Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions Import: Q1: If I wish to import animal(s) from overseas to Hong Kong for pet or trading purpose, what should I do? Q2: If my pet arrives in Hong Kong after midnight, will the AFCD offices at the cargo terminals be open? Can I collect my pet immediately? Q3: If my pet arrives Hong Kong by air, can I collect it the next day?
Since your pet will be kept at the cargo terminal pending for your collection, so you are advised to collect it as soon as possible to avoid your pet from unnecessary waiting.
Q4: How to apply for importation of dogs and cats from Group III countries/places?
A Special Permit and a reservation for a quarantine space at the Government Animal Management Centre must be obtained well in advance from our Department before importing dogs/cats from Group III countries/places. To make an application, please submit the application form (Form No. AF301 for pets from Mainland China or Form No. AF240 for pets from Group III countries/places except Mainland China), a copy of the applicant's ID/passport, copies of vaccination certificates, and the quarantine centre booking form (Form No. PC100). The date of birth, breed, sex and microchip no. of the pet should be indicated on the vaccination certificates, which should be signed and stamped by the veterinarian. Please note that the dog/cat must be fully vaccinated against the common infectious diseases according to our guideline (No. G122).
Due to fluctuation in the demand for the government quarantine facility, we recommend you to submit the application and reservation for the quarantine facility at least 15 months in advance to avoid any delay in your plan to import your pets. Q5: If my cat/dog has visited Mainland China, will it be subject to 4-month quarantine at the AFCD quarantine centre upon arrival in Hong Kong?
Yes, your dog/cat will be subject to 4-month quarantine at our quarantine centre upon arrival in Hong Kong after visiting Mainland China. Before coming back to Hong Kong, please obtain an Import Permit and reserve the quarantine space in advance. Dog/cat will be released from quarantine under the condition that it has no clinical signs of rabies and the quarantine fee has been settled.
Q6: How to apply for transshipment of dogs and cats from Mainland China to overseas countries/places through the Hong Kong International Airport?
To transship dogs and cats from Mainland China to overseas countries through Hong Kong, an Import Permit (for transshipment) must be obtained well in advance from our Department. Please submit the application form (Form No. AF301) and a copy of the applicant’s HKID/passport. If you need to authorize other person to handle the application, please also complete the Authorization form (No. UN110). The applicant could submit the application by email (email address: icsenquiry@afcd.gov.hk) or in person. Alternatively, the applicant could apply online through the Trade Single Window. More information can be viewed at www.tradesinglewindow.hk. No permit fee is required. After the application is received and in order, the permit will usually be issued on the 5th working day.
Q7: I have obtained the Import Permit and will bring my dogs/cats from Mainland China to overseas countries through Hong Kong. Can I travel with my dogs/cats in Hong Kong for few days before continuing my journey to my final destination country?
No, pets must not remain in Hong Kong for more than 24 hours for transshipment. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, immediate onward transshipment must be carried out. The pets must be transported under official escort from the point of entry to the Hong Kong International Airport. The permittee will be required to provide suitable transportation.
Q8: Can I transport my pet dogs/cats into Hong Kong as carry-on baggage on the same passenger flight?
According to the import permit terms, animals must be transported into Hong Kong as Manifested Cargo. Transport as excess baggage or carry-on baggage is not permitted.
Q9: How to apply for importation of pet chinchilla to Hong Kong?
For importation of pet chinchilla from Group I or II countries/places, please submit the application form (Form No. AF240) with a copy of your HKID/passport. Besides, please provide a certification issued by the Government Authority of the exporting country to certify the chinchilla(s) is/are captive-bred and over 12 weeks old. You could submit the application in person. Alternatively, the applicant could apply online through the Trade Single Window. More information can be viewed at www.tradesinglewindow.hk. After the application is received and in order, the permit will usually be issued on the 5th working day. If you would like to import pet chinchilla from Group III countries/places, please contact our staff for further information.
Q10: Can I import small mammals, such as hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets and squirrels, as pets?
To protect public health, public safety and safeguard animal welfare, the Department implements strict regulations on the import of exotic species or wild animals. Hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets and squirrels are considered as exotic mammals. Import of these exotic mammals carries the risk of spreading animal diseases. Besides, as these animals are non-native species, they may cause adverse impacts on the local ecology in case they escape or are released into the wild. In addition, the species concerned are originally from the wild and it is difficult to meet their welfare needs if they are kept in a home environment as pets. As such, the importation of the concerned species will not be approved.
