I’m wondering how difficult it would be to go into the states and pick up frozen semen. It would involve getting a vapor shipper, taking it down, then returning with the semen along with the import permits and health certificates. Generally, I import using Fedex. I don’t know if Canada Border Services would handle this easily or if it would be a major hassle. I have imported a horse from the states and they kept me waiting hours. The people in the office at the border didn’t know that the vet didn’t need to come to inspect the horse. It took multiple phone calls before they got it figured out. I am worried that if this is not routine that they might try to open the vapor shipper and try to take the straws out to look at them or impound the vapor shipper, or worse!
I’ve done it with fresh, but paid a broker to do all the paperwork. Not sure how much different it would be with frozen, if at all.
Asked my DSO (customs broker) and I would suggest that you ask posters such as Fred and True Colours, who both breed in ON>
If it is of US origin, which state is it from? That makes a difference in certain cases.
Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (they deal with most aspects of agriculture) at www.inspection.gc.ca .
I posted this link on your EMG post, but figured it might be useful her as well. The CFIA has an online system to determine what documents are required for importation of frozen semen. I would imagine as long as you have all the correct paperwork you should be fine to import it yourself.
http://inspection.gc.ca/plants/imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409#
Just to clarify. I have imported semen and understand what paper work is required but I have always had it flown in and CFIA and Canada Border Services Agency at the airport handles this all the time. I have dealt with CFIA and spoken with the CFIA vets so I think that I understand what is required. What I don’t know is if the border agents at the crossings between Canada and the USA will know what to do/understand what is required and if there might be problems or delays at the border because this in not something that is routinely done by them. When I imported a horse from the USA, I had crossed every “t” and dotted every “i.” I had all the paper work in place and had spoken with CFIA prior to crossing. The Border Security agents were unfamiliar with the requirements and made things difficult. Finally I phoned the CFIA vet and had him call the agents and tell them what was required. After he verified that I had all the documentation that was needed and he told them that he didn’t have to inspect the horse, I was allowed to go. I see the potential for things to go wrong if the border agents don’t know what a dry shipper is and don’t understand how the semen has to be handled. I guess I’d just like to hear if anyone has had any experience with importing by driving across the border and if it all went well.
It is my understanding that not all border crossings will have a person available that can inspect the paperwork, but I would suggest contacting your CFIA office. Additionally, I know when shipping frozen semen, we can ship it without the documentation and fax it to the border crossing it will be coming across, but with Fedex or UPS, you KNOW which crossing it is going to be.
Rather than everyone here speculating and quite possibly giving you the wrong answer, just make a phone call and ask! It could save you sitting around waiting for hours! Good luck!
Hope that helps!
Yes. what Kathy said
We have had quite a few customers drive it through themselves and with the proper paperwork it has never been a problem. For some without it has not either but that is a different story :lol:
