Chapter

Reference
Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds

Contents
Introduction 3-6-1 Products Covered in This Section 3-6-1 Products NOT Covered in This Section 3-6-2 Locator 3-6-3 Inedible Egg Products 3-6-3 Whole Egg Shells (with Egg White and Egg Yolk Removed) 3-6-4 Edible Eggs and Egg Products 3-6-4 Edible Eggs and Egg Products from Countries Affected with HPAI Fresh, Unfertilized Eggs 3-6-9 Commercial Consignments of Canned Quail Eggs 3-6-9

3-6-5

Introduction
Products Covered in This Section
This section covers eggs and egg products imported for both edible and inedible purposes, as follows: Baluts (fertile eggs incubated 17 days) Boiled eggs (hard-boiled eggs, salted eggs, pickled eggs) Eggs that are preserved, but uncooked (i.e., 100-year eggs and peedan eggs) Egg shells Fresh, unfertilized eggs for breaking and pasteurization Fresh, unfertilized eggs for food Inedible egg products (e.g., liquid yolks) Moon cakes Noodle soup, fresh, frozen, or dried, containing egg or egg products

! WARNING
All eggs and egg products covered in this section originating from countries or regions affected with HPAI require a VS import permit.

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Introduction

Products NOT Covered in This Section

Baked goods (excluding moon cakes), drink mixes, egg protein shampoos, mayonnaise, plain pasta, plain noodles, salad dressings, sauces, and cake mixes Commercial importations of shell eggs, which are regulated by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)refer to Appendix I on page I-1-1 for a list of AMS regional offices Eggs being imported for research; consider as embryos and refer to Table 3-8-20 Egg cartons, crates, flats, or liners used as packing material (these are of concern because of possible contamination with blood, feathers, manure, or shells) should be regulated as fomites under Miscellaneous Products on page 3-15-1if found contaminated, refer to Step 5: Action on Contaminants and Ticks on page 2-2-11 under Clearing Regulated Cargo on page 2-2-1 Eggs that are fertilized and ready for hatching, including commercial importations of uncooked balutscontact the nearest VS office for further action

NOTICE
Some egg products are highly perishable. Therefore, expedite an importation when it is authorized to be released. If the hold cannot be released, allow the importer to apply dry ice or refrigerate the product.

When a VS permit authorizes the entry of eggs or egg products, match the following information on the shipping documents with that on the permit: Conditions spelled out on the permit Consignee Current date Description of the material Shipper Follow Table 3-6-1 on page 3-6-3 to match the permit with the shipping documents.

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Locator

Table 3-6-1 Eggs and Egg Products Authorized Entry by VS Permit

If the shipping documents: Match the permit Do not match the permit Permit has expired And the: Then: RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit 1. DO NOT RELEASE the HOLD 2. REQUIRE the consignee to contact VSAnimal Products Import Staff (SEE Appendix H) 3. SAFEGUARD the importation until contacted by VS Animal Products Import Staff 1. DO NOT RELEASE the HOLD 2. CONTACT PPQAQIVMO or PPQQPASVRSHQ personnel for further action (SEE Appendix H)

Discrepancy is other than an expired permit

Locator
When a VS permit does not accompany an importation of eggs or egg products, use Table 3-6-2 to determine the appropriate regulatory action.
Table 3-6-2 Eggs and Egg Products NOT Authorized by a VS Permit
If the importation is: Canned quail eggs Edible eggs and egg products Fresh, unfertilized eggs Inedible egg products (e.g., liquid yolks) Product containing egg Whole, empty egg shells (with egg white and egg yolk removed) Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit And: Then: SEE Table 3-6-9 SEE Table 3-6-4 SEE Table 3-6-8 RELEASE REFUSE ENTRY REGULATE as edible eggs and egg products (SEE Table 3-6-4) SEE Table 3-6-3

Inedible Egg Products

Egg products such as liquid yolks imported for research, scientific, educational, or another inedible purpose require a VS permit authorizing their entry. In addition, if the egg product is from an endangered or threatened bird, the importation may also be subject to FWS regulations. If a shipment is encountered that lacks a permit, REFUSE ENTRY.

