(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 Sec. 14.92, if you engage in the business of importing or exporting wildlife for commercial purposes (see Sec. 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 . . . do I need an import/
(1) Wildlife in the form of products such Yes.
as garments, bags, shoes, boots,
jewelry, rugs, trophies, or curios for
commercial purposes.(2) Wildlife in the form of hides, furs, Yes.
or skins for commercial purposes.(3) Wildlife in the form of food for Yes.
commercial purposes.(4) As an animal dealer, animal broker, Yes.
pet dealer, or pet or laboratory
supplier.(5) As an individual owner of a No.
personally owned live wildlife pet for
personal use.(6) As a collector or hobbyist for No.
personal use.(7) As a collector or hobbyist for Yes.
commercial purposes, including sale,
trade or barter.(8) As a laboratory researcher or Yes.
biomedical supplier for commercial
purposes.(9) As a customs broker or freight No.
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.(10) As a common carrier engaged in No.
business as a transporter of wildlife.(11) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or Yes.
guide importing or exporting my own
hunting trophies for commercial purposes.(12) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or No.
guide transporting or shipping hunting
trophies for clients or customers.(13) As a U.S. taxidermist receiving a No.
U.S. client's personal hunting trophies
after import clearance for processing.(14) As a U.S. taxidermist importing Yes.
wildlife from or exporting wildlife to
foreign owners who are requesting my
services.(15) As a foreign owner of wildlife No.
exporting my personal hunting trophies
from the United States to my home.(16) As a circus for exhibition or resale Yes.
purposes.(17) As a Federal, State, municipal, or No.
tribal agency.(18) As a public museum, or public No.
scientific or educational institution
for noncommercial research or
educational purposes.------------------------------------------------------------------------