USDA rolls out new equine import health certificate
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is implementing a new model health certificate for equine imports, with a transition period running from April 13 through June 14, 2026.
The updated certificate consolidates required data, health information and attestations into a single document, replacing multiple existing forms. USDA officials said the change is intended to streamline documentation requirements for importing eligible equines into the United States.
Under the revised protocol, pre-export cleaning and decontamination requirements related to foot-and-mouth disease have been removed. Instead, mitigation measures for the disease will be conducted by USDA personnel at U.S. ports of entry. The certificate also introduces pre-export mitigation measures for African horse sickness, aimed at reducing the risk of the disease entering the country.
The new certificate incorporates remaining provisions from a 2023 equine import rule. These include certification that a horse has not been gelded within 14 days prior to export, if applicable. The update also revises contagious equine metritis regulations, clarifying that breeding prohibitions apply to both live and artificial methods and requiring accurate reporting of competition horses’ locations during temporary import or export.
Additional requirements have been added to address horse health and safety prior to transport.
During the 60-day transition period, importers may use either the new certificate or currently approved documentation. However, shipments using older certificates must include supplemental health documentation at the U.S. port of entry. Imports using the new certificate will not require additional paperwork.
Beginning June 15, 2026, all eligible equines entering the United States must be accompanied by documentation that meets the new certificate requirements.
The updated certificate applies to most equine imports, though exceptions include horses from Canada and Mexico, certain temporarily imported exhibition animals, specific racing Thoroughbreds from select European countries, Spanish Purebred horses from Spain, and non-domesticated equines such as zebras.
USDA has made the certificate and guidance documents available through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.
