Animal Importation

 

Step 1. Confirmation of Animal Requirements and Vendor Selection

Before initiating an animal procurement request, users should first confirm the animal requirements within the scope and limits of the approved Animal Experimental Protocol, including:

  • Strain
  • Sex
  • Age
  • Quantity

Users are also responsible for identifying a preferred vendor and checking preliminary animal availability. Final confirmation of the vendor may be subject to veterinary review of the animals’ health status.

If assistance is required—such as advice on genetic characteristics, health status compatibility, or the suitability of animals for the intended experimental plan—users may request a consultation with LAF for guidance.

Step 2. Biosecurity Review and Import Documentation Submission

Following preliminary planning, users must submit the Animal Importation Form together with a minimum of one year of historical health surveillance records and the most recent health report representative of the animals intended for import, to LAF for veterinary biosecurity review.

Once the import is approved by the Attending Veterinarian (AV), users should submit the following additional documents to LAF:

Based on the submitted materials, LAF will determine the appropriate import conditions, which may include direct import into the SPF barrier, quarantine with microbiological screening, or rederivation, as deemed necessary by the AV.

Step 3. Transportation Arrangement

For animals procured from The Jackson Laboratory, LAF may assist in arranging transportation from the vendor to LAF.

For all other sources, researchers are responsible for:

  • Arranging shipment with a courier of their choice
  • Proposing an import date agreed upon by LAF

Researchers are also responsible for applying for Import Permit, unless the animals are sourced from The Jackson Laboratory
(please refer to the Animal Import Permit Application page for details).

Delivery Requirements

  • Animal delivery to HKUST must take place Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm
  • LAF must be notified promptly once the delivery schedule is confirmed

On the Day of Import

  • The researcher must receive the animals at HKUST and verify that the strain, quantity, and accompanying documentation are correct
  • The researcher will then transport the animals to the LAF checkpoint (L‑zone lobby) for handover to LAF personnel

Reminder:
Declarations must be lodged with the Government within 14 days of importation or exportation of goods.
The declaration e‑form is available via the PURO system.

LAF tip: For mice, use HS Code “1061900” and Goods Description “Live mice”.

Step 4. Animal Arrival Health Check and Quarantine

Upon arrival, the animals’ condition will be assessed.

  • If quarantine is not required, animals will be transferred into the SPF animal holding barrier by designated LAF staff.
  • If quarantine is required, animals will be cared for and monitored by the LAF veterinary team. Microbiological screening will be conducted during quarantine to confirm health status prior to relocation to the SPF barrier.
  • If rederivation is required, LAF can provide assistance with the rederivation process.