Import Regulations for Horses; Pre-Export Examination

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

We are proposing to remove the requirement that horses offered for importation to the United States be accompanied by documentation of pre-export examination occurring within 48 hours of departure from the port of embarkation endorsed by a salaried veterinary medical officer. We have found that logistical barriers prevent affected parties from meeting this requirement at this time, and that the other requirements of the regulations are sufficient to ensure that imported horses are free of diseases and pests of livestock.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before August 19, 2025.

You may submit comments by either of the following methods:

• FederaleRulemakingPortal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-2025-0018 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents.
• Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2025-0018, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Regulatory Analysis and Development, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., #AP760, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at Regulations.gov or in our reading room, which is located in room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.