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Animal quarantine (AQCS) clearance

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

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

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 AQCSTo confirm 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 To confirm 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: To confirm
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.

Common questions

Which goods need animal quarantine clearance?

Livestock and livestock products. Customs refers such consignments to Animal Quarantine under India's import quarantine health rules.

What is a Sanitary Import Permit?

A permit issued by the Department based on risk analysis of livestock products. It must be obtained before shipping and is valid for three months to one year.

What health certificate is accepted?

Only one issued by the central authority in charge of animal health in the exporting country, as AQCS states.

Does this apply to seafood?

Seafood export is handled by MPEDA. Check the MPEDA page and DGFT's policy conditions for your code.

Is Govt License a government website?

No. Govt License is an independent guide. We link to the official government portals where you apply and pay. Always confirm the fee on the portal before paying.