50 C.F.R. § 14.91

Current through March 31, 2024

Section 14.91 - When do I need an import/export license?

(a) The Endangered Species Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1538(d)(1) ) makes it unlawful for any person to engage in business as an importer or exporter of certain fish or wildlife without first having obtained permission from the Secretary. For the purposes of this subchapter, engage in business means to import or export wildlife for commercial purposes.

(b) Except as provided in §14.92, if you engage in the business of importing or exporting wildlife for commercial purposes (see §14.4 ), you must obtain an import/export license prior to importing or exporting your wildlife shipment.

(c) The following table includes some examples of when an import/export license is required:

If I import into the United States or export from the United States	. . . do I need an import/export license?
(1) Wildlife in the form of products such as garments, bags, shoes, boots, jewelry, rugs, trophies, or curios for commercial purposes	Yes.
(2) Wildlife in the form of hides, furs, or skins for commercial purposes	Yes.
(3) Wildlife in the form of food for commercial purposes	Yes.
(4) As an animal dealer, animal broker, pet dealer, or pet or laboratory supplier	Yes.
(5) As an individual owner of a personally owned live wildlife pet for personal use	No.
(6) As a collector or hobbyist for personal use	No.
(7) As a collector or hobbyist for commercial purposes, including sale, trade or barter	Yes.
(8) As a laboratory researcher or biomedical supplier for commercial purposes	Yes.
(9) As a customs broker or freight forwarder engaged in business as a dispatcher, handler, consolidator, or transporter of wildlife or if I file documents with the Service on behalf of others	No.
(10) As a common carrier engaged in business as a transporter of wildlife	No.
(11) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or guide importing or exporting my own hunting trophies for commercial purposes	Yes.
(12) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or guide transporting or shipping hunting trophies for clients or customers	No.
(13) As a U.S. taxidermist receiving a U.S. client's personal hunting trophies after import clearance for processing	No.
(14) As a U.S. taxidermist importing wildlife from or exporting wildlife to foreign owners who are requesting my services	Yes.
(15) As a foreign owner of wildlife exporting my personal hunting trophies from the United States to my home	No.
(16) As a circus for exhibition or resale purposes	Yes.
(17) As a Federal, State, municipal, or tribal agency	No.
(18) As a public museum, or public scientific or educational institution for noncommercial research or educational purposes	No.

50 C.F.R. § 14.91