It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

Information about the process required to import live bivalve molluscs into the United States of America can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

Additionally, animals carrying diseases of risk to domestic or wild animals are subject to regulations from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as they may be considered injurious species. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides information regarding import of both marine mammals and seafood.

Email

VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

As required by the importing country.

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

For the importation of live bivalve molluscs it is recommended that documents are not placed inside shipping containers. Please refer to the Amphibians, Fish, Reptiles, Shellfish and Aquatic Species (includes venom) Guideline for more information.

Importing country website and information. Entry last reviewed 6 May 2021.