China's Import Regulation for Animals: A Guide for Success

Сontents:

General Import Requirements
Getting Ready
Customs and Flight
FAQ
Useful tips

Author Veterinary Consultant

Reading time 10 minutes

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China's Import Regulation for Animals: A Guide for Success

General Import Requirements

China only allows the transportation of dogs and cats, with a limit of one animal per person.
Additionally, if it is necessary for the animal to undergo a quarantine period of 30 days, it is important to select the appropriate border checkpoints that have quarantine facilities in place.

Getting Ready

In order to import animals to China, two vaccinations against rabies must be administered, with an interval of at least 30 days between the first and second vaccination. The recommended date for blood sampling to determine the titer of rabies antibodies is no earlier than the 2nd rabies vaccination (it can be the same day or anytime after).

Quarantine Exemptions for Imported Animals:

Animals from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii, USA, Guam, Jamaica, Iceland, Great Britain, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau are all considered safe for importing to China without the need for quarantine, as long as the animals have undergone the appropriate quarantine procedures in their origin countries.

NOTE

The animal must pass the inspection upon arrival.
If the animal has no valid quarantine certificate or rabies vaccination stamp, it will be returned to the country of origin or euthanized.
Animals that have not undergone microchipping are quarantined for 30 days.

Animals imported from countries or regions not on the list of safe quarantine, but which have a laboratory report confirming rabies antibodies and have passed quarantine procedures in the country of export, may be allowed in.

NOTE

The animal must be physically healthy upon examination at the point of arrival.
If a valid quarantine certificate or rabies vaccination mark is not available, the animal will be returned to the country of origin or euthanized.
If a microchip and rabies antibody titer test are not available, the animal will be quarantined for 30 days.
The laboratory's examination report for the presence of rabies antibodies is valid for one year from the date of testing. If repeat vaccinations have been administered during that period, the results of the original lab report remain valid.

Pets that do not require quarantine are allowed to enter ports of the PRC. However, pets that require quarantine procedures must be imported through ports equipped with the necessary quarantine sites.

NOTE

In the case of an animal that requires quarantine being imported to a port that is not equipped with a quarantine facility, the animal will be returned at the carrier's expense or euthanized within a limited period of time (7 days).

For more detailed instructions on the import of pets to China, please refer to the following link: http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/302266/302267/2167536/index.html

Required Documentation for Importing Animals to China:

Quarantine Certificate. To bring your pet to China, you need to acquire a valid quarantine certificate from the official agency responsible for quarantine in the country of export. The certificate should include detailed information about the animal, including breed, color, date of birth and age, and more. If the animal is being imported from a country not included in China's safe list for rabies, the certificate should also include information about the dates of blood collection and the name of the laboratory responsible for conducting the antibody titer study for rabies.

Microchip.In order to import animals to China, a microchip identification number (also known as a 15-digit electronic chip) is required. This chip must meet the standards of ISO 11784 or 11785.

Сертификата, подтверждающего наличие титра антител к вирусу бешенства

Certificate confirming, the effectiveness of rabies vaccination. In order to import animals from countries that are not on the list of rabies-free countries, a certificate must be provided confirming the presence of antibodies to the rabies virus in the animal. The specific level of antibody should be at least 0.5 IU/ml, as determined through a serology test.

Customs and Flight

At present, Guangzhou Airport is not among the locations offering appropriate quarantine measures for animals. Starting May 1, 2019, animals can no longer be accepted for transportation to Guangzhou without the required certificates from authorized countries and analysis for rabies antibody titer.

Quarantine Checkpoints in China:

Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing West Railway Station
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai International Passenger Transportation Center
Uzun International Seaport
Urumqi International Airport
Alashankou checkpoint in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

FAQ

What are the requirements for animal transportation kennels in terms of size, material, and construction?

A portable kennel designed for the transportation of animals must be made of durable materials with a fixed top and proper ventilation. The door must be lockable and the base must be flat and stationary on a flat surface without wheels. Additionally, airlines often require the inclusion of an absorbent mat inside the kennel to prevent mess and protect the animal.

What specific requirements must be fulfilled in order to transport service and guide dogs?

When traveling in the cabin with a service or guide dog, it is mandatory to ensure the use of muzzles and leashes. During the flight, the animal must be kept on the lap or at the feet of the passenger. It is also required to provide appropriate documentation, such as a user certificate and a professional training certificate.

Useful tips

«NoviStem» LLC’s Anti-Rabies Laboratory has been approved by the relevant Chinese authorities for issuing certificates that exempt imported animals from quarantine procedures. In order to find out more details about the import process, contact the Embassy or Consulate of the PRC.

China's Import Regulation for Animals: A Guide for Success

General Import Requirements

Getting Ready

Customs and Flight

FAQ

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