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Animal quarantine clearance and sanitary import permit
Importing livestock or livestock products into India needs a sanitary import permit and animal quarantine clearance (AQCS). Documents, health certificates and where to apply.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
Importing livestock or livestock products into India needs a sanitary import permit and animal quarantine clearance (AQCS). Documents, health certificates and where to apply. Key facts: Issued by: Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Validity: SIP valid 3 months to 1 year; Time: At the port or border post.
Source: aqcsindia.gov.in. Not yet matched to an official page; confirm on the official portal before paying.
What it is
Livestock and livestock products enter India through airports, seaports, rail routes, land routes and inland container depots. Customs refers each consignment to Animal Quarantine for clearance under India's import quarantine health rules.
Consignments are examined together with the health certificate and other papers, after a risk analysis. A Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) must be obtained before shipping from the country of origin.
Who needs it
Importers of live animals and livestock products, and exporters whose buyers require an official health certificate. Only a health certificate issued by the central authority responsible for animal health in the exporting country is accepted.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| Sanitary Import Permit and quarantine charges | See AQCSNot officially verified SourceAQCS publishes charges for specific services such as quarantine of pets. We did not find a single fee table for products. |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- Valid DGFT licence or Sanitary Import Permit (SIP)
- Bill of Entry with customs reference
- Official veterinary health certificate from the exporting country that meets India's import health guidelines
- Import quarantine papers as AQCS requires
Steps to apply
- Check if your product needs a licence in DGFT's import policy. DGFT licence guide
- Apply for a Sanitary Import Permit before shipping. SIPs are valid from three months to one year, depending on the product, and can be used for several consignments. AQCS procedures Fee: As shown by AQCS
- The exporter obtains an official health certificate to India's protocol.
- On arrival, Customs refers the consignment to the Animal Quarantine station for examination.
Where to apply
- AQCS import and export procedures: Official procedures and sanitary requirements
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
If you operate without it
Animals or products without quarantine clearance can be refused entry. Penalties can also apply under the Foreign Trade Act and Customs Act. We could not confirm an animal specific amount on an official page.
Law: Live-stock Importation Act 1898; Customs Act 1962 sections 111 and 112
Not officially verified
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Health certificate missing or owner name does not match | Carry the original official health certificate with the owner's name matching the licence. |
| Documents missing on arrival | Carry the airway bill, bill of entry and declarations. |
| Animal not healthy or fit | The certificate is not issued; follow the officer's advice on tests. |
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.