The Livestock Importation Act, 1898 - CBEC's Customs Manual 2023 - Customs

6. The Livestock Importation Act, 1898: 6.1 The import of livestock and livestock products is regulated by the Livestock Importation Act, 1898. The objective of this Act and the notifications/orders issued therein is to regulate the import of livestock products in such a manner that these imports do not adversely affect the country's human and animal health population. 6.2 The livestock products are allowed to be imported into India only through the sea ports or airports located at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, where the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services Stations are located. In addition, import of perishable fish items, exclusively meant for human consumption but excluding seed material for breeding or rearing purposes, is allowed at Petrapole, District North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, through land route. On arrival at the port/seaport, the livestock product is required to be inspected by the officer in-charge of the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services Station or any other veterinary officer duly authorized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. After inspection and testing, wherever required, quarantine clearance is accorded by the concerned quarantine or veterinary authority for the entry of the livestock product into India. If required in public interest, the quarantine or veterinary authority may also order the destruction of the livestock product or its return to the country of origin. The Customs will have to ensure that the livestock products are granted clearance for home consumption only after necessary permission is granted by the quarantine or veterinary authorities. 6.3 Wherever any disinfection or any other treatment is considered necessary in respect of any livestock product, it is the importer who has to arrange the same at his cost under the supervision of a duly authorized quarantine or veterinary officer. [Refer Circulars No.43/2001-Cus, dated 6-8-2001 , No.48/2005-Cus, dated 28-11-2005 and No. 13/2007-Cus, dated 2-3-2007 and Instructions F.No.450/132/2004-Cus.IV,dated 4-1-2005 and F.No.450/122/2005-Cus.IV, dated 13-10-2005]