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Whole Egg Shells (with Egg White and Egg Yolk Removed)

Whole Egg Shells (with Egg White and Egg Yolk Removed)
NOTICE
Faberge eggs or articles (such as jewelry boxes) decorated with pieces of eggshells in passenger baggage may enter without restriction. Table 3-6-3 Whole Egg Shells
If the importation is: Whole egg shells1 And the country or region of origin is known to be: Affected with END only Affected with HPAI only Affected with HPAI in combination with END Free from both END and HPAI Other than above (i.e., other than whole egg shells1)
1 2 3

And the shipment is: Commercial2

And: Is accompanied by a VS-issued import permit Lacks the VS-issued import permit

Then: RELEASE

REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE REFUSE ENTRY 1. DO NOT RELEASE the HOLD 2. CONTACT PPQAQIVMO or PPQQPASVRSHQ personnel for further action (SEE Appendix H)

Not commercial3

Is clean and dry Is not clean and dry Is clean and dry Is not clean and dry

Egg white and egg yolk have been removed. May be decorated, etched, or painted. May contain confetti, toys, or other unregulated items (e.g., cascarones, chocolate filled, etc.). Quantity of decorated, etched, or painted empty egg shells exceeds 10 per passenger. Quantity of decorated, etched, or painted empty egg shells is 10 eggs or less per passenger.

Edible Eggs and Egg Products

Commercial importations of edible eggs and egg products not accompanied by a VS permit authorizing their entry must be of Canadian origin for unrestricted entry. Use Table 3-6-4 to determine the appropriate regulatory action to take for all shipments of edible eggs and egg products not accompanied by a permit authorizing their entry. See Appendix A for the Guide to Entry Status of Animal Products in Passenger Baggage or Mail on page A-1-1 when edible eggs and egg products are encountered in passenger baggage.

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Edible Eggs and Egg Products

Table 3-6-4 Edible Eggs and Egg Products

If the product originated in: Canada Country affected with HPAI Other than as specified above Then: RELEASE SEE Table 3-6-5 SEE Table 3-6-7

Edible Eggs and Egg Products from Countries Affected with HPAI
Table 3-6-5 Edible Eggs and Egg Products from Countries Affected with HPAI
If the country or region of origin is: Free from END And the importation is: Moon cakes Fresh, unfertilized eggs Breaking and pasteurization Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Other than breaking and pasteurization Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Other than the above Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Affected with END Moon cakes Fresh, unfertilized eggs Breaking and pasteurization Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Other than breaking and pasteurization Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Other than the above Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit And the eggs are for: And the importation: Then: SEE Table 3-6-6 REFER to FSIS to obtain FSIS Form 5200-8, Import Request Egg Products (shell eggs for breaking are also regulated by FSIS) REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY SEE Table 3-6-6 REFER to FSIS to obtain FSIS Form 5200-8, Import Request Egg Products (shell eggs for breaking are also regulated by FSIS) REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Edible Eggs and Egg Products

Table 3-6-6 Commercial Consignments of Moon Cakes

If the product: Does not contain egg/egg yolk or meat Contains egg/egg yolk Affected with END Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Affected with HPAI, and the country is regionalized1 and 2 for HPAI Labeled as being from regionalized zones affected with HPAI Not labeled as being from regionalized zones affected with HPAI Affected with HPAI and the country is not regionalized1 and 2 for HPAI Free from HPAI and END Contains meat and the product meets entry requirements for any egg ingredients
1

And the country or region of origin is:

And the importation is:

And:

Then: RELEASE

REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE

Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit

Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE REGULATE product according to meat species

In regionalized countries, only VS-defined areas are considered to be affected with HPAI. The areas in regionalized countries not listed in the VS-restricted zone are considered free from HPAI. See Table C-1-1 on page C-1-4 for a list of regionalized countries with HPAI-affected regions identified. Contact the local PPQVRSAQI veterinarian or a PPQQPAS VRSHQ staff veterinarian for current information on VS-defined areas for regionalized countries. Commercial poultry shipments from regionalized countries must indicate the region of origin to ensure the poultry does not originate from an HPAI-affected area (VS-restricted zone) in the country. If the region of origin in the country cannot be determined, the shipment must be accompanied by a VS permit.

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Edible Eggs and Egg Products

Edible Eggs and Egg Products from Countries FREE from HPAI or OTHER THAN Canada
Table 3-6-7 Edible Eggs and Egg Products from Countries FREE from HPAI or OTHER THAN Canada
If the country or region of export is: Free from both HPAI and END And the importation is: Fresh, unfertilized eggs And: The eggs are for breaking and pasteurization Then: REFER to FSIS to obtain FSIS Form 5200-8, Import Request Egg Products (shell eggs for breaking are also regulated by FSIS) RELEASE

The eggs are for other than breaking and pasteurization Other than fresh, unfertilized eggs Free from HPAI but affected with END Baluts Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Fresh, unfertilized eggs 100-year eggs (Ming Dynasty eggs)1 Is accompanied by a VSissued import permit for 100-year eggs Lacks a VS-issued import permit for 100-year eggs Preserved eggs2 Is accompanied by a VSissued import permit for preserved eggs Lacks a VS-issued import permit for preserved eggs Salted eggs3 cooked or uncooked Is accompanied by a VSissued import permit for salted eggs Lacks a VS-issued import permit for salted eggs Thoroughly cooked, hardboiled eggs4 Other than eggs and egg products listed above Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit

REFUSE ENTRY SEE Table 3-6-8 RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE or CONTROL as specified on the permit REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE REFUSE ENTRY 1. DO NOT RELEASE the HOLD 2. CONTACT PPQAQIVMO or PPQQPASVRSHQ personnel for further action (SEE Appendix H)

Raw eggs (usually duck eggs) that have been covered with a mixture of wood ash and slaked lime, and left for up to 100 days. By the time the eggs are used, the egg whites will have turned to pale brown jelly and the yolks will be creamy and tinged green.

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Edible Eggs and Egg Products

Raw eggs (usually duck eggs) that are coated in a salt-and-mud (clay) paste, then rolled in rice husks until the eggs are completely covered. At this stage, the eggs are packed into an earthenware urn, then tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place for one to two months. Eggs that are immersed in a super-saturated solution of salt for two weeks or more, and then removed from the salt solution. In the Philippines, the eggs are also boiled and then colored red to distinguish the salted eggs from uncooked eggs; called itlog na pula or itlog na maalat. However, the hardboiled eggs may be in vinegar.

