Bringing a Nonhuman Primate into the United States

Monkeys

Monkeys and other nonhuman primates (NHPs) may not be imported as pets under any circumstances. Since 1975, the Federal Quarantine Regulations (42 CFR 71.53) have restricted the importation of NHPs. CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine carries out these regulations.

These regulations are in place to protect U.S. residents from severe infections that can spread from monkeys to humans. These infections include

Importers of NHPs must register with CDC and implement infection control measures. They may only import and distribute NHPs for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes, as defined in the regulations. These restrictions also apply to the re-importation of NHPs that originated in and are returning to the United States. For information on how to become a registered importer of NHPs, email NHPImporters@cdc.gov.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal, state, and local authorities may also have requirements for importing live NHPs and NHP products that importers must follow.