APHIS Requirements:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animal products and byproducts to ensure that exotic animal and poultry diseases are not introduced into the United States. Importers should contact the APHIS import staff to determine a foreign country’s eligibility to export to the United States. APHIS recommends utilizing the Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant (VSPA) as the first step to obtain a summary of required import documentation including permit applications, certificates, informational letters, and more. Please note that if a permit is required, the US importer must apply for the permit.
APHIS Import staff:
Animal Products Import and Exports (APIE)
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
Office: 301-851-3300
APIE@usda.gov
FDA Requirements
Foreign producers must comply with all of the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Egg Rule” found in 21 CFR Part 118 – Production, Storage, and Transportation of Shell Eggs.
Questions: (888) 723-3366
AMS Requirements
Application to import shell eggs for table use into the U.S. must be made on Form LPS-222 and be accompanied by a foreign inspection certificate, and a copy of the label information outlined below.
Foreign Inspection Certificate, must contain the following information (7 CFR Part 57.915):
- Name of country exporting product.
- City, and Date where issued.
- Quality or Description of the eggs.
- Number of cases and total quantity (in dozens).
- Identification Marks on containers.
- Name and Address, of Exporter.
- Name and Address, of Importer.
- Certify that the description of the shell eggs including date of pack is accurate.
- Certify that the shell eggs were stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient temperature of 45˚F / 7.2˚C or less.
- Name, Title and Signature of individual(s) authorized to issue inspection certificates for shell eggs exported to the United States.
Labeling of containers of eggs for importation (7 CFR Part 57.950)
No labels may be false or misleading.
Cartons of shell eggs for import shall bear a label, printed in English showing:
- Name of the product.
- Name of country of origin preceded by the words “Product of”.
- Quality or description of shell eggs, including date of pack.
- “Keep Refrigerated” or words of similar meaning.
- Name and place of business of producer, packer or distributor qualified by a phrase indicating the connection the person has with the product.
- Accurate statement of quantity.
Labeling of shipping containers of eggs for importation (7 CFR Part 57.955)
No labels may be false or misleading.
Shipping cases of shell eggs for import shall bear a label, printed in English showing:
- Common name of the product.
- Name of the country of origin.
- Quality or description of shell eggs.
- “Keep Refrigerated” or words of similar meaning.
Form LP-222.
In advance of arrival complete sections A, B, C, and D of Form, LP-222, Import Request (Shell Eggs).
E-mail the completed Form LP-222, along with a copy of the foreign certificate and label(s) to: QAD.importrequesteggs@usda.gov
Alternatively, the form may be sent via mail to:
USDA, AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program
Standards and Specifications Division
1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Stop 0249
Washington, DC 20250
The applicable documents will be reviewed for accuracy, assigned an AMS import permit number, and returned to the individual/company who submitted the paperwork. The completed Form LPS-222 must be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agency at the border for a conditional release of the product. Product may be subject to an additional inspection by USDA/ AMS personnel before a final release of the product is granted.
AMS Contact:
QAD.importrequesteggs@usda.gov