Animal Health Permits
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 Application 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 (2.96 MB) |
| VS 16-7: Application for Permit To Import Cell Cultures and Their Products (Supplement to VS 16-3) | 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 (3.5 MB) |
| VS 16-79: On-Hold Shipment Notification Application | eFile | Step-by-step instructions for completing VS 16-79 using eFile (965.4 KB) |
Apply for a Permit by eMail (for Users Unable to use APHIS eFile
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 (276.11 KB)
- VS 16-7: Application for Permit To Import Cell Cultures and Their Products (Supplement to VS 16-3) (206.3 KB)
- General Instructions for Completing VS 16-7 (56.52 KB)
- VS 17-129: Application for Import or in Transit Permit (fillable) (211.74 KB) (for live animals, semen, or embryos)
- General Instructions for Completing VS 17-29 (556.61 KB)
- VS 16-79: On-Hold Shipment Notification Application (fillable) (200.34 KB) (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
USDA-APHIS-VS
4700 River Rd., Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737
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: 301-851-3300
Select Agents and Toxins
Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins