Live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes of SVC-susceptible species imported into the United States must be accompanied by an import permit issued by APHIS and must be imported within 30 days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import permit.

An application for an import permit must be submitted for each shipment of live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes of SVC-susceptible species to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, National Center for Import and Export, 4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231. Application forms for import permits may be obtained from this address.

A completed application shall include the following information:

The name and address of the person intending to export live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes of SVC-susceptible species to the United States;

The proposed date of shipment to the United States;

The name and address of the person intending to import live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes of SVC-susceptible species into the United States;

The species and number of live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes of SVC-susceptible species to be imported into the United States;

The purpose of the importation;

The port of embarkation;

The mode of transportation;

The route of travel, including all carrier stops en route;

The port of entry in the United States;

The proposed date of arrival in the United States; and

The name and address of the person to whom the live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes of SVC-susceptible species will be delivered in the United States.

If APHIS determines that the live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes are eligible for importation, APHIS will issue an import permit indicating the applicable conditions for importation. An import permit does not guarantee that any live fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes will be allowed entry into the United States; the fish, fertilized eggs, or gametes will be allowed to enter the United States only if they meet all applicable requirements of the permit and regulations.