Animal Importation

Persons wishing to import Live Animals (For example Dogs, Cats, Chickens, Etc) into Dominica must first obtain an “Import Permit” from the Veterinary Department of the Division of Agriculture. All live animals must be accompanied by a “Health Permit” from the exporting country. Animal Health Guidelines to obtain an Import Permit Dogs and cats coming from all Countries must be immunized with an approved Rabies Vaccine by an official veterinarian stating type, serial number, date of expiration and date of administration, at least 30 days and not more than one (1) year prior to exportation of an animal.

The animal must be examined by a licensed and accredited Veterinary authority in the exporting country, and a certificate issued indicating the health status of the animal. The animal must be free from internal and external parasites. The animal must be tested and treated for Heart Worms and certified Heart Worm free for export. The health records indicating the Immunization Status of the animal must be provided with a current DHLPP + C Immunization Record or any other endemic disease of importance. A blood sample must be taken from the animal and sent to a reputable Rabies Reference Laboratory to perform the RNATT*/FAVN, and the result must be sent directly to the Veterinary Services prior to issuing an import permit. The test result must show a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/mL. The test must be done not less than one (1) month after vaccination with an approved Rabies Vaccine. An Import permit will be issued once the requirements are met, and sent to the importer by fax or email. Animals and associated documents will be examined on arrival at Port by a Quarantine Inspector who reserves the right to reject or accept the animal based on its condition.

NB Please note that the test takes 3-4 weeks or longer before a result can be obtained. Please be guided by this information in relation to your travel plans; Processing and other fees may apply. The Livestock Development Unit of the Division of Agriculture at the Botanic Gardens, Roseau can be contacted for information on the importation of meat and meat products: Telephone: (767) 266-3827/3824 Fax: (767)448 8632 or 767 448 7999 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Customs Requirements

The importation of live animals into Dominica is subject to the following procedures: Part V (Importation) of the Customs Act#20 of 2010. Payment of: Import Duty in accordance to the Customs Import and Export Tariffs (amendment) S.R.O 30 of 2010 Customs Service Charge in accordance to the Customs Service Charge imposition (amendment) order, 2016 Environmental Surcharge in accordance to the Solid Waste Management (validation) Act, 2006 Value Added Tax in accordance to the Value Added Tax Act 7 of 2005 It is also a requirement that a detailed Customs Declaration is submitted to Customs for processing, and all applicable duties and taxes (unless otherwise approved)are paid prior to delivery of imported Animals. Customs duties and taxes are calculated on the CIF value of all imports, i.e. Cost, Insurance, and Freight in accordance with Section 80 of the Customs Act # 20 0f 2010

Contact us

Customs & Excise Division

Woodbridge Bay

Fond Cole

Dominica

 Tel. 1 767 266 3730/266 3717

Email: customs@dominica.gov.dm