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Post by nomihoudai on Mar 2, 2015 3:47:55 GMT -8
Hi, anyone knows if it is safe to take dried European butterflies for trading purposes with me to the US? I think I have something like 100 specimen from various places that are not protected in their respective place of catch. Do they fall under the 'insects' clause in the import form from border controls that you have to fill out or is this considered fraud when not mentioning them? Would be great to be able to trade them with collectors from the US while being there.
All the best, Claude.
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 2, 2015 6:01:35 GMT -8
The importer needs to have a USFWS license ($100/year) and also pay an inspection at the airport (another $100). USFWS may ask to see proof (typically export permit) from country of origin.
Chuck
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Post by nomihoudai on Mar 2, 2015 8:06:25 GMT -8
Isn't this for commercial imports only?
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Post by alandmor on Mar 2, 2015 9:10:50 GMT -8
Isn't this for commercial imports only? The "Policy" link on the InsectNet.com homepage has a lot of information on federal regulations regarding bringing specimens into the U.S., including the definition of "commercial": * Notes from Connie Hurt, September, 2005: The Federal Register Page 47217 Part 14 - on Import, Export and Transportation of Wildlife, clearly defines the word 'commercial' and 'export' and even 'