General
1.1 The import of dogs and cats is subject to the general conditions for the import of animals as laid down in Animal Quarantine Circular No. 1, "General Conditions".
1.2 Dogs and cats which have been born, raised and for imported animals, have been cleared of quarantine requirements or spent more than one year (whichever, is earliest) in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu only, may be imported into PNG with prior written permission from the Chief Stock Inspector in the form of an import permit. These are referred to as permitted countries or states.
1.3 Dogs and cats originating from countries other than from countries or states mentioned above, are restricted and their importation will be subjected to conditions specified in AQC 15A.
1.4 Dogs for specialised humanitarian purposes from all countries are allowed subject to conditions to be determined by the Chief Stock Inspector/ Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals).
1.5 Dogs and cats entering PNG must be identified by microchip or ear tattooing identification system.
1.6 The following is totally prohibited:
1.6.1 Dogs and cats originating from countries known to be endemic for rabies,
1.6.2 Vaccination against rabies, unless vaccination intended for entry into Australia is a pre-requisite requirement,
1.6.3 Breeds: Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasilerio, dingo, wolf, Perro de Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Alano Espanol, Dogue de Bordeaux, etc.
1.6.4 Hybrids like wolves, Australian dingo, etc.
1.6.5 Pregnant animals at late pregnancy stage
1.6.6 Dogs less than twelve (12) weeks old at the time of application
1.6.7 Dogs between 12 weeks and 6 months old at the time of application, unless exemption is granted under Section 1.7
1.7 For animals in Section 1.6.7, an exemption can be granted for animals between 12 weeks and 6 months of age, if the breed can be officially verified by a registered veterinarian who is familiar with the breed of the animal or for a breeding animal, the veterinarian is familiar with animal and the breeding setup OR for pedigree-registered breeds, a Registration of Pedigree certificate issued by the appropriate breed associations or councils in the form specified in section 2.1.2 of this circular.
Intending importers or owners are advised to apply to NAQIA for exemption at the time of lodging application in the form of a bona fide copy of the registered veterinary breed declaration certificate as stipulated in section 2.1.2. Permission for this exemption is at the sole discretion of the Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals).
- Note
Animals will be refused permission to land or clearance for importation without prior approval for exemption and/or without an authenticated breed verification documentations acceptable to the CQO (Animals).
If exemption is granted, the typed document (not hand-written) should be titled “Registered Veterinary Breed Declaration Certificate", made on an official letterhead paper, dated and stamped and the original certificate must accompany the animals for verification by quarantine inspectors on arrival in PNG. A bona fide copy of the certificate must accompany the application form when lodging application for an import permit.
1.8 Important note for intending importers:
Due to uncertainty of services during public holidays including weekends, intending importers are advised not to ship animals to arrive in PNG during these periods. NAQIA will ensure no permits are granted for arrival during these periods.
In addition, importers must ensure animals arrive only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, unless a public holiday falls on these days.
Document requirements
2. Specific Conditions
2.1 Statutory Declaration
2.1.1 A statutory declaration by the owner or his agent that the animals for importation:
a) are to the best of his knowledge and belief, free from all infectious and contagious diseases,
b) have not been in contact with diseased animals for 30 days immediately preceding embarkation,
c) have met the requirements specified in section 1.2 for country of origin,
d) (in the case of dogs) the animal is not a Pit Bull or American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Filas, Dogo Argentino, dingo or a wolf (including a cross of one or more of these breeds or types) or any other breed mentioned in 1.6.3 above.
2.1.2 For dogs between 12 weeks and 6 months of age at the time of shipment, a breed declaration certificate issued by a registered veterinarian who is familiar with the dog(s) in the form of a Registered Veterinary Breed Declaration certificate or by breed associations or councils in the form of a Registration for Pedigree Certificate must be provided on application for permit. These declarations must state the following details:
a) breed particulars including name of the dog and its identity
b) name and address of the owner or agent
c) name, address and contact details of the veterinarian or person making the declaration
d) declaration, stating, that, for a veterinarian he/she is registered veterinarian (quote registration number) and familiar with the animal and its owner(s) and certifies the breed accordingly. A further declaration that the breed of animal for export is not a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Filas, Dogo Argentino, Dingo, purebred wolf or fox, or any breed mentioned in 1.6.3 above.
e) The declaration must be made on an appropriate letterhead, signed, dated and an official stamped affixed (see appendix for the format).
2.2 General veterinary certificate
2.2.1 A certificate issued by an authorised quarantine veterinary officer stating that
a) He/she has read the owners or agents statutory declaration with respect to the animals for export, and, after due enquiry, has no reason to doubt the truth of that declaration.
b) the animals described in the statutory declaration have been examined within 48 hours of embarkation and found to be in good health, and free of infectious and contagious disease, ticks, stickfast flea and all external parasites.
2.3. Specific veterinary certificate
A declaration by an authorised veterinary officer that for:
2.3.1. Dogs
a) The dog has been immunised against canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus and parainfluenza with a registered vaccine product at least fourteen (14) days and not more than twelve (12) months prior to export.
b) Within 14 days immediately preceding the date of shipment the dog has been treated with praziquantel at the dose rate of 5 milligrams per kilogram.
c) The dog has been dipped or washed once with an approved acaricide within 5 days of embarkation.