Eggs (other than hatching eggs) from poultry, game birds, or other birds may be imported in accordance with 9 CFR 94.6(c) if they: are laid by poultry, game birds, or other birds that were raised in any region where END is considered to exist; are imported from any region where END is considered to exist; or are moved into or through any region where END is considered to exist at any time before importation or during shipment to the United States. The eggs may be imported if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a salaried veterinarian of the national government of the region of origin. If from Mexico, the eggs may be imported if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a salaried veterinarian of the national government of the region of origin and: (i) The certificate states that the eggs are imported in cases marked with the identity of the flock of origin and sealed with the seal of the national government of the region of origin. (ii) The certificate accompanying the eggs is presented to an authorized inspector when the eggs reach the port of arrival in the United States. (iii) The certificate identifies the flock of origin and shows the region of origin, the port of embarkation, the port of arrival, the name and address of the exporter and importer, the total number of eggs and cases (30 dozen equivalent) of eggs, shipped with the certificate, and the date the certificate was signed. (iv) The certificate states that the eggs qualify for importation in accordance with 9 CFR 94.6. (v) The certificate states that no more than 90 days before the certificate was signed, a salaried veterinary officer of the national government of the region of origin inspected the flock of origin and found no evidence of communicable diseases of poultry. If exported from Mexico, the certificate states that no more than 90 days before the certificate was signed, a salaried veterinary officer of the national government of the region of origin or a veterinarian accredited by the national government of Mexico inspected the flock of origin and found no evidence of communicable diseases of poultry. (vi) The certificate states that the eggs were washed, to remove foreign material from the surface of the shells, and sanitized on the premises of origin with a hypochlorite solution of from 100 ppm to 200 ppm available chlorine. (vii) The certificate states that the eggs were packed on the premises of origin in previously unused cases. (viii) The certificate states that before leaving the premises of origin, the cases in which the eggs were packed were sealed with a seal of the national government of the region of origin by the salaried veterinarian of the national government of the region of origin who signed the certificate. (ix) In addition, if the eggs were laid in any region other than Argentina, Australia (except the State of New South Wales), Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man), Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, the certificate must also state that: (a) No END occurred on the premises of origin or on adjoining premises during the 90 days before the certificate was signed. (b) There is no evidence that the flock of origin was exposed to END during the 90 days before the certificate was signed. (c) The eggs are from a flock of origin found free from END as follows: (1) On the seventh and fourteenth days of the 21-day period before the certificate was signed, at lease one culled bird (a sick or dead bird, not a healthy bird that was killed) for each 10,000 live birds occupying each poultry house certified for exporting table eggs was tested for END virus using embryonated egg inoculation technique. The weekly cull rate of birds of every exporting house within the exporting farm does not exceed 0.1 percent. The tests present no clinical or immunological evidence of END by embryonated egg inoculation technique from tissues of birds that were culled and have been collected by a salaried veterinary officer of the national government of the region of origin. All examinations and embryonated egg inoculation tests were conducted in a laboratory located in the region of origin, and the laboratory was approved to conduct the examinations and tests by a veterinary services organization of the national government of that region. All results were negative for END. (d) Egg drop syndrome is notifiable in region of origin and there have been no reports of egg drop syndrome in the flock of origin of the eggs, or within a 50 kilometer radius of the flock of origin, for the 90 days prior to the issuance of the certificate.

Figure 3-6-1 Requirements for a Foreign Official Veterinary Certificate Issued for Fresh, Unfertilized Eggs for Food, or Eggs from OTHER THAN Canada

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Edible Eggs and Egg Products

Fresh, Unfertilized Eggs

Table 3-6-8 Fresh, Unfertilized Eggs
If from a country: Affected with HPAI Free from HPAI but affected with END Breaking and pasteurization Is consigned to an approved establishment for shell eggs (SEE Appendix E) And are for: And the importation: Then: REFUSE ENTRY 1. SEAL the eggs in their shipping container using a numbered seal 2. AUTHORIZE shipment under seal with VS Form 16-78; ENSURE the seal number is listed on VS Form 16-78 (SEE Appendix J to complete the form) 3. REFER the importer to FSIS to obtain FSIS Form 5200-8, Import Request Egg Products (shell eggs for breaking are also regulated by FSIS) REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE

Not consigned to an approved establishment Other than breaking and pasteurization Is accompanied by the proper certification (SEE Figure 3-6-1) Lacks the proper certification

REFUSE ENTRY

Commercial Consignments of Canned Quail Eggs

Table 3-6-9 Commercial Consignments of Canned Quail Eggs
If the country or region of export is: Affected with END or HPAI Free from both END and HPAI And the importation: Is accompanied by a VS permit Lacks a VS permit Then: RELEASE REFUSE ENTRY RELEASE

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Reference Eggs and Egg Products, Poultry, Game Birds, or Other Birds Edible Eggs and Egg Products

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