Import of Pets into India – DGFT Guidelines

For the endearing pet lover, owning a pet is akin to befriending someone, so much so that pets are considered an integral part of the household. The Indian laws allow the Import of pets, but like the Import of anything, it has specific procedures to be complied with. This article is intended for pet lovers to help with the guidelines for importing pets into India.

Classification of Pets for Imports

For import purposes, no other animals other than cats and dogs are considered pets. Other animals and species, including birds, reptiles, mammals, etc., can only be imported through air cargo, provided the importer holds a DGFT license, including import export code. Animals proposed to be imported into India should also not be considered endangered by the Government.

Before Arriving in India

Before arriving in India with a pet, ensure that you have completed the steps below:

Healthy Dog or Cat

Ensure that your dog is healthy and shows no clinical signs of any disease, including rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus infection, leptospirosis, infectious canine hepatitis, scabies, leishmaniasis, etc. In the case of cats, ensure that the cat shows no clinical sign of any disease, including rabies, feline enteritis, feline panleukopenia, leptospirosis, distemper, scabies, aujeszky's disease, toxoplasmosis, etc.

Vaccinations

Ensure that the dog or cat is vaccinated for rabies (in case it is more than three months of age), canine distemper, parvovirus infection, leptospirosis, etc., within the time limit recommended by the vaccine manufacturer licensed and approved by the exporting country. Keep a record of all vaccines administered for verification.

Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

Obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection from the country from which the pet is exported. A certificate of veterinary inspection, or CVI, is a form completed by an accredited veterinarian and used to verify the general good health of an animal. It may also be called a health certificate. A sample Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is reproduced below for reference:

Mode of imports

Imports of Pet Animals may be through Cargo and part of Passenger baggage.

Passenger baggage

Accompanied Cargo is a system wherein the owner accompanies the pet during the journey, and the dog/cat has been booked as 'excess, checked or accompanied baggage.' As described earlier, the traveling details of the pet are among the many documents required for transport. Hence, in this case, the pet owner must have the ticket he used for the journey. It must be supported with a copy of the Visa or any other document to establish continuous stay abroad for a minimum period of two years with proof of transferring the residence to India.

Manifest Cargo

Manifest Cargo is a system wherein importing a pet using airline cargo. Suppose the pet is being transported in this manner. In that case, the documents must include a copy of the passport of the owner/caretaker, a copy of the owner/caretaker's e-ticket, and a copy of the airway bill.

Requirement of import authorization for Import of Pets

Permanent imports

Permanent imports of up to two pets

Import is allowed as passenger baggage, without DGFT authorization, only to persons transferring their residence to India after two years of continuous stay abroad. Only cats and dogs can be imported under baggage rules. Import authorization from DGFT is required if:

The period of continuous stay abroad is less than two years
The pet is not being transported as passenger baggage
The pet cannot be imported under the baggage rules

Permanent imports for more than two pets

Import authorization from DGFT is required
Before the grant of an import authorization, applications shall be submitted for examination based on the justifications and supporting documents to DAH&D.

Temporary imports

Import authorization from DGFT is required. Before the grant of an import authorization, applications shall be submitted for examination based on the justifications and supporting documents to DAH&D.

Prescribed time to Apply for Import Authorization

The Pet Owners traveling to India are advised to initiate the import authorization application process at least two months before the travel dates. 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.

Pet Imports and Quarantine in India

Importing 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.

Documents Required

Mandatory documents required for Import of pets

Permanent Import

Vaccination Book/Pet Passport/Pet Book
Certificate for Emotional Support
Passport of the Pet

Temporary Import

Vaccination Book/Pet Passport/Pet Book
Certificate for Emotional Support
Passport of the Pet
Copy of return ticket or expected date of return
The local host/relative/family must submit an undertaking that in case the applicant/pet owner fails to take back the pet, they shall be liable for action under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, as amended from time to time.

Requirement of Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC

The applicant should obtain an Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the ports' Regional Officer/ Quarantine Officer (AQCS) after submitting a copy of the import license issued by the DGFT and a copy of the 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 the animals must accompany all the test reports. 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

In case of Transfer of Residence: Stay abroad must be more than two years.
In case of Re-import: A copy of the earlier Veterinary Health Certificate for export from India by AQCS in India is to be enclosed.
In case of Short Stay in India: A valid import authorization was issued by DGFT.

Procedure to Apply for an import authorization to DGFT

An application for grant of an Import Authorisation may be submitted (as per ANF-2M of the FTP) along with documents enlisted above:

The application may be advanced 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.'

Online Application Procedure

This online application may be submitted on the DGFT Website and click on the Services.
Select the Import Management System from the drop-down list and click on the Import Authorisation of Restricted Items.
Click on License for Restricted Imports; the link will redirect to a new page where the applicant can apply for a recent authorization / Amendment of Restricted Imports Authorisation.
Provide all details on the application page, upload the document and make payment. After verifying the parties, the import authorization for the restricted item will be issued.

Click here to learn more about the DGFT Online Module for Import Authorization.

Clearing Pets after Landing in India

The pets must be imported into any of the following designated airports:

Delhi
Mumbai
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kolkata

The pets may be brought into the country by the owner or by other means within 30 days of his first immigration stamp as displayed on the passport after issuing a proper work/spouse/dependent visa. Post arrival, the pet will be subject to the necessary health examinations by the Quarantine Officer. Quarantine Officer will examine the health of the dog or cat and verify the veterinary certificate and vaccination records of the pet. If the dog or cat is/are free from any clinical illness and the documents, including veterinary certificate/ vaccination records, are found in order, the animals imported as pets under accompanied or unaccompanied baggage will be quarantined for 15 days. If the pet is detected with any signs of clinical illness during quarantine, the period of quarantine may be extended depending on the disease and its severity.

Veterinary Certificate for Pet Dogs

Sample veterinary certificate for pet dogs that must be completed by the pet owner and signed off by the Quarantine Officer in India is reproduced below:

Veterinary Certificate for Pet Cats

Sample veterinary certificate for pet cats that must be completed by the pet owner and signed off by the Quarantine Officer in India is reproduced below: