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Importing Meat Products
Importers of meat and meat products, excluding poultry, are required to obtain a Meat Products Inspection Certificate prior to the importation of meat products. The Meat Products Inspection Certificate confirms that the product is suitable for consumption and allows for the importation of meat and meat products into Trinidad and Tobago with minimal risk to the animal and human populations. Poultry is not included under these regulations. Please follow the link in the Related Services section on the left of your screen for poultry importation guidelines. Persons importing meat or meat products in amounts classified as personal allowances do not have to apply for permits but must have evidence of the country of origin. Products should be in original packages, bearing inspection marks of the veterinary authority of the country of origin.
What steps should I follow in order to import?
The importer should:
- Obtain a Meat Products Inspection Certificate (import permit).
- Apply for a license to import from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Please see the link below for more information on applying for an import license.
- Pay Customs and Excise duties on the meat product. Please contact the Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry Finance, at Tel. (868) 635-3311, for more information on paying Customs duties.
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Have the items inspected for wholesomeness by the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division of the Ministry of Health. Please see the link below for more information on the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division.
Food and Drug Inspection
Applying for an Import Licence
Are there any other requirements?
The meat or meat product must be from a country that is free of any disease associated with the specific item. For example, beef can only be imported from a country free of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (mad cow) and Foot and Mouth diseases.
What documents do I need to apply for a permit?
To apply for a permit, importers are required to submit the invoices and health certificate from the country of origin. First time applicants should provide a company letter along with the application form for the import permit.
How do I apply for an import permit?
Application forms for a Meat Products Inspection Certificate can be obtained from:
The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer
Animal Production and Health Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
80 Abercromby Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 625-5997/1473
Fax. (868) 625-5993
E-mail: aphmalmr@tstt.net.tt
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
Completed application forms should be submitted in person, along with the relevant documentation, to the Animal Production and Health Division. If a completed application and all documentation are submitted before 3:00 pm, the import permit can be collected after 1:30 pm the following business day.
What fees do I need to pay?
The cost of the import permit is TT$10.00. Cash payments are not accepted. A cashier is available for payments at the office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at the address above.
Where can I find more information?
Additional information can be obtained from the Chief Veterinary Officer at Tel. (868) 625-5997/1473, or in person at the address above.