Project-based service

USDA APHIS VS Permit (Import Permit)

Pet food containing animal-origin ingredients may also need a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services import permit (VS Permit) before entering the U.S. We assess applicability, prepare the application, and follow it through issuance — organized per product, starting from 5 products.

RegulatorUSDA APHIS

Applies toAnimal-origin ingredients

Processing unitFrom 5 products

TimelineUsually several weeks

On this page

What this service is

Beyond FDA, pet food with animal-origin ingredients may fall under USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services: to prevent the introduction of animal diseases, certain animal-derived ingredients and finished products (e.g., pet food containing meat, poultry, dairy, egg, or animal by-products) require a VS import permit before importation.

Permits are issued per commodity and country of origin and state the products allowed, ports of entry, and required processing or treatment. Restricted goods arriving without a valid permit are refused entry.

Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. §8301 et seq.)9 CFR Part 949 CFR Part 95

Who needs it

Manufacturers and importers of pet food containing animal-origin ingredients (meat, poultry, dairy, egg, animal by-products, bone meal/meat meal, etc.) for the U.S.

Companies unsure whether their products fall under APHIS jurisdiction and need a case-by-case determination

Businesses whose source countries' animal health status changed and who must confirm existing arrangements remain valid

Prerequisites and sequence

A complete ingredient list identifying each animal-origin ingredient and its country of origin.
Applications are organized in units starting from 5 products; additional products are added per product.
Supplier facility information and processing descriptions available (APHIS may request parameters such as heat treatment).

Who holds regulatory responsibility

The applicant for the import permit is typically the importing party. We assess applicability, prepare and submit the application, and track review; you must ensure actual shipments match the products, origins, and conditions stated on the permit.

Materials we need from you

Complete ingredient list with the country of origin of each animal-origin ingredient

Processing description (e.g., heat treatment temperature and time)

Manufacturer and supplier information

Importer information and intended ports of entry

Process

01
Assess APHIS jurisdiction by ingredient and country of origin
02
Prepare the permit application
03
Submit to APHIS and track the review
04
Receive the permit and verify each permit condition
05
Map incoming lots against permit conditions

Deliverables

An APHIS jurisdiction determination

The VS import permit application package

The issued import permit with a conditions briefing

Timeline

Depends on APHIS review pace and the animal health assessment of the countries of origin involved; typically several weeks, longer if supplementary materials are requested.

Scope

What we provide

Jurisdiction determination by ingredient and origin
Application preparation and submission
Review progress follow-up
Permit condition interpretation and implementation guidance

What is not included

Product testing and obtaining official health certificates from the exporting country's authorities
Applications for products outside the permit scope
Port examination and detention response

What usually follows

Customs Bond Pet Food IOR

Common pitfalls

Assuming FDA registration replaces the APHIS permitNeither replaces the other: FDA facility registration covers food safety, while the APHIS permit covers animal disease risk. Products with animal-origin ingredients typically need both — confirm them in parallel rather than choosing one.

Skipping the case-by-case determinationWhether a permit is triggered depends on the animal-origin nature of ingredients and the animal health status of the countries of origin; purely plant-based or sufficiently processed products may be exempt. Without a determination you either over-apply or under-apply, and under-applying gets goods refused entry.

Shipments not matching permit conditionsPermits are issued per commodity and origin and state the allowed products, ports, and required treatments. Shipments that differ from what the permit states are treated as unpermitted and can be refused entry.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your product, quantity, and target market. Submit your product details and we will come back with a defined scope and quote.

Request a quote

FAQ

Does all pet food need a VS Permit?

No. Whether a permit is triggered depends on the animal-origin nature of the ingredients and the animal health status of the countries of origin; purely plant-based or sufficiently processed products may not require one. Each case needs its own determination.

How does the VS Permit relate to FDA registration?

They are independent and neither replaces the other: FDA facility registration covers food safety, while the APHIS permit covers animal disease risk. Products with animal-origin ingredients typically need both.

Can one permit cover multiple products?

Permits are issued per commodity and origin. We organize applications in units starting from 5 products, with additional products added per product; specifics follow the assessed plan.

Related services

Pet Food Facility RegistrationAny facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds pet food for U.S. consumption must register with FDA and obtain an 11-digit registration number. A D-U-N-S Number and a U.S. agent are required first; we handle the full registration.Pet Food IORExporters without a U.S. entity can appoint a U.S.-based Importer of Record (IOR) to clear customs. We review entry elements, file the customs entry, and coordinate FDA release so pet food enters U.S. commerce compliantly.Customs BondCommercial imports into the U.S. generally require a customs bond before an entry can be filed. We help you choose between single transaction and continuous bonds, connect you with licensed sureties, and complete CBP filing.

Disclaimer

This is an application assistance service; permit issuance is decided by USDA APHIS. This page is general information, not legal advice.