Export Requirements
We facilitate the safe and legal trade of animals and animal products by enforcing national and international regulations.
GUIDELINES FOR VETERINARY EXPORT OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
A. Procedure for Exporting Animals and Animal Products
Registration & Documentation
- Exporters must register with the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) and obtain the necessary permits.
- Depending on the type of animal or product, additional clearance from other regulatory bodies (e.g., Registrar General, Forestry Commission, Fisheries Commission) may be required.
- Required documents include an export permit application, health records, and any additional certificates mandated by the destination country.
- Exporters must submit application for export permit / veterinary health certificate to Chief Veterinary Officer
Health Certification
- All animals must undergo veterinary health checks to ensure they are free from infectious or contagious diseases.
- A Veterinary Health Certificate (Export Permit) will only be issued after meeting all health and vaccination requirements.
- The health certificate should detail the animal’s species, breed, age, and test results for relevant diseases.
Vaccination & Testing
- Animals must be vaccinated as per international standards and destination country requirements.
- Specific disease tests (e.g., rabies titre test, anthrax test, Avian Influenza test) must be conducted, depending on the species and export destination.
- Vaccination and test records must be presented before the issuance of an export permit.
Quarantine & Microchipping (if applicable)
- Some countries require quarantine periods before export, which must be adhered to as per their regulations.
- Microchipping is mandatory for pets traveling to certain destinations like the EU to ensure traceability.
- The microchip number must be included in all health and export documents.
Deworming & Treatment
- All animals must be dewormed within the specified period before departure (usually between 24 hours to 10 days before travel).
- Proof of deworming and any additional parasite control measures should be documented.
Import Permits & Compliance with Destination Country Rules
- Exporters must obtain import permits from the destination country where required.
- All regulations specific to the destination country must be strictly followed, including restrictions on certain breeds or species.
- Some countries may require additional disease screening, specific vaccinations, or treatment against particular parasites.
Transport & Handling
- Animals must be transported in approved, humane conditions according to international regulations (IATA Live Animal Regulations for air travel).
- Transport containers should meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or other relevant regulatory standards.
- Adequate food, water, and ventilation should be provided during transit.
Final Inspection & Permit Issuance
A final inspection is conducted by veterinary officers before issuing the Veterinary Health Certificate (Export Permit).
The certificate is a mandatory document for customs clearance at exit points.
Any discrepancies in documentation or health concerns may result in delays or refusal of export approval.
B. Requirement for Export Permit or Veterinary Health Certificate
Export of Pets (Dogs and Cats)
All exporters of pets from Ghana must comply with the requirements of the destination country before an export permit is issued.
General Requirements:
- Pets should be dewormed at least 5-10 days before departure.
- Pets must be vaccinated against the following diseases:
- Canine distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae
- Parainfluenza
- Rabies
Additional Requirements for Export to the European Union (EU):
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- All vaccinations must be up to date.
- A rabies titre test must be conducted.
- The pet must be microchipped.
- Deworming should be done 24-48 hours before departure.
- Rabies vaccination should be administered at least sixty (60) days before departure.
Additional Requirements for Export to South Africa:
- An import permit must be obtained from the Directorate of Animal Health, South Africa.
- The following tests must be conducted:
- Brucella canis – Serum agglutination/rapid slide agglutination test
- Trypanosoma evansi – Card agglutination test and Giemsa blood smear
- Babesia gibsoni – Immunofluorescence antibody test & Giemsa blood smear
- Dirofilaria immitis – Microfilarial filtration test
- Leishmaniosis – Indirect fluorescent antibody test or ELISA
Additional Requirements for Export to the USA:
- A rabies titre test must be conducted.
- A CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) form must be filled out and submitted online.
Link: CDC Import Form :
https://cdc-786687.workflowcloud.com/forms/090dc543-7b2f-4538-b2c7-2919d12ecc73
3. The pet must be dewormed 48 hours before departure.
Export of Whole Skin and Drum Skin
The skin must be examined and sampled for an anthrax test before the Veterinary Health Certificate (Export Permit) is issued.
Export of Exotic Birds
Birds must show no clinical signs of infectious or parasitic diseases and must be fit for travel.
Tests for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease must be conducted before an Export Permit is issued.
Evidence of vaccinations, if required by the destination country, must be provided.
Export of Wildlife Animals
- Exporters must register with the Game and Wildlife Department of the Forestry Commission.
- A CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit must be obtained before applying for a Veterinary Export Permit from the Veterinary Services Directorate.
Export of Livestock (Sheep, Goats, and Cattle)
Livestock must be vaccinated, dewormed, and in good health or deemed fit for travel as per the requirements of the destination country.
For further inquiries, please contact the following desk officers:
KIA
Officer In-Charge, KIA: +233 277418064
Tema Port
Officer In-Charge, Tema Port: +233 557269909
Import
Desk Officer, Import: +233 242649497
Export
Desk Officer, Export: +233 26837303