How to import dogs and canine products
Importing dogs and/or frozen semen is a necessary, yet stressful process that many KUSA members endure to ensure the excellence of their bloodlines. A lot of the stress can be taken away by knowing what is expected from you to make the process a success.
The rules for importing a single dog into the KUSA jurisdiction can be found in the KUSA requirements for registration (KUSA Schedule 2), but the most important requirement is to ensure that the export pedigree is 100% correct. The export pedigree from the country of origin must contain the surname, initials and physical address of the (new) owner in South Africa for KUSA to register the dog on behalf of the member.
When it comes to importing semen for use in artificial insemination (AI), KUSA offers a range of guidelines and forms to assist anyone who wishes to import semen, locally or internationally, fresh or frozen. These guidelines will assist KUSA members to ensure that all necessary KUSA regulations are met to allow the puppies to be registered with KUSA:
Imported Frozen Semen Guidelines
All KUSA certificates and templates that govern artificial insemination can be found here.
Importing dogs and semen
All dogs or canine products (including samples) must be accompanied by a veterinary import permit from the Directorate Food Import and Export Standards to be imported into or moved in transit through South Africa. All dogs imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a Microchip (tattoos will not be accepted).
There are many companies in South Africa who specialize in animal travel and these agencies can help you to take the stress out of importing dogs or semen samples. Whether you want to import a dog or simply want to learn more about the process, this article will guide you in getting your veterinary import permits in proper order.
How to apply for an import permit
Submitting your application
Obtain and complete the relevant application form from the permit office or the website. Visit www.daff.gov.za, click on Branches >> Agricultural Production, Health and Food safety >> Animal Health >> Import/Export Policy Unit >> Application forms.
Complete the required payment and attach the proof of payment to your application form. These fees are valid until 1 April 2016:
Post, fax or email the completed application form and proof of payment to the permit office. If you are using an agent, remember to include an authorization letter that gives the agent permission to act on your behalf.
Payments can be made at the permit office or via cash deposit or EFT at the bank of your choice. The banking details of the permit office are:
Banking details of permit office
- Name of Bank: STANDARD BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA
- Account Holder: NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
- Account Number: 011219556
- Branch Code: 010845
- Branch Name: ARCADIA, IB BRAND 0001982 CENTRE CODE, Swift Code SBZA-ZAJJ
- Reference: Importers Name & Surname
Proof of the deposit must be faxed to the permit office.
Import permits are usually issued within 10 – 15 working days once approved by the state veterinarian. In some case where veterinary approval and/or negotiations with foreign veterinary authorities are involved, it is difficult to predict how long it will take.
Getting your permits delivered
Due to the unreliability of normal post, the permit office recommends the usage of Speedpost (mail) or to make use of a courier service to collect and deliver the permit. It’s the importer’s responsibility to organize and pay for the delivery of the permit unless the permit is sent via normal post.
How to organize delivery by courier service:
- 1.Confirm that your permits are ready for collection at the permit office.
- 2.Give the courier service the necessary information: full name of importer, full name of importer’s agent (where applicable) and commodity, as well as the physical address of the permit office.
If you need more information about the process of importing a dog into South Africa, please contact the Directorate Food Import and Export Standards permit office.
Contact details of permit office
Telephone numbers: +27 12 319 7514
Fax numbers: +27 12 329 8292 / +27 12 319 7644
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Postal address: The Director Food Import and Export Standards, P.O. Box 40024, Arcadia, 0007, South Africa
Physical address: Room G52 Delpen Building, Corner of Annie Botha & Union Street, Riviera, Pretoria