Q11: How to apply for importation of ornamental fishes or aquatic animals to Hong Kong as pets?
There is no Special/Import Permit required from this Department for importation of ornamental fish or aquatic animals (except the endangered species) to Hong Kong as pet. You are advised to contact the relevant competent authority of the exporting country/place for the exportation requirements first. If the concerned species to be imported into Hong Kong involves CITES-listed species, you may need to apply for the appropriate CITES permit/license from the exporting country/place and the Endangered Species Protection Division (ESPD) of this Department. Please contact ESPD at hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk to verify whether the CITES permit is required. Besides, it would be advisable to prepare a packing list in order to facilitate the clearance procedures by the Hong Kong Customs upon arrival. Lastly, if the fishes or aquatic products are imported for human consumption, please contact the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for further details.
Q12: Do I need to apply for a Special/Import Permit for importation of pet foods?
This Department has no restrictions on the importation of pet foods into Hong Kong and an import permit is not required (as long as the products are not derived from cats/dogs/CITES listed species). To facilitate trade and re-export, if the products are derived from ruminant, porcine or poultry origin or milk, it is recommended that the consignment is accompanied by an official veterinary certificate issued/endorsed by the veterinary authorities of the exporting country. If your products are the parts or derivatives of CITES species, please contact the Endangered Species Protection Division of this Department for details (email: hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk). For detailed advice to importers regarding pet food, please refer to the circular letter.
Q13: Is it necessary to apply for an import permit if importing animal skin or feather to Hong Kong?
This Department has no control on the import of animal skin or feather (excluding the products derived from dog/cat or endangered species), so it is not necessary to apply for an import permit from this Department before the import. For information about the import control of animal products, please refer to the link: Import of Animal Carcasses and Animal Products
Export: Q1: If I want to export my dog/cat to other countries, what documents should I prepare in advance? Do I need to apply for an export permit from AFCD?
Hong Kong has no restriction on the exportation of dogs and cats and you do not need to apply for an export permit from this Department. Since different countries/places may impose different restrictions on the importation of animals and different health certification requirements, applicants are strongly advised to obtain well in advance the details of the requirements from both the government authority of the destination country/place and from the airline or shipping company that will carry them.
Q2: How to take a dog/cat to Mainland China? What are the procedures?
If you are transporting a dog/cat to Shenzhen by road, please arrange a vehicle to cross the border via the Shenzhen Bay Port or Lok Ma Chau Port. According to the import requirements of Mainland China, each person can only take one dog/cat to Mainland China each time. Within 10 days of departure, please bring your dog/cat to a private veterinary surgeon for the issuance of an animal health certificate. On the certificate, please indicate the dog/cat health status, vaccination date (including the rabies vaccination date), ISO microchip number and its implantation date and implantation position etc. For detailed requirements of the animal health certificate, please contact the relevant mainland authorities. After that, please bring along the completed animal health certificate, vaccination records and dog licence(for dogs only) to our office for endorsement service. The endorsement normally takes 1 working day to process.
Q3: Can I apply for an official health examination and issuance of an official Animal Health Certificate for my dog/cat?
This Department only provides animal examination services and issues Official Animal Health Certificates if the importing country/place specifically requires an official veterinary examination. In this case, the applicant should obtain a confirmed appointment with AFCD before bringing the animal for inspection. Please contact 2150 7062 for making an appointment. Application should be made at least 10 working days prior to the expected date of inspection.
Q4: Can I go to one of the Animal Management Centers to apply for issuance or official endorsement of an animal health certificate?
There is only one designated office that can provide such services. The application must be submitted with the relevant original documents in person at the following address:
Office Address: Certification Desk (Counter No. 9), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, 5th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 noon, 1:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.(Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.) Q5: Can I get my endorsed Animal Health Certificate on the same day of application, or can I pay extra fees for express endorsement or certification of information services?
The Department does not provide same-day endorsement or express endorsement/certification of information services. If all the veterinary health requirements stipulated by the destination country/place are met and the related documents are produced in order, the processing period will be one working day. If any amendments or clarification on the health certificate and supporting documents are required, one working day will be counted from the date of submission or re-submission of the documents. Therefore, please reserve sufficient time for this matter to avoid any delays in your travel plan.
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