CBIC has issued new guidelines for the import of pet dogs and cats under the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has introduced measures to streamline the quarantine clearance process. Previously, pet owners faced difficulties in obtaining final quarantine clearance after importing their pets under baggage rules. Now, the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station (AQCS) will issue the final “No Objection Certificate (NoC)” at the port of entry round the clock. However, pet owners must obtain an advance NoC from AQCS by submitting required documents and providing prior notice of their pet’s arrival via email. These changes aim to facilitate a smoother import process while ensuring compliance with regulations. The updated process aligns with previous notifications, including S.O. 976(E) of 2009, S.O. 1495(E) of 2014, S.O. 191(E) of 2023, and S.O. 4396(E) of 2024.
F.No.401/21/2020-Cus.III
Government of India
Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
Room No.229A, North Block, New Delhi.
Circular No. 07/2025-Customs Date: 5th March, 2025
To,
All (Pr.) Chief Commissioners of Customs/Customs(Preventive)/ Customs & Central Tax,
All (Pr.) Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive),
All (Pr.) Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Regulation of import of pet dog and pet cat under the Live- stock Importation Act, 1898: Facilitation for final Quarantine Clearance – regarding.
Madam/Sir,
Attention is invited to Board’s Circular No. 35/2020-Customs dated 10.08.2020. in respect of revised procedure relating to import of Pet / Live Animals.
2. Now, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has issued Office Memorandum dated 20.02.2025 (copy enclosed), issued from File No. 109-01/2012-Trade (E-17748) prescribing Regulation of import of pet dog and pet cat under the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898: Facilitation for final Quarantine Clearance. The Relevant portion is reproduced for ease of reference:
“3. ln the interest of welfare of pet dog and pet cat as well as facilitation to owners, the final “No Objection Certificate (NoC)” by the concerned AQCS will be issued to imported pet dog and pet cat round the clock at the port of entry itself. However, the owner has to ensure receiving of advance NoC from the respective AQCS after submission of requisite documents and prior intimation of date & time of arrival through email.”
3. It may also be noted that import of pet dogs and pet cats is allowed only through the following ports as notified by DAHD1:-
(a) airports located at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi; and
(b) seaports or airports located at Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
4. In addition to the procedures stated in Circular No.35/2020-Customs dated 10.08.2020, the above facilitation measure by AQCS may be brought to the notice of the trade / airlines / carriers by issuing suitable Trade / Public Notices. Suitable Standing order / instructions may be issued for the guidance of the field officers.
5. Difficulties faced, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board immediately.
Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD (Customs III)
File No.: 109-01/2012-Trade (E-17748)
Government of India
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
-110001,
Krishi Bhawan. New Delhi-110 001,
Dated the 20th February, 2025.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Regulation of import of pet dog and pet cat under the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898: Facilitation for final Quarantine Clearance -regarding.
This Department is regulating import of pet dog and pet cat under the Live-stock Importation Act. 1898. The procedure for import of live animals into India has been notified vide S.O. 1495 (E). dated 10th June. 2014 and its further amendments.
2. It has come to notice of this Department that owners are feeling troublesome in obtaining final quarantine clearance into India after importing their pet dog and pet cat under the baggage rule. They have to report to respective Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station (AQCS) for final quarantine clearance. post-import.
3. In the interest of welfare of pet dog and pet cat as well as facilitation to owners, the final “No Objection Certificate (NoC)” by the concerned AQCS will be issued to imported pet dog and pet cat round the clock at the port of entry itself. However. the owner has to ensure receiving of advance NoC from the respective AQCS after submission of requisite documents and prior intimation of date & time of arrival through email.
4. All AQCSs are requested to depict location of AQCS facilitation point for final quarantine clearance along with advance NoC for easy understanding of owners travelling with pet dog and pet cat. Further, the necessary arrangements may also be ensured in this regard.
5. This issues with the approval of the competent authority.
(Dr. Gaqan Gard)
Deputy Commissioner (Trade)
Contd…
To,
Regional Officer / Quarantine Officer
Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station
Delhi / Mumbai / Kolkata / Chennai I Bengaluru I Hyderabad.
Copy to;
1) Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
2) Joint Secretary (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Department of Revenue, North Block, New Delhi.
3) Deputy Secretary, AQCS (Admn.), DAHD.
4) NIC, DAHD with a request to upload on the official website of DAHD and AQCS.
Copy for information to;
1) PPS to the Secretary. AHD.
2) PPS / PS to the AS (C&DD/Trade) / AHC / JS (LH) / JS (Admn.).
Notes:
1 – DAHD notification no. S.O. 976(E) dated 20.04.2009, S.O. 1495(E) dated 10.06.2014, S.O. 191(E) dated 11.01.2023 and S.O. 4396(E) dated 10.10.2024.
