sewing, crafts, needlepoint, buying yarn,knitting, knitting needles, crocheti

This article is a guide to Federal laws that apply to the
importation, exportation, trade, and sale of wildlife, including live
and dead animals and animal parts and products.

It covers the following and much more:
Rugs, pelts, hunting trophies, and a wide variety of manufactured
articles (such as handbags, compacts, coats, wallets, key cases,
etc.) made from the skins and/or fur of endangered or threatened
animals, including the cheetah, jaguar, margay, ocelot, vicuna,
tiger, and others.

- Asian elephant ivory and whale teeth decorated with etchings
(scrimshaw) or made into figurines (netsuke), curios, pendants,
and other jewelry.

- African elephant ivory, both raw and worked.

- Crocodile and sea turtle leather shoes, handbags, belts, wallets,
luggage, and similar articles. Leather products made from
certain other reptiles, including the caiman, may also be
prohibited.

If you're a tourist traveling in foreign countries, a hunter planning a
trip abroad, an importer or exporter, a scientist or an educator, the
information in this booklet will help you comply with wildlife
protection laws and make your trip the positive experience you want it
to be. By observing the laws, you'll help preserve the world's wildlife
resources and avoid delays in clearing Customs.

As you read this article, you should be aware that the wildlife and
wildlife parts and products mentioned are only a few of the species and
items that are subject to Federal law. Also, while this article
describes the basic requirements of Federal regulations, it does not
cover them in full.
More complete information is available from any of
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices listed at bottom of this page.

IF YOU'RE TRAVELING ABROAD....

Some of the most beautiful and interesting souvenirs offered for sale
abroad are made from the furs, hides, shells, feathers, teeth, and flesh
of creatures threatened with extinction. Although tourists may lawfully
buy such souvenirs in a number of foreign countries, it may be illegal
to import them into the United States.

Don't be fooled by the argument that "the animal is already dead so it
doesn't matter if you buy something made from it." Should you buy items
fashioned from endangered species, you'd be adding to the demand for
such products and supporting a market for which more animals will be
killed. When you consider purchasing a wildlife product during your
travels, first make sure you can legally bring it home. Don't rely on
assurances by the vendor. Check with the U.S. embassy or consular
office, which can then contact the host government. A good rule is, "if
in doubt, do without." There are no refunds if your purchase is seized
by Customs or wildlife inspectors, and you might also find yourself
subject to monetary penalties.

Federal restrictions on the import and export of protected wildlife also
apply to hunters who take trophies, businesses that deal in the animal
and animal product trade, and scientists or teachers who use animals for
research or educational purposes. Some exceptions are allowed, but most
imports or exports of wildlife require that a Federal permit be obtained
in advance.

WHAT CAN'T BE IMPORTED AND EXPORTED?

Endangered and Threatened Species

More than 1,000 species of animals and plants are officially listed
under U.S. law as endangered or threatened. With limited exceptions,
none may be imported or exported either alive, as parts or products, or
as hunting trophies. One of these exceptions is for certain antiques
(check with Customs for more details). Other exceptions also may be
granted by Federal permit for scientific research, breeding, or similar
acceptable purposes that contribute to the species' conservation.

Items falling into the endangered species category which are commonly
sold abroad but are prohibited entry into the United States include:

- Whole shells and "tortoise" shell jewelry made from the shells of
sea turtles.

- Sea turtle soup and facial cremes.

- Rugs, pelts, hunting trophies, and a wide variety of manufactured
articles (such as handbags, compacts, coats, wallets, key cases,
etc.) made from the skins and/or fur of endangered or threatened
animals, including the cheetah, jaguar, margay, ocelot, vicuna,
tiger, and others.

- Asian elephant ivory and whale teeth decorated with etchings
(scrimshaw) or made into figurines (netsuke), curios, pendants,
and other jewelry.

- African elephant ivory, both raw and worked.

