What must Import Health Certificates (IHCs) comply with?

The correct answer is that Import Health Certificates (IHCs) must comply with the disease requirements of the importing country. This means that each country may have specific health standards and regulations concerning the importation of animals, animal products, or plants to prevent the introduction of diseases. IHCs serve as a means to verify that the items being imported meet these specific health-related criteria established by the destination country.

Complying with the disease requirements of the importing country ensures that the imported products do not pose a risk of spreading diseases that could affect local agriculture, livestock, or wildlife. It is crucial for maintaining biosecurity and protecting the health of domestic animal populations and ecosystems.

While the USDA has its own regulations that need to be followed, they are not the sole requirements for IHCs. Similarly, local state regulations may exist, but they must align with the broader requirements specified by the importing country. International common standards may provide a framework, but the primary compliance obligation lies with the specific regulations set by the importing nation regarding health and disease prevention.