The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on July 23, 2026, issued Guidelines for Deportation of Live Animals Detected as Unbeknownst Imports.
The circular addresses repeated instances of passengers bringing live animals into India without proper declaration or regulatory clearance, termed as “unbeknownst imports.” As per guidelines of Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) and Indian Customs, such animals must be immediately deported to their country of origin, with necessary intimation to relevant authorities.
The objective of the circular is to reinforce compliance with existing regulations, including Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 9 of 1985, and align airline practices with updated instructions from Customs and AQCS. It applies to all aircraft operators and airlines operating in India, ensuring proper handling and lawful deportation of such animals.
Airlines are made responsible for the immediate deportation of any such animals upon detection. Additionally, they are required to implement preventive measures, including staff training at check-in, boarding, and in-flight levels, and display clear passenger advisories regarding restrictions on carrying live animals without authorization.
[File no : D GC A-22031 I 91 12024-FSD-Part (1)]
