Under which condition is a signature made with a rubber stamp valid for an International Health Certificate (IHC)?

A signature made with a rubber stamp is not considered valid for an International Health Certificate (IHC) under USDA criteria. The USDA has specific requirements for signatures to ensure authenticity and accountability. A rubber stamp can create doubts about the validity and personal responsibility of the signer, as it does not guarantee that the individual whose name is stamped has personally reviewed and authorized the document.

To maintain the integrity of certifying documents in animal health, the USDA requires signatures that provide assurance of personal authentication by the responsible individual. This ensures that the necessary checks and certifications, such as those related to animal health, are taken seriously and managed with a level of responsibility that a stamped signature does not convey.

In contrast, other conditions, such as being signed by the owner of the animal or combined with a typed name, do not necessarily meet the USDA's stringent requirements for document endorsement in this context.