USDA Removes Pre-Export Examination Requirement for Imported Horses

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is removing the requirement that horses imported into the United States must have documentation showing a pre-export exam within 48 hours of leaving the port of embarkation. This change removes only that requirement; all other existing equine import regulations remain in place.

In 2023, we published a final rule in the Federal Register (88 FR 62993-63004) updating the horse import regulations to align them with international standards and give APHIS and the equine industry more flexibility. These updates required horses imported into the United States to have documentation showing a pre-export exam completed within 48 hours of leaving the port of embarkation, signed by a salaried veterinary medical officer. Since implementation, APHIS has determined that logistical challenges may prevent some stakeholders from being able to meet this requirement.

On June 20, 2025, we published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to remove the pre-export examination requirement. and invited public comment for 60 days, ending August 19, 2025. We received 12 comments from industry groups, businesses, and individuals, with most expressing support for the proposed change.

All other safeguards remain in place, including quarantine, observation, and testing of imported horses other than those from Canada. Horses that do not test negative or are otherwise suspected of harboring a communicable disease of import concern are held in quarantine and may be refused entry. APHIS regulations also require pre-export inspection at the premises of origin to confirm the horse has shown no signs of communicable disease or exposure during the 60 days before export, along with any case-specific inspections the APHIS Administrator may require. APHIS has determined that these import requirements—which this rule does not change—reduce the risk of communicable diseases of import concern entering the country, without adding an additional examination within 48 hours. 

This Final Rule becomes effective May 11, 2026.