India Issues Directive to Airlines on Unauthorised Live Animal Transport

Speedy Summary

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued fresh guidelines to airlines to prevent unauthorized carriage of live animals into India.
• Airlines have reported multiple instances of passengers transporting undeclared or improper imports of live animals classified as unbeknownst imports.
• According to existing rules by Animal Quarantine and Certification Services and Indian Customs, such animals must be deported back to their country of origin instantly.
• airlines responsible for transporting the undeclared animals will bear all costs associated wiht deportation, including animal handling, welfare during transit, documentation, and repatriation logistics.
• DGCA’s advisory reinforces compliance with the Aeronautical Details Circular 1985 and aligns with updated instructions from Customs and law enforcement agencies.
• Airlines are tasked with ensuring employees at check-in counters, boarding gates, and in-flight operations are appropriately trained on applicable customs and quarantine rules regarding live animal transport.
• Airports should display prominent passenger advisories about restrictions on importing live animals into India.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the DGCA’s initiative reflects growing regulatory concerns over the unauthorized transportation of live animals-an issue intertwined with both environmental protection laws and customs enforcement. the move underscores the importance placed on safeguarding India’s biodiversity while maintaining order in aviation practices.

By making airlines accountable for immediate deportation costs when violations occur, India’s aviation regulator aims to deter breaches proactively. Training airline staff further highlights an emphasis on creating systemic deterrents rather than reliance solely on post-revelation penalties.

This growth not only strengthens rule compliance but also ensures safe handling practices for transported animals-a critical ethical consideration globally acknowledged in aviation standards. The implementation’s success would depend largely on cooperation among stakeholders like airlines, airport operators, Indian Customs officials, and animal Quarantine services.

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