- Crocodile and sea turtle leather shoes, handbags, belts, wallets,
luggage, and similar articles. Leather products made from
certain other reptiles, including the caiman, may also be
prohibited.

CITES Species

Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), more than 120 nations are now regulating
international trade to prevent the decline of species threatened (listed
in Appendix I of Cites) or potentially threatened (listed in Appendix
II) with extinction. Trade, which is defined as import, export, or
re-export, of a long list of such threatened animal and plant species,
is either virtually prohibited (Appendix I species) or restricted
(Appendix II or III species).

International shipment of these species (and products made from them)
requires an import or export permit, or both, issued in advance by the
official management authorities of the countries involved. Permits are
issued after findings by scientific authorities that the trade won't be
detrimental to the survival of the species in question.

Marine Mammals

Seals, whales, dugongs (sea cows), porpoises, walruses, sea otters,
polar bears, and manatees also are protected by Federal laws. These
animals (alive or dead), their parts, or products made from them may not
be imported in most instances except by special permit. Articles made
from these animals that are commonly sold abroad include:

- Sealskin toys, purses, wallets, key cases, and clothing.

- Whalebone and whale and walrus ivory, either in natural form or
carved into figurines, curios, or jewelry.

- Sea otter furs and clothing.

- Polar bear hunting trophies, rugs and items of clothing.

Birds and Bird Feathers

The import of most wild bird feathers, mounted birds, and skins (with or
without feathers) is prohibited by U.S. Customs law. Most migratory
birds are protected by international treaty as well as by United States
law and may not be possessed without permit. However, game birds that
are legally killed in and exported from foreign countries by United
States hunters may be imported or possessed. Fully manufactured
artificial flies for fishing (other than those containing protected bird
species) may also be imported and possessed. Prohibited or controlled
items commonly sold abroad include:

- Live and mounted migratory birds, including bald and golden
eagles.

- Feathers in a variety of forms. Including flowers, pictures,
wearing apparel, Indian artifacts, necklaces, headbands, and
curios decorated with feathers.

- Most psittacine birds (parrots, macaws, etc.).

Injurious Wildlife

Several live animals, including but not limited to the fruit bat,
mongoose, walking catfish, and java sparrow, may not be imported because
they are deemed to be harmful to the environment, to people, or to
animals and plants in the United States. This prohibition applies to
animals in captivity, including pets, but does not apply to domesticated
dogs, cats, or rabbits. Many States also have strict prohibitions
against the introduction of non-native wildlife.

Health certificates must accompany all imports of fresh or frozen fish
produced commercially and salmon and trout harvested recreationally
outside North American waters. Live salmon eggs also require health
certificates. For a list of such certifying officials, contact the
nearest Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Office.

Wildlife Taken In Violation of State, Federal, Foreign, or Indian Tribal
Law

The Lacey Act helps foreign countries and our individual States enforce
their wildlife conservation laws.

Under the Lacey Act, it is a violation of Federal law to import, export,
transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign
commerce any wildlife, including fish, that was taken, transported,
possessed, or sold in violation of any State or foreign law, or taken or
possessed in violation of other Federal law or Indian tribal law.

Many countries prohibit the export of certain species, and the United
States may also ban the importation of wildlife from individual foreign
nations. Travelers should check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
about such restrictions before their trip.

Lists of Species

A list of wildlife and plants that specifically require a Federal permit
in order to be imported may be obtained by writing to the offices listed
in the back of this booklet. These lists include species that are:

-Endangered or threatened.
-Protected by CITES.
-Injurious.
-Migratory birds.
-Marine mammals.

In addition, travelers will need to be sure that they have any necessary
foreign permits to establish that the wildlife they are importing into
the United States was lawfully exported.

WHERE IN THE UNITED STATES CAN WILDLIFE BE IMPORTED OR EXPORTED?

