Permit to Import

What is the purpose of this permit?
Livestock from out of Washington State are inspected by an out-of-state veterinarian who issues a health certificate. The veterinarian contacts WSDA by phone for a permit number. They can also access an electronic permit here: https://fortress.wa.gov/agr/apps/EntryPermit/ WSDA approves and issues the permit number immediately as long as the veterinarian confirms that an inspection of the animals is completed, testing requirements fulfilled and a Certificate of Veterinary Health Inspection has been issued.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Agriculture
What activities require this permit?
Any person, business or entity that wants to import animals or animal reproductive products that require an entry permit.
How much will this permit cost?
No Cost
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Web Entry Permits' is online and can be accessed at https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/permit-to-import.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
A Certificate of Veterinary Health, Sale Yard Release or invoice number, unless the animals are going directly to a USDA inspected slaughter facility, a USDA approved livestock market or a Category 2 Restricted Holding Facility, then no documentation required.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Any positive test result, not obtaining import tests that might be required and not obtaining a certificate of veterinary inspection will influence the decision.
How long will it take to review my application?
The average response time, based on 2018 data, is 1 day after an inspection of the animals is completed and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection has been issued.
Where do I submit my application?
Your private veterinarian can contact the office at the following phone numbers: 360-902-1878 Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 1-800-942-1035 Afterhours, weekends, and holidays Or you can apply by completing an application form located at: Web Entry Permits
How long is my permit valid?
30 days
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Upon notice by the Department to deny or revoke a permit, a person may request a hearing under Chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1

(Summary results based on 8194 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/permit-to-import
Helpdesk phone: (360) 902-1878
Subject matter expert phone: (360) 902-1878
Subject matter expert email: ahealth@agr.wa.gov
Other: The veterinarians receive training on this permit process in their accreditation. The Brand Inspectors receive training on the process when they are hired.
Statewide Contact:
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Animal Services Division
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 42577
Olympia, WA 98504-2577
Telephone: (360) 902-1878
Fax: (360) 902-2092
Email: ahealth@agr.wa.gov
Website: http://agr.wa.gov
* Permit information last updated 7/7/2020
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