Customs Procedures for Live Horses

Import Process and Customs Procedures for Live Horses by IPO Logistics

Customs Procedures for Live Horses is a specialized process in logistics, requiring strict adherence to legal regulations, animal quarantine procedures, and customs procedures. Importing live horses involves not only administrative procedures but also meticulous care for the animals during transit to ensure their health and well-being. IPO Logistics, with years of experience in logistics and customs clearance, offers comprehensive services to assist businesses in importing live horses efficiently, legally, and safely.

This article outlines the detailed process of importing live horses, including customs declaration procedures, quarantine requirements, applicable taxes, and the services provided by IPO Logistics to support businesses throughout the importation process.

1. Introduction to Importing Live Horses

Live horses are valuable animals imported for various purposes such as breeding, sports (horse racing, equestrian sports), tourism, or scientific research. Due to their nature as live animals, importing horses requires strict quarantine and health protocols to prevent the spread of diseases and protect domestic animal populations. In Vietnam, the importation of live horses must comply with the regulations set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Department of Animal Health, as well as the customs procedures mandated by the Vietnam Customs Department.

2. HS Code and Taxes for Importing Live Horses

2.1 HS Code for Live Horses

To carry out the import process, businesses need to determine the correct HS (Harmonized System) Code for the product. The HS Code for live horses is 0101.21.00, which applies to both breeding horses and horses used for sports or other purposes.

2.2 Taxes for Importing Live Horses

• Import Duty: Import duties on live horses vary based on the country of origin and international trade agreements. In Vietnam, the import duty for live horses typically ranges from 0% to 5%.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): The VAT applied to live horses is 5%. This is calculated on the value of the horses after deducting the import duty.
• Other Fees: In addition to import duties and VAT, businesses may also incur quarantine fees, storage fees at the port, and transportation service fees.

3. Legal Requirements and Animal Quarantine for Live Horses

When importing live horses into Vietnam, it is crucial to comply with animal health and quarantine requirements to prevent disease outbreaks. Below are the key legal requirements businesses must meet when importing live horses.

3.1 Import Permit for Live Horses

Before importing, businesses must obtain an Import Permit for Live Animals from the Department of Animal Health (MARD). This includes documents such as the sales contract, animal health certificates, and other related documents.

3.2 Animal Health Certificate

An Animal Health Certificate issued by the exporting country’s veterinary authority is required to confirm that the horses are free from infectious diseases. The certificate must be issued within 7 days prior to export and valid throughout the transit period.

3.3 Vaccination and Health Inspection

Before export, horses must undergo vaccination against diseases such as equine encephalitis, equine flu, and other required diseases. A thorough health check is also performed to ensure that the horses are free of any dangerous diseases.

3.4 Required Documents

The following documents must be prepared to ensure smooth customs clearance and importation:

• Commercial Invoice: Confirms the value and origin of the live horses.
• Packing List: Details the number and types of horses and packaging methods.
• Bill of Lading: The transportation document for the live horses from the export port to the import port.

4. Detailed Import Process for Live Horses

4.1 Preparing Documents and Applying for Import Permit

The first step is preparing the necessary documents and applying for the import permit from the Department of Animal Health. IPO Logistics assists businesses in preparing the required documents for the import permit, including health certificates and other related paperwork.

4.2 Animal Quarantine in the Exporting Country

Before the horses are shipped, they must undergo veterinary inspection and quarantine in the exporting country. The veterinary authorities in the exporting country will perform health checks, vaccinations, and issue the required health certificate for export.

4.3 Customs Declaration at the Port of Entry

Upon arrival in Vietnam, IPO Logistics will assist with the customs declaration through the VNACCS/VCIS system. Necessary details for the declaration include:

• HS Code of the live horses (0101.21.00).
• Relevant Documents such as the commercial invoice, animal health certificate, transportation contract, etc.

The customs system will classify the declaration into green, yellow, or red lanes and determine the level of inspection required. Declarations classified as green are cleared without detailed inspection.

4.4 Inspection and Clearance

If the declaration is selected for a yellow or red lane, customs authorities will require a more detailed inspection of the documents and the horses themselves. If the inspection is passed, the horses will be cleared for importation.

4.5 Transportation and Delivery

After clearance, the live horses will be transported to the designated storage facility or delivered to the final recipient. IPO Logistics ensures that the horses are transported safely and in compliance with animal welfare regulations throughout the journey.

5. IPO Logistics Services

IPO Logistics offers a full range of services for importing live horses, including:

• Legal Consultation and Document Preparation: IPO Logistics helps businesses prepare documents for import permits, health certificates, and other necessary paperwork.
• Customs Declaration and Clearance: IPO Logistics handles the customs declaration and clearance process, minimizing risks and saving time for businesses.
• Transportation and Animal Welfare: IPO Logistics ensures that live horses are transported safely and that their welfare is maintained during transit.
• Problem Resolution: IPO Logistics quickly addresses any issues that arise during the importation process.

6. Conclusion

Importing live horses is a complex process that requires careful attention to legal, quarantine, and customs procedures. With the support of IPO Logistics, businesses can navigate these procedures smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that their live horses meet all health and safety requirements. Understanding the steps involved in the import process will help businesses optimize costs, reduce risks, and ensure the successful importation of live horses into Vietnam.