Cats and Dogs - Import of two pets allowed as baggage
BOARD has re-examined the present policy of import of two pets by passengers. It has been decided to allow import of two pet animals as baggage only to persons transferring their residence to India after two years of continuous stay abroad in terms of Baggage Rules 1998 subject to production of the required health certificate from the country of origin and examination of said pets by the concerned Quarantine Officer at this end. This new dispensation shall come into force with effect from 15th April 2013. Import of animals (pets) in general would continue to be governed by DGFT policy.
Board's Circular No. 94/2002 - Customs dated 23.12.2002 stands modified. That circular mentioned only cat and dog. The present circular does not mention the animals.
Last week, the German Customs seized a pet monkey from Canadian teen pop sensation Justin Bieber. The pet landed along with Justin at Munich airport on a private jet and is under Customs custody. Justin has to produce the relevant papers within four weeks or lose the monkey and some money in fines.
CBEC Circular No. 15/2013-Cus., Dated: April 08, 2013