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 the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Egg Rule” found in 21 CFR Part 118 – Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation. Only the registration and refrigeration portions of the Rule apply to shell eggs intended for pasteurization (breaking stock).
- FDA Egg Rule
- FDA Registration (Under “FURLS Shell Egg Producer Registration Module,” select “new account.”)
If you have any questions, call (888) 723-3366
AMS Requirements:
Application to import shell eggs into the U.S. must be made on Form LPS-222 and be accompanied by a foreign health certificate. View Import details (Refer to sections 57.900 – 970)
I. Foreign Inspection Certificate must contain the following information (CFR Part 57.915):
a. Name of country exporting product
b. City, and Date where issued
c. Quality or Description of the eggs
d. Number of cases and total quantity (in dozens)
e. Identification Marks on containers
f. Name and Address, of Exporter
g. Name and Address, of Importer
h. Certify that the description of the shell eggs including date of pack is accurate.
i. Certify that the shell eggs were stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient temperature of 45˚F/7.2˚C or less. (table eggs only)
j. Name, Title and Signature of individual(s) authorized to issue inspection certificates for shell eggs exported to the United States
II. Form LPS-222. In advance of arrival complete sections A, B, C, and D of Form LPS-222, Import Request (Shell Eggs) (pdf). It is highly recommended that a copy of the shipping case label used on the product accompany Form, LPS-222.
III. E-mail the completed Form LPS-222, along with a copy of the foreign certificate 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 documents will be reviewed, assigned an AMS import permit number, and returned to the individual/company who submitted the application. The completed Form LPS-222 must be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) for a conditional release of the product. Product will be subject to a final inspection by USDA personnel before being released for processing at an official USDA facility.
AMS Contact:
QAD.importrequesteggs@usda.gov