What services does the National Import/Export Services (NIES) provide?

The National Import/Export Services (NIES) plays a critical role in facilitating international trade involving animal products and livestock by ensuring that health regulations are adhered to. One of its primary functions is to endorse international health certificates, which are essential documents required for the export and import of animals and animal products. These certificates confirm that the animals or products meet specific health standards and are free from diseases, ensuring the safety of global trade.

By endorsing these health certificates, NIES helps maintain biosecurity and public health, as well as ensuring compliance with international trade agreements. This function is vital in preventing the spread of animal diseases and protecting both animal and human health on a global scale. The other options involve different types of support or services that are not within the specific mandate of NIES. For instance, financial assistance for animal health programs and research grants for veterinary technology are not direct functions of this services branch, nor are training programs for animal handlers, which are typically the responsibility of other entities within the agricultural and veterinary sectors.