San Juan Region
PURPOSE:
To inform stakeholders about veterinary certificate requirements.
DISTRIBUTION: Trade Community and Other Concerned Parties
This notice provides clarification on key import requirements established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, regarding veterinary health certificates for imported animal product and byproduct shipments.
Veterinary health certificates serve as official documentation verifying that imported animal products and byproducts meet the health and safety standards required by U.S. regulations. These certificates help prevent the introduction of animal diseases and protect public health.
Certificates should clearly state the origin, destination, description of the product, and a unique shipment identifier. Acceptable unique identifiers include shipping marks, lot numbers, invoice numbers, bill of lading numbers, or other shipment-specific codes that distinguish each shipment from others.
Veterinary health certificates must be used for only one shipment and must be linked to that specific shipment by a unique identifier other than weight or unit count. Certificates identified solely by weight or unit count, or used for multiple shipments, are not permitted.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in shipment delays, penalties, or refusal of entry. Importers are strongly encouraged to review all applicable regulations and consult with the appropriate authorities if clarification is needed.
For more information, please contact us at sjfo-agriculture@cbp.dhs.gov or by phone at 787-729-6982.
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