Livestock & Animal Products Import

Overview: Importing Livestock and Animal Products into India

Importing livestock, live animals, animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, animal by-products), and related biologicals into India is one of the most heavily regulated import categories. It involves simultaneous compliance with multiple regulatory authorities including the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Plant Quarantine authorities (for animal feed), Customs, and DGFT. Samarth EXIM provides specialist advisory to navigate these complex multi-agency requirements.

Regulatory Framework

  • Livestock Import Act, 1898 and Rules, 2001: Governs import of live animals, germplasm (semen, embryo), and biological products. Import licences are issued by DAHD, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: Transport standards for live animal imports.
  • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: FSSAI registration/licence and conformance with FSSAI standards are mandatory for import of food products of animal origin (meat, dairy, seafood).
  • SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Measures: India maintains import conditions (health certificates, disease-free certifications) based on OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) disease status of the exporting country.
  • Import Policy under DGFT: Many animal products are on the Restricted import list under ITC(HS) and require an import licence from DGFT before importation.

Our Livestock and Animal Products Import Services

  1. Import Policy Check: First step — determining whether the specific animal product you wish to import is on the Free, Restricted, or Prohibited list under ITC(HS). We provide a written opinion on import eligibility.
  2. DAHD Import Permit: Filing of application for import permit for live animals (cattle, poultry, goats, sheep, exotic pets, zoo animals) and animal products with DAHD. Coordination with the Livestock Import Division, DAHD.
  3. FSSAI Import Clearance: Obtaining FSSAI import clearance for food products of animal origin (meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, honey, eggs). Includes FSSAI registration/Central Licence of the importer and document preparation for customs clearance.
  4. Veterinary Health Certificate Coordination: Advising on the health certificate format required from the exporting country's competent veterinary authority to satisfy Indian import conditions.
  5. Quarantine Compliance: Guidance on quarantine requirements at designated ports of entry and DAHD quarantine stations for live animals.
  6. DGFT Import Licence for Restricted Animal Products: Filing of DGFT import licence applications for animal products that are on the Restricted import list (e.g., certain animal fat, pet food, animal blood and blood products).
  7. Customs Clearance Documentation: Preparation of the complete customs clearance document set including health certificate, FSSAI NOC, DAHD permit, and Phytosanitary Certificate (for animal feed).

Frequently Asked Questions – Livestock Import

Q: Can beef and pork be imported into India?

Import of beef (cow, bull, bullock meat) is prohibited in India. Buffalo meat (carabeef) can be imported with FSSAI clearance and DAHD permit for specific purposes. Pork and pork products can be imported with FSSAI clearance from countries free of specific diseases. Samarth EXIM provides country-specific advice for all animal product imports.

Q: What are the ports of entry for live animal imports?

Live animals can be imported only through designated ports and airports that have approved quarantine facilities and DAHD veterinary inspection posts. JNPT (Mumbai), Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi airports are major entry points. We advise on the appropriate port based on the animal category.

Q: Is FSSAI central licence required for importing seafood?

Yes. Importers of all food products of animal origin (including seafood, meat, dairy) must have a valid FSSAI Central Licence with the 'Import' category activated. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) import conditions also apply for certain seafood imports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IEC (Importer Exporter Code) and why is it mandatory in India?

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is the primary business identification number required for any person or business engaged in import or export of goods and services.

IEC is mandatory because no import or export can be made without it (unless specifically exempted under the Foreign Trade Policy). It is required for Customs clearance, DGFT scheme applications, and receiving or making foreign trade payments through banks.

What are the main documents required for import-export in India?

Key documents for import-export operations in India include:

  • Shipping Bill (for exports) or Bill of Entry (for imports) — filed with Customs for clearance.
  • Commercial Invoice cum Packing List — details of goods, quantity, value, and packaging.
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill — transport document issued by the carrier.
  • Certificate of Origin (COO) — certifies the country of origin, needed for FTA benefits and some import requirements.
  • IEC Code — the importer/exporter identification number.
  • GST Invoice / LUT — for GST compliance on exports.
  • FSSAI Certificate — for food and agricultural imports.
  • BIS Certificate / NOC — for products under mandatory BIS certification.

What does DGFT do and why is it important for importers and exporters?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the apex government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for formulating and implementing India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Its key roles include:

  • Issuing and managing Importer Exporter Codes (IEC)
  • Administering export incentive schemes: Advance Authorisation, EPCG, RoDTEP, RoSCTL, SEIS
  • Granting export licences for restricted and SCOMET items
  • Issuing import licences for restricted items
  • Recognising Star Export Houses (status holders)
  • Fixing Standard Input Output Norms (SION)

Every Indian exporter and importer must interact with DGFT at some point — whether for obtaining an IEC, applying for export incentives, or seeking licences for restricted goods.

How can I find out if my product requires a special import licence in India?

India's import policy is classified under the ITC(HS) Classification of Export and Import Items published by DGFT. Every item has an import policy designation:

  • Free: Can be imported without any licence.
  • Restricted: Requires a specific import licence from DGFT before import.
  • Prohibited: Cannot be imported under any circumstances (e.g., beef in some categories).
  • Canalised: Can only be imported by government-designated agencies.

You can check the policy on the DGFT website by your ITC(HS) code, or contact Samarth EXIM for a free preliminary import policy check for your specific product.

What is the difference between Advance Authorisation and EPCG scheme?

Both are export promotion schemes under India's Foreign Trade Policy, but they serve different purposes:

  • Advance Authorisation (AA): Allows duty-free import of raw materials and inputs that are physically used in manufacturing export goods. The export obligation is the value of goods exported. Applicable before production.
  • EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods): Allows duty-free import of capital goods (machinery, equipment, tools) used in production of export goods. The export obligation is 6 times the duty saved, over 6 years.

They can be used together — EPCG for capital goods and Advance Authorisation for input materials — giving double duty savings on both machinery and raw materials.

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