Designated Ports

To maintain control over importation and exportation, wildlife and
wildlife products must enter or exit the United States at one of the
following designated ports unless specific permits allow otherwise or
unless conditions exist that allow entry or exit at a Canadian or
Mexican border port, or a special port.

New York, NY Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL New Orleans, LA
Chicago, IL Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA Honolulu, HI
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX Portland, OR
Baltimore, MD Boston, MA

Canadian and Mexican Border Ports

Wildlife, including parts and products, other than marine mammals or
endangered, threatened, CITES, or injurious species, which is imported
or exported for commercial purposes and whose origin is the United
States, Canada, or Mexico, may enter or exit at any of 31 specified
border ports in addition to the twelve designated ports listed above. A
list of these 31 border ports may be obtained from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.

Special Ports

Wildlife including parts and products, may be imported or exported from
Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Alcan, if Alaska is the origin or final
destination; through San Juan if Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands are
the origin or final destination; and through Agana, if Guam is the
origin or final destination. The use of these ports is not permitted
for marine mammals, or endangered, threatened, CITES, or injurious
species.

Any Customs Port

1) Personal or Household effects

Wildlife products or manufactured articles that are not intended for
sale may enter or leave the United States through any Customs port if
they are:

-Worn as clothing.
-Contained in accompanying personal baggage.
-Part of a household move.

The exception for personal or household effects does not apply to:

-Packages mailed to the United States.
-Raw or dressed furs or skins.
-Game trophies.
-Endangered or threatened wildlife.
-Injurious wildlife.
-Certain CITES species.
-Marine mammals.

2) Trophies

Wildlife, other than marine mammals or endangered, threatened, or CITES
Appendix I species, which is lawfully taken by United States residents
in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, may be imported or exported for
non-commercial purposes at any Customs Port.

IS DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED?

Most persons who import or export wildlife must file a special
declaration and may be required to have certain documents from foreign
governments as well.

Import and Export Declarations

In most cases, anyone importing or exporting wildlife or wildlife
products must file a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Form 3-177
(Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife) with
the Fish and Wildlife Service or U.S. Customs Service at the time of
importation or exportation. This form is available from the Customs
Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices listed in the back
of this booklet. It does not have to be filed in the case of:

- Wildlife products or manufactured articles that are not for sale
and are imported as accompanying personal effects or as part of a
household move, unless such wildlife requires the prior issuance
of a permit. This exception does not apply to packages mailed
into the United States, live animals, raw or dressed furs or
skins, endangered or threatened wildlife, injurious wildlife,
certain CITES species, and marine mammals.

- Fish caught by sport fishermen in North America.

Foreign Documentation

Any wildlife imported from a country regulating its taking, possession,
transportation, exportation, or sale has to be accompanied by documents
showing compliance with all of that country's laws. This documentation
must include an export document from an appropriate foreign government
official (every CITES species item must have documentation, except for
some personal or household effects). To find out what documentation may
be required from a specific foreign country, contact the nearest U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service office.

Marking of Packages and Containers

Any container or package holding wildlife (alive or dead) or wildlife
parts and products must be labeled to show the name and address of the
shipper, the name and address of the receiver, and the quantity and kind
of wildlife or wildlife products within.

WHAT ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING WILDLIFE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES?

Federal law restricts interstate commerce in migratory birds, bald or
golden eagles, endangered or threatened species, and any wildlife that
is taken, possessed, transported, or sold illegally in a State or
foreign country. These restrictions apply to live or dead animals,
their parts, and products manufactured from them. Items commonly sold
illegally in the United States include:

- Mounted migratory birds and jewelry and curios made with feathers
of protected species.

- Tortoise shell items and sea turtle meat and oils.

- Crocodile shoes, bags, wallets, and belts.

- Coats, handbags, wallets, compacts, and other items made from
protected species.

WHAT ABOUT HUNTING OR CAPTURING WILDLIFE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES?

