APHIS Requirements:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animals and animal-derived materials to ensure that exotic animal and poultry diseases are not introduced into the United States. Importers should contact the APHIS Import staff to determine a foreign country’s eligibility to export to the U.S. Permits may be required for some countries.
View detailed information on APHIS requirements
APHIS Import staff:
National Import Export Services
4700 River Road
Riverdale, MD 20737
Office: 301-851-3300
Press Option 1
AskNIES.Products@aphis.usda.gov
FDA Requirements:
Foreign producers must comply with the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Egg Rule” found in 21 CFR Part 118 – Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation. Only the registration and refrigeration portions of the Rule apply to shell eggs intended for pasteurization (breaking stock).
- FDA Egg Rule
- FDA Registration (Under “FURLS Shell Egg Producer Registration Module,” select “new account.”)
If you have any questions, call (888) 723-3366
AMS Requirements:
Application to import shell eggs into the U.S. must be made on Form LPS-222 and be accompanied by a foreign health certificate. View Import details (Refer to sections 57.900 – 970)
I. Foreign Inspection Certificate must contain the following information (CFR Part 57.915):
a. Name of country exporting product
b. City, and Date where issued
c. Quality or Description of the eggs
d. Number of cases and total quantity (in dozens)
e. Identification Marks on containers
f. Name and Address, of Exporter
g. Name and Address, of Importer
h. Certify that the description of the shell eggs including date of pack is accurate.
i. Certify that the shell eggs were stored and transported under refrigeration at an ambient temperature of 45˚F/7.2˚C or less. (table eggs only)
j. Name, Title and Signature of individual(s) authorized to issue inspection certificates for shell eggs exported to the United States
II. Form LPS-222. In advance of arrival complete sections A, B, C, and D of Form LPS-222, Import Request (Shell Eggs) (pdf). It is highly recommended that a copy of the shipping case label used on the product accompany Form, LPS-222.
III. E-mail the completed Form LPS-222, along with a copy of the foreign health certificate to:
QAD.importrequesteggs@usda.gov
Alternatively, the form may be sent via mail to:
Quality Assessment Division
Livestock and Poultry Program
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA
Stop 0258
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
The documents will be reviewed, assigned an AMS import permit number, and returned to the individual/company who submitted the application. The completed Form LPS-222 must be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) for a conditional release of the product. Product will be subject to a final inspection by USDA personnel before being released for processing at an official USDA facility.
AMS Contact:
Jeff Shomaker
202-720-2153
Jeff.Shomaker@usda.gov