Importing pathogens

Import licence requirements for pathogens 

Each import consignment of pathogens must be accompanied by an AVS-issued import licence. In addition: 

• You must have a licence to possess veterinary biologics before importing pathogens. 

• The pathogen you import must be approved by us. Our select list of pathogens is available here. 

The documents below contain more information on pathogen import requirements: 

Microorganisms of animals and birds

1. Veterinary conditions for the importation of microorganisms of animals and birds: type cultures or stains

2. Veterinary conditions for the importation of microorganisms of animals and birds: laboratory isolates

Viruses of animals and birds

1. Veterinary conditions for the importation of viruses of animals and birds: type cultures or stains 

2. Veterinary conditions for the importation of viruses of animals and birds: laboratory isolates

How to apply for an AVS-issued import licence 

Apply for an import licence for pathogens via TradeNet. 

An import licence fee of S$22 is applicable per consignment.  

 The application process for pathogens that you have previously imported generally takes one working day. 

If you are importing pathogens for the first time, you must submit a risk assessment in the attached format to our Veterinary Biologics Committee (VBC) for import consideration. You can reach out to us via the online feedback form.

You may proceed to apply for your import licence via TradeNet  after risk assessment has been evaluated and the application is completed.

Inspection

Importers of all veterinary biologics except samples for diagnostic testing are required to book an inspection appointment via eservices - National Parks Board (NParks) at least 5 days before the date of arrival.