The Federal Government prohibits the hunting, trapping, capturing, or
harassing of marine mammals, endangered or threatened species, bald and
golden eagles, hawks and owls without a special permit. In addition, no
hunting or trapping of non-game migratory birds (sea birds, songbirds,
etc.) is allowed without a special permit.

The Federal Government authorizes special hunting seasons for certain
migratory game birds. Federal regulations governing these special
hunting seasons can be obtained by writing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service offices listed in the back of this booklet.

Airborne hunting of any wildlife is prohibited without specific permits.

WHAT ABOUT RESTRICTIONS BY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES?

In addition to the requirements, restrictions, and prohibitions enforced
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other Federal agencies are
concerned with the importation and exportation of wildlife and plants.

U.S. Customs Service

Many imported wildlife items are subject to duty and must meet other
requirements administered by the U.S. Customs Service. Travelers should
direct any questions involving Customs laws and regulations to the U.S.
Customs Service, 1301 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20229.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

To protect the U.S. livestock and agriculture industry from diseases of
foreign origin, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) also regulates
importation (and in some cases the exportation) of plants, birds, and
certain animals.

1) Animals and Birds

USDA restricts the entry of live farm animals, certain zoo animals, some
game animals and birds (including carcasses, meat, and trophy skins),
poultry and other birds (and hatching eggs), and the entry and
interstate shipment of potential carriers of animal disease. Some
animals are prohibited; others must be held in USDA Animal Import
Centers or quarantine stations for 30 days after entry. Quarantine
arrangements must be made prior to the importation. Animal and birds
must be inspected by veterinarians of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS). Write in advance to Veterinary Services,
APHIS, USDA, Federal Building, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.

2) Plant Materials

All imported plant material must be inspected, and a permit is required
before certain plant material may be brought into the United States.
This includes fruits, vegetables, and plants or plant parts intended for
growing. For further information, write: Permit Unit, APHIS, USDA,
Plant Protection and Quarantine, Federal Building, Room 638,
Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.

U.S. Public Health Service

The centers for disease control of the U.S. Public Health Service
administers regulations that apply to the Importation of primates,
turtles, dogs, cats, and other wildlife that may be carriers of human
disease. For specific information on importation requirements, write to
the U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, Division of
Quarantine, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30333.

National Marine Fisheries Service

The National Marine Fisheries Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce
has broad restrictions governing importation and interstate commerce in
marine mammals or their parts and products. For further information,
write to the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland
20910.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE STATES?

Within the United States, individual States have the major
responsibility for regulating the use (including hunting) of resident
wildlife -- that is, wildlife native to a State. In addition, many
states have laws controlling the introduction of wildlife that is not
native and regulating the sale and possession of wildlife within their
borders. Travelers are advised to check with these authorities before
acquiring wildlife items or live wildlife.

ARE PERMITS AVAILABLE?

Some of the controlled import and export activities described in this
booklet may be conducted under special permits issued by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service. For
additional information, including exceptions and procedures for applying
for special permits, write: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of
the Management Authority, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
20240, or National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Species
and Habitat Conservation, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
20235.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more complete information, including lists of protected species and
copies of applicable Federal regulations, write to the Assistant
Regional Director for Law Enforcement of the Fish and Wildlife Service
Office nearest your home.

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 1
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
Telephone: (503) 231-6125

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 2
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 329
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103
Telephone: (505) 766-2091

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 3
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 45, Federal Building
Fort Snelling
Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111
Telephone: (612) 725-3530

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 4
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 4839
Richard B. Russell Federal Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30302
Telephone: (404) 331-5872

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 5
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 779
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
Telephone: (413) 253-8274

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 6
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486
Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
Telephone: (303) 236-7540

Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement
Region 7
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 92597
Anchorage, Alaska 99509
Telephone: (907) 786-3311

Chief
Division of Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box. 3247
Arlington, Virginia 22203-3247
Telephone: (703) 358-1949