2.3.2. Cats
a) The cat has been immunised against feline enteritis, feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus, with a registered vaccine product at least fourteen (14) days and not more than twelve (12) months prior to export.
b) The cat has been dipped or washed once with an approved acaricide within 5 days of embarkation.
2.4 Specific requirement for Hendra virus testing
2.4.1 This specific requirement refers to both cats and dogs originating from permitted countries Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Australia.
2.4.2 The cat and/ or dog for import into PNG must be subject to Hendra virus serum neutralisation test at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) with a negative result within 21 days of export.
2.4.3 The official AAHL test result must accompany the import permit during export of animal, and must be endorsed by the authorised quarantine veterinary officer.
- Note
- Currently Hendra virus testing requirements in AQC 15 are no longer a requirement based on written advice dated 23 October 2014 received from the Acting Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals) for the National Agriculture Quarantine & Inspection Authority.
Pre and post arrival quarantine requirements
3. Post Entry Quarantine
3.1 Dogs and cats are permitted entry only through the international airport at Port Moresby and Lae (the latter restricted to prior arrangement only).
3.2 Dogs and cats must arrive at these ports only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and not on weekends or public holidays.
3.3 Post-arrival quarantine in Port Moresby will be at NAQIA animal quarantine station at Kilakila, C/o PO Box 741, Port Moresby, NCD.
3.4 Depending on the situation and at the discretion of the Chief Stock Inspector or Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals), an alternative quarantine facility may be approved for temporary use.
3.5 All importers must have an authorised Customs Clearing Agent nominated to handle clearance from Customs upon arrival of animals. It is a requirement according to PNG Customs legislations that duly authorised agents act as Customs Brokers for any import, including live animals. Please contact PNG Customs on 312 7500 or
Papua New Guinea Customs Service for advice on Customs Clearing Agents. Refer to section 5.2 below for Customs fees that apply.
3.6 Animals will be collected from the airport and transported to the quarantine station by authorised quarantine personnel of the station or the nominated Customs Agent under supervision by quarantine personnel. Owners will not be permitted to collect or take charge of the animal on arrival.
3.7 The animals will be held under quarantine observation for a minimum of 48 hours after arrival. The Chief Stock Inspector or Chief Quarantine Officer (Animal) may order extension of quarantine period depending on the health condition of the animal.
3.8 Owners or their agents must inform post-entry quarantine personnel at least 48 hours prior to actual arrival of the animals at the following contacts:
Regional Veterinary Officer, ph. +675 3200771,
daruvet@online.net.pg
Chief Veterinary Officer, ph. +675 3259977, cvovet@online.net.pg, or naqia@dg.com.pg
4. Post-entry quarantine treatments
4.1 Dogs and cats will be treated with praziquantel at the dose rate of 5 milligrams per kilogram.
4.2 Dogs will be dipped and cats washed twice with an approved acaricide at an interval of at least 24 hours.
4.3 Where necessary faecal and blood samples will be collected for laboratory examination.
4.4 All companion animals will be subjected to 2 days quarantine isolation for close observation; however, CQO-A may determine to extend the isolation period on the advice of the inspecting veterinarian or his/her delegate.
Fees and further information
5. Responsibility for payments of fees
5.1 Import permit fees and quarantine charges payable to NAQIA
a) The party named as the “Applicant" on the application form will become the “Permit Holder". He/ she shall be responsible for payment of fees for import permit at the time of lodging the application.
b) There is a charge for application for standard import permit, and the original import permit must accompany the consignment, unless a fast-track permit is applied for, in which case a faxed or emailed copy is acceptable. Where fast-track permit application is lodged, the fee is calculated at 50% additional to the value of the standard import permit. Owners and agents may contact NAQIA Permit Office on +675 325 9977 for current fees and charges that apply.
c) There is also a charge for quarantine clearance after arrival. Quarantine service fee covers first 48 hours of isolation only.
d) Boarding fee - daily rates apply for animals held more than 48 hours or for boarding purposes. Enquiries at Kilakila ph. +675 320 0771.
e) Treatments fee for necessary administration of medication during quarantine observation.
f) All fees payable (eg. Customs and Agent fees, quarantine clearance on arrival, post-entry boarding etc.) must be paid in full prior to release of animals from quarantine isolation.
5.2 Customs Duty
There is a customs duty payable on all imports of animals to PNG. The duty is calculated on the declared value of the animal, and the cost of the freight. It is the obligation of the applicant to obtain an “Entry for Home Consumption" Form (Form 15) from PNG Customs and to declare the value of the consignment. This then has to be cleared through a duly Authorised Customs Agent by forwarding the Airways Bill to the said agent pre-departure. Please contact PNG Customs on 312 7500 or
Papua New Guinea Customs Service for queries regarding Customs Duty on live animal imports.
6. Further information for intending importers
Intending importers who are expatriates on contracts are well advised to bear in mind before they bring their pet to PNG that the re-export of dogs and cats to Australia is a lengthy and expensive process, which may require about two-month quarantine period in Australia. The trauma and expense of this should be considered before you bring your animal to PNG.
- Note
Importation of animals from other countries other than through Australian, Hawaii and New Zealand quarantine clearance is totally prohibited except for situation in section 1.4 above.
