Live Primates

Live primates imported into the United States face one of the most layered regulatory entry frameworks of any animal commodity: USDA APHIS import permits, CDC quarantine regulations for nonhuman primates, and CITES Appendix I or II permits for virtually all species are all required simultaneously. Mauritius and Vietnam are the leading source countries, reflecting long-established breeding colonies that supply biomedical research institutions. Commercial trade in wild-caught primates is broadly prohibited under CITES, so documentation of captive-bred status and valid CITES export permits from the country of origin is a critical compliance step.