Importing into the United States - Indo-American Chamber Of ...
Importing into the United States - Indo-American Chamber Of ...
Importing into the United States - Indo-American Chamber Of ...
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The importation <strong>into</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> of<br />
any wildlife, <strong>the</strong>ir parts or products is prohibited<br />
if <strong>the</strong> wildlife was captured, taken,<br />
shipped, or possessed contrary to <strong>the</strong> laws of<br />
<strong>the</strong> foreign country.<br />
The importation of fea<strong>the</strong>rs or skins of any<br />
bird, except for scientific and educational purposes,<br />
is prohibited, except for <strong>the</strong> species<br />
noted in this paragraph. This prohibition does<br />
not apply to fully manufactured artificial flies<br />
used for fishing or to personally taken, noncommercial<br />
game birds. Fea<strong>the</strong>rs or skins of <strong>the</strong><br />
following species are permitted entry: chickens,<br />
turkeys, guinea fowl, geese, ducks, pigeons,<br />
ostriches, rheas, English ring-necked pheasants,<br />
and pea fowl not taken from <strong>the</strong> wild.<br />
On October 23, 1992, <strong>the</strong> Wild Bird Conservation<br />
Act became effective. This act focuses<br />
on live bird species listed in <strong>the</strong> Appendices to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Convention on International Trade in<br />
Endangered Species (CITES). Now, if you<br />
import live birds, you must meet <strong>the</strong> requirements<br />
of this law in addition to existing<br />
requirements of CITES, <strong>the</strong> Endangered Species<br />
Act, <strong>the</strong> Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
applicable regulations. Import permits must be<br />
obtained from <strong>the</strong> Fish and Wildlife Service,<br />
<strong>Of</strong>fice of Management Authority.<br />
Live birds, <strong>the</strong>ir parts and products that<br />
are protected under <strong>the</strong> Migratory Bird Treaty<br />
Act may be imported <strong>into</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>States</strong> for<br />
scientific purposes or certain propagating purposes<br />
only under permits issued by <strong>the</strong> Fish<br />
and Wildlife Service, <strong>Of</strong>fice of Migratory Birds,<br />
located in <strong>the</strong> region where <strong>the</strong> importation<br />
will occur or where <strong>the</strong> importer resides.<br />
Imports of birds (pets, migratory birds,<br />
falcons) are subject to <strong>the</strong> quarantine requirements<br />
of <strong>the</strong> USDA and Public Health Service.<br />
Quarantine space must be reserved in advance<br />
of import. Prior to export, health certificates<br />
must be obtained. Inquiries should be<br />
addressed to <strong>the</strong> appropriate agency.<br />
On June 9, 1989, <strong>the</strong> U.S. Fish and Wildlife<br />
Service announced a ban on <strong>the</strong> importation of<br />
most African elephant ivory and any products<br />
made from it. The ban covers all commercial<br />
and noncommercial shipments, including personal<br />
baggage accompanying a tourist. There<br />
are limited exceptions for antiques, trophies,<br />
and personal household effects. For fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
information, contact <strong>the</strong> U.S. Fish and Wildlife<br />
Service, <strong>Of</strong>fice of Management Authority, 4401<br />
N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, Tel.<br />
1.800.358.2104.<br />
The importation of birds, cats, dogs, monkeys,<br />
and turtles is subject to <strong>the</strong> requirements<br />
of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for<br />
Disease Control, Quarantine Division, Atlanta,<br />
GA 30333; of <strong>the</strong> Veterinary Services of <strong>the</strong><br />
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,<br />
Department of Agriculture, Hyattsville, MD<br />
20782; and of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.<br />
The importation of live turtles, tortoises, and<br />
terrapins with a carapace length of less than<br />
four inches, and <strong>the</strong> viable eggs of turtles, tortoises<br />
and terrapins, is allowed by <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
Public Health Service only under strict requirements<br />
as to purpose and quantity. The U.S.<br />
Public Heath Service does not allow <strong>the</strong> importation<br />
of live, non-human primates, including<br />
monkeys, as pets.<br />
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS<br />
PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED<br />
MERCHANDISE<br />
White or yellow phosphorus matches, fireworks<br />
banned under federal or state restrictions, pepper<br />
shells, switchblade knives, and lottery tickets are<br />
prohibited.<br />
40. Foreign Assets Control Restrictions. The<br />
<strong>Of</strong>fice of Foreign Assets Control administers<br />
regulations (31 CFR, Chapter V) which generally<br />
prohibit <strong>the</strong> importation of merchandise or<br />
goods that contain components from <strong>the</strong> following<br />
countries: Taliban (Afghanistan), Cuba,<br />
Iran (see note below), Iraq, Libya, Serbia (see<br />
note below), and Sudan. These restrictions<br />
apply to <strong>the</strong> country of origin, regardless of<br />
where <strong>the</strong> item was acquired.<br />
These proscriptions do not apply to informational<br />
materials such as pamphlets, books,<br />
tapes, films, or recordings, except those from<br />
Iraq.<br />
There are also strong restrictions on <strong>the</strong><br />
importation of rough diamonds from Sierra<br />
Leone, Angola, and Liberia. Contact your local<br />
port for more information on <strong>the</strong>se so-called<br />
“conflict diamonds.”<br />
82 U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE