WILDLIFE AND PETS

32. Wildlife and Pets. The importation of live wildlife (i.e., game animals, birds, plants) or any part or product made therefrom, and the eggs of birds, is subject to certain prohibitions, restrictions, permits and quarantine requirements of several Government agencies. Imports or exports of wildlife, their parts or products must be declared at designated ports of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, unless an exception is granted prior to the time of import or export. The Assistant Regional Director of Law Enforcement for the region in which the import or export will take place should be contacted for additional information or to request an exception to designated port permit.

On or after January 1, 1981, most firms (with some significant exceptions) importing or exporting wildlife must obtain a license from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Applications and further information may be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement, for the state in which the importer or exporter is located.

Endangered species of wildlife and certain species of animals and birds are generally prohibited entry into the United States and may be imported or exported only under a permit granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Specific information concerning permit requirements should be obtained from the Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 420(c), Arlington, Virginia 22203 or by calling 1-800-358-2104.

Antique articles (100 years of age or older) may be exempt from certain requirements of the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Management Authority, should be contacted for additional details.

The taking and importation of marine mammals and their products are subject to the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972, as amended in 1994. The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service have jurisdiction under the MMPA for certain species and import activities. Additional requirements of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) may apply. Prior to import, both agencies should be contacted to learn the exact permit requirements.

Regulations to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Wild Fauna and Flora came into effect on May 23, 1977. Certain mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, snails, clams, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, other invertebrates and plants may be prohibited without the prior issuance of a permit which may be obtained from the Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Management Authority.

The importation into the United States of any wild animal or bird is prohibited if the animal or bird was captured, taken, shipped, possessed, or exported contrary to the law of the foreign country or subdivision thereof. In addition, no wild animal or bird from any foreign country may be taken, purchased, sold or possessed contrary to the laws of any state, territory, or possession of the United States.

The importation of feathers or skins of any bird, except for scientific and education purposes, is prohibited, except for the species noted in this paragraph. This prohibition does not apply to fully manufactured artificial flies used for fishing or to personally taken, noncommericial game birds. Feathers or skins of the following species are permitted entry: chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, geese, ducks, pigeons, ostriches, rheas, English ring-necked pheasants and pea fowl not taken from the wild.

On October 23, 1992, the Wild Bird Conservation Act (ACT) became effective. The ACT focuses on bird species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). If you import birds, you must meet the requirements of this new law in addition to the existing requirements of CITES, the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or other applicable regulations. Import permits must be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Live birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act may be imported into the United States from foreign countries for scientific or propagating purposes only under permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Imports of birds (pets, migratory birds, falcons) are subject to the quarantine requirements of the USDA and Public Health Service. Quarantine space must be reserved before importation. Prior to exportation, health certificates need to be obtained. Any questions should be directed to the appropriate agency.

On June 9, 1989, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a ban on the importation of most African elephant ivory and any products made from it. The ban covers all commercial and noncommercial shipments including personal baggage accompanying a tourist. There are limited exceptions for antiques, trophies, and personal household effects. For further information, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Management Authority, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, Tel. 1-800-358-2104.

The importation of birds, cats, dogs, monkeys, and turtles is subject to the requirements of the U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, Quarantine Division, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, and the Veterinary Services of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.

The importation of turtles with carapace length of less than four inches and psittacine birds are subject to the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Fish and Wildlife Service.