The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on December 19, 2022, issued a notification regarding the Guidelines for the import of Pet Animals.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The policy is no longer restricted to certain conditions such as: -
(a) Policy Condition (6): Import of Wild Animals (including their parts and products) as
defined in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 is prohibited and those species listed in CITES are subject to the CITES provisions.
(b) Policy Condition (7): Import of dogs is allowed only for the following specific purposes namely: -
i. Pet dog with valid pet book and relevant records/documents in the name of the importer.
ii. Dogs imported by the R&D Organisations for conducting research with the recommendation of CPCSEA.
iii. For internal security by the Defence and Police Force.
(c) Policy Condition (8): Import of commercial dogs for breeding or any other commercial
activities other than the purposes mentioned above are not permitted.
• The imports of Pet Animals may be through Cargo as well as part of Passenger baggage in reference to CBIC Circular No. 15/2013 Customs dated 08.04.2013
o In the case of Permanent imports: -
(a) Where the no. of pets is up to 2 then, import is allowed as passenger baggage, without DGFT authorization, only to persons transferring their residence to India after two years of continuous stay abroad. Only cats and dogs can be imported under baggage rules. Import authorization from DGFT is required if:
i. The period of continuous stay abroad is less than 2 years.
ii. The pet is not being transported as passenger baggage.
iii. The pet cannot be imported under the baggage rules.
(b) Where the no. of pets is more than 2 then, import authorization from DGFT is required, Prior to the grant of an import authorization, applications shall be submitted for examination based on the justifications along with supporting documents to DAH&D.
o In the case of Temporary imports
import authorization from DGFT is required. Prior to the grant of an import authorization, applications shall be submitted for examination based on the justifications along with supporting documents to DAH&D.
• It mentions the documents that are required in case of Permanent or Temporary import.
• It also states the steps to apply for an import authorization to DGFT.
Disclaimer: refer to the document to view further details
[Notification No. 22/2022-23]
