INFORM: Importing Shell/Table Eggs into United States

As a result of the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has received numerous inquiries regarding the requirements to import shell eggs and other egg products, void of the shell (i.e. liquid eggs, dried egg whites), into the United States.

The purpose of this notice is to provide information on APHIS requirements for the importation of shell eggs into the United States.

First it is important to note that other agencies also have jurisdiction over the importation of shell eggs such as, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please click on the link below: 

AMS and FDA Shell Egg Import Requirements

For egg products void of the shell such as liquid eggs and dried egg whites please consult with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as they have import requirements specific to these products. You can contact them at the link below:

FSIS Egg Import Requirements

In addition to the Agencies above, USDA, APHIS regulates egg commodities to guard against Newcastle Disease (ND) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) which are both highly contagious and deadly diseases that affect avian (birds, including poultry) species.  Imported eggs must meet APHIS import requirements, in addition to the requirements of other agencies cited above.

USDA APHIS Requirements:

Regions free of both ND and HPAI: Fresh unprocessed shell/table eggs may be imported when accompanied by appropriate documentation and/or certification from the region of export.  This is often referred to as a “Certificate of Origin.”

Regions recognized as having ND but free of HPAI: Fresh unprocessed shell/table eggs may be imported when accompanied by appropriate APHIS table egg certification.*

Regions included in the EU Poultry Trade Region (EU-PTR): Fresh unprocessed shell/table eggs may be imported when accompanied by appropriate certification** from the region of export, certifying among other things, that the eggs were not derived from birds that originated in a ND or HPAI restricted zone.  To obtain proper certification language, please consult the government of the exporting country.

Regions affected with both ND and/or HPAI (including Mexico):  Fresh, unprocessed shell/table eggs are prohibited unless they are consigned from the port of arrival directly to an APHIS approved breaking and pasteurization facility.  An import permit and/or certificate is not required for these shipments when consigned to an APHIS approved establishment.  To become an APHIS approved breaking and pasteurization facility, please submit the following information to the e-mail address below:  Facility name and address; the facility’s FSIS establishment number; name and address of the responsible official; and the date.

Please visit the APHIS’ website to view regions recognized by APHIS as free of ND and regions that are recognized as affected with HPAI.  Please click on the links below.

Countries recognized as free of ND

Countries recognized as HPAI affected

 

  * Certification of ND testing protocol found in APHIS regulations 9 CFR 94.6(c)

**Certification as per APHIS regulations 9CFR 94.28(a)

Please note:  Shell/table eggs imported in accordance with APHIS regulations 9 CFR 94.6(c); 9 CFR 94.28 or 9 CFR 94.33 (Argentina only), DO NOT require an APHIS import permit.  This import may occur accompanied by certification as per the regulations.

If you have questions regarding this notice, please send us an email at the following link:  AskNIES.Products@aphis.usda.gov .  You may also contact us by telephone at 301-851-3300 and press option 1.