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

Information about the process required to import laboratory animals for research purposes 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 US Fish and Wildlife Service as they may be considered injurious species. 

There is a Live Laboratory Mammals and their Material (for research purposes) Guideline available for laboratory animals that are imported for research purposes.

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 laboratory animals (for research purposes) it is recommended that documents are not placed inside shipping containers. Please refer to the Live Laboratory Mammals and their Material (for research purposes) Guideline for more information.

Importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 31 March 2021.