On May 6, 2022, in Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) #51919834, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) announced that all new and renewal permit applications for live animals and animal products, organisms, and vectors must be submitted through the APHIS eFile system effective May 31, 2022. The eFile system uses a permitting assistant (VSPA) to determine the movement and documentation requirements to begin the permit application. Amendments for existing permits must be requested in the system where the permit exists. Existing permits in the ePermits system will remain valid until their expiration date.

The CSMS includes details on creating and setting up an APHIS eFile account and can be found here:

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-316b53a?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2