In the January 20, 2016, Federal Register, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ("APHIS") issued a final rule revising the regulations pertaining to the exportation of livestock from the United States. Among other things, APHIS is removing from the regulations most of the requirements for export health certifications, tests, and treatments, and it is instead directing exporters to follow the requirements of the importing country regarding such processes and procedures. The agency is retaining only those export health certification, testing, and treatment requirements it considers necessary to ensure the health and welfare of livestock exported from the United States. It is also providing solutions for pre-export inspection and pre-export health certificates of livestock so exporters have more flexibility in arranging for the export of healthy livestock. Finally, APHIS is making editorial amendments to the regulations to make them easier to understand and comply with. The rule is effective February 19, 2016.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
