Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Under what Department and Ministry AQCS comes?
   Ans.) Department- Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Ministry- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

2. How many AQCS stations are therein India and what are the places?
   Ans.) Six: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad.

3. What are the contact details?
   Ans.) Please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/ under Contacts.

4. How much time AQCS takes to issue export-import clearance or certificate?
   Ans.) AQCS works on Single Day Decision Policy (SDDP).

5. What is advance AQCS NOC?
   Ans.) Advance AQCS NOC is issued for lifting of livestock by airlines after checking the advance copies of health documents.

6. What are the documents required for advance AQCS NOC for pet?
   Ans.) Please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/import-export-of-livestock-and-livestock-products.html. The Notification No. S.O. 1495(E) and 1496(E) dated 10.06.2014 should be checked.

7. Which animals come under pet category?
   Ans.) Dog and cat.

8. What is the procedure of import of pet under baggage rule?
   Ans.) Please refer Custom circular 15/2013 and 25/2013.

9. Is DGFT license required for pets under baggage?
   Ans.) Advance DGFT license is required for the livestock not covered under Custom circular 15/2013 and 25/2013.

10. Are certain documents required to be submitted for advance NOC for my pet?
    Ans.) Yes, please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/import-export-of-livestock-and-livestock-products.html for the documents required. Advance NOC if not presented to the airlines, the pet will not be allowed to board the flight.

11. Do all animals require quarantine observation after arrival?
    Ans.) Except for import of pets under baggage, all animals are quarantined. Pets under baggage can also be quarantined in case of doubt.

12. There have been changes to my import plans since I received the NOC. What should I do?
    Ans.) Please submit the changed plan documents and a revised NOC will be issued provided the official health certificate form the country of origin is still valid as per changed plans. If the certificate is not valid then you need to get a new health certificate and submit the same for revised NOC.

13. What is the procedure when my pet arrives in India?
    Ans.) Pet animals can enter India through the ports of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad. After arrival owner needs to bring the animal/(s) along with the original health documents to the Quarantine Station after arrival for clinical examination/quarantine observation as the case may be. The animal/(s) will be examined clinically at the Quarantine Station for issuing Provisional Quarantine Clearance Certificate.

14. I have a pet parrot. Can I bring it with me to India as pet under baggage rule?
    Ans.) No you cannot bring any other animals (parrot, hamster, rabbit, fish etc.) apart from dog and cat under baggage rule. For any other animals you need to get a DGFT license for which you can apply at dgft@nic.in and http://dgft.gov.in.

15. I want to take my pet on a short trip abroad. What documents do I require when I return to India?
    Ans.) When going on a short trip, AQCS export health certificate should be taken. Pet when entering India will be treated as re-import. Please check the guidelines for re-import at http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/import-export-of-livestock-and-livestock-products.html.

16. What are the accommodation charges for quarantined animals?
    Ans.) Please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/quarantine-charges.html.

17. I want to take my pet abroad. What documentation do I need?
    Ans.) When taking a pet abroad form India, it is necessary to check the health conditions of importing country including testing, quarantine etc. Owner is therefore requested to please check in advance and prepare the necessary documents according to those conditions of entry. Micro-chipping of the animal is also advised keeping in view identification at destination and re-import identification. AQCS, India will help you complete those documents as per requirement. Please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/import-export-of-livestock-and-livestock-products.html.

18. When I checked the conditions of entry with the country I wish to travel to, I was told that a certificate issued by the Indian government is required. What kind of document is this?
    Ans.) This is a certificate issued by AQCS called as “CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH FOR EXPORT (PET ANIMALS)”.

19. How long does it take to get “CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH FOR EXPORT (PET ANIMALS)”?
    Ans.) Normally issued on the same day the pet owners are advised to confirm prior appointment (7 days) with the concerned officer of AQCS either on mail / Telephone before visiting the office.

20. What is the procedure for import of livestock products in India?
    Ans.) Please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/import-export-of-livestock-and-livestock-products.html.

21. Do I need SIP for all the imported products covering under AQCS?
    Ans.) SIP is not required for all the products under AQCS. Please refer to Gazette Notification No. S.O. 2666 (E) Dated 16.10.2014 for further information.

22. What could be the testing time once the sample is deposited into concerned laboratory?
    Ans.) The testing time will vary depending on the type of test being conducted and normally results are communicated within 10 days.

23. What is the procedure for export of livestock products from India?
    Ans.) Please refer http://www.aqcsindia.gov.in/import-export-of-livestock-and-livestock-products.html.

24. What is a microchip? Will it affect the health of my pets/animals?
    Ans.) A microchip is a small device for identification of animals and is inserted under the animal’s skin. These microchips are used by countries across the world and they do not affect the health of animals. These microchips are scanned by microchip scanners.

25. Where can the microchip be implanted for the pet?
    Ans.) Microchips can be implanted by any registered Veterinary practitioner under his/hercertification.

26. Is there a nominal fee for getting NOC/clearance from AQCS?
    Ans.) No, AQCS NOC/clearance is issued free of cost.