Hurray!!!  I just finished speaking with someone from the USDA that actually knew a thing or two about semen importation policies!

Dr. Freeda Isaac is the Senior Staff Veterinarian at the National Center for Import and Export of APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services), Veterinary Services department.  Dr. Isaac has informed me that the USDA no longer restricts any equine semen shipments from Canada! 

What does that mean?  It means no permits are required, no health certificates, and best of all, no extra fees. 

What's the catch?  Dr. Isaac has cautioned me that customs officials are still holding the occasional shipment due to their improper training on how to handle/release semen shipments from Canada.  In light of this, she has suggested the following:

1 - Clients should contact the customs department at the airport where semen will be arriving into the US.  Inform the customs department that you are expecting an EQUINE (horse) semen shipment from CANADA and if there are any additional documents they require.  Make sure you tell them that the USDA has informed you that there are no restrictions on equine semen shipments arriving from CANADA (there still exists restrictions from Europe).

2 - Keur-Wood Stables will be sending a supplementary Bill of Lading & Certificate of Origin with the semen shipment.

More information on this topic can be found on our updated Customs webpage.  Please note that, although all efforts will be made to ensure timely delivery of semen, Keur-Wood Stables cannot guarantee prompt customs clearance.  Please check with the customs officers at the receiving airport for further information.

If at any time during your correspondences with customs officials you discover additional information that might assist in the importation process, please e-mail your findings to stable@superiorhorse.net so that we can incorporate the information in the form.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated!