The United States Department of Agriculture has once again granted Santa Claus and his reindeer permission to enter the country.

The agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued “Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a global distributor of Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc.”

The permit allows Santa’s reindeer team to enter the United States and its territories from 6 p.m. December 24 to 6 a.m. December 25.

“APHIS is pleased to once again grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer this special permit, allowing them a smooth passage for a night of festive joy and goodwill,” Jenny Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs, said in a statement. “We are proud to support this treasured holiday tradition – fueled in part by America’s best milk, cookies and carrots.”

The agency’s veterinary officers gave the reindeer a clean bill of health.

“During their annual inspection, the reindeer were found to be in excellent health, fit for their demanding journey and ready to prance in holiday cheer,” said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, the USDA’s chief veterinary officer.

They noted an issue with Rudolph and said he “continues to exhibit a unique feature: his bright red nose. APHIS assures the public that this feature continues to be consistent with his health record and is not a cause for concern.”

The USDA said the sled will be cleaned and disinfected at the port of entry to ensure it does not transmit animal diseases. Santa Claus also has to wash his hands and clean his boots.

He also provided a list of foods that all came from “approved locations and none of which pose a threat to animal or plant health in the United States.”

While the agency puts its own spin on the holiday with Santa’s annual “approval,” APHIS has a real mission to protect the nation’s agriculture and natural resources from invasive pests and diseases.

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