originating from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Animal Disease Act 1925 and subsequent regulations (Government Notice 186 of 2019).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons are eligible to apply for import permits.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
At the time of application, the importer should submit the following information:
(a) Live animals
i. Description, ii. Country of origin, iii. Quantity, iv. Common name, v. Scientific name, vi. Sex, vii. Quarantine site (if applicable) in country of export, viii. Purpose of import (for slaughter, qurbani etc.), ix. Test reports where applicable.
(b) Products of animal origin meant for human consumption
i. Description (category, type, specific details of product etc.), ii. Product technical details, iii. Brand name, iv. Country of origin, v. Quantity, vi. Name, address and storage capacity of cold storage/warehouse, vii. Number and type of package.
(c) Products of animal origin not meant for human consumption
i. Description (category, type, specific details of product etc.), ii. Product technical details, iii. Brand name, iv. Country of origin, v. Quantity, vi. Name, address and storage capacity of warehouse, vii. Number and type of package, viii. Treatment attestation where applicable.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The importer should hold a valid import permit prior to import, hence it is the responsibility of the importer to organize for application of import permits.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes an import permit may be granted immediately if all required information is submitted to the satisfaction of the LVD. Imports are allowed immediately upon the issue of permits.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Import permits are issued within two days of application subject to all required information are submitted to the satisfaction of the LVD.
The products shall be verified, tested or analysis of the goods is done, the authorised officer shall issue or refuse to issue the import permit, as the ease may be, not later than two working days:
(a) after verification of the goods; or
(b) on the basis of the test report, as the case may be.
For all consignments arriving at the port without a valid import permit and an international veterinary certificate, landing is not allowed and such products are not cleared by the LVD.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
For most products mentioned under answer 2 above, a permit is delivered by the LVD.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
In the case of animal feed containing plant materials and fodder or fish and fish products, approval from the National Plant Protection Office and Ministry of Fisheries as a recommender in the TRADENET, is also required respectively.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No other conditions.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Import Fees:
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
• Horses – Rs 1,000 per animal.
• Cats and dogs – Rs 500 per animal.
• Caged birds – Rs 100 for every 10 birds or less.
• Cattle, goats and sheep – Rs 10 per animal.
• Other live animals – Rs 200 per animal.
• Meat intended for human consumption - Rs 50 for each ton of meat or less.
• Other items – Rs 100 permit.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
An import permit may be refused at any time in case of disease outbreak or suspicion of disease or veterinary public health issues in the country of export or in the country where the raw material originates or in the country where processing of the products has been carried out.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Justifications are provided for any refusal in a transparent manner in the online system.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Applicants have the right of appeal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Arrival of all consignments should be notified to the LVD at least two days in advance by filling in and submitting the Veterinary Entry Document and supporting documents such as the international veterinary certificate issued by the exporting country, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill number, a copy of the import permit etc. through the TradeNet Portal.
Live animals (except pets) and products of animal origin not meant for human consumption as well as for products of animal origin meant for human consumption, are being cleared online through the TradeNet Portal. For live animals (pets), a certificate of entry is also being issued manually.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No other administrative procedures prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
An import permit is valid for the following categories as follows:
Live animals including pets: one month
Products of animal origin meant for human consumption and not meat for human consumption) – three months.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No penalty.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Not transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
N/A.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
N/A.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
N/A.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
N/A.