IMPORTING TO INDIA
Transporting Pets – Importing pets to India
Embarking on a pet relocation journey to India requires careful planning and adherence to specific procedures. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition for your furry companion:
STEP 1: Start Early Initiate the pet relocation process at least 3-4 months before the intended travel date to allow sufficient time for all required preparations. India has certain regulations that pet parents have to qualify before importing a pet.
Category A – Baggage Rule for Pet Import: To bring your pets under this rule, ensure the following conditions are met:
The owner must have continuously resided abroad for a minimum of two years before entering India.
The total duration of short visits to India preceding the entry date should not exceed 180 days.
Qualifications include transferring residence to India (for Indian Nationals) or arriving into India on a work permit (for expats).
Additionally :
Pets can enter India only after 30 days of Rabies and DHLP/FRCP vaccination.
India recognizes only annual vaccinations; in the case of 3-year vaccinations, only the first year is considered.
Families are limited to bringing in a maximum of two pets.
If the pet arrives as 'Manifest Cargo, they must do so within 30 days of the owner's landing in India.
Category B – DGFT License for Pet Import: For those not meeting baggage rule criteria, a DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) license is required for short visits, importing for R&D, Defence, Police, and other similar cases.
Category C – Re-Import of Pets: If your pet previously travelled from India, proof of past certification from the Government AQCS authority is essential for identification and categorization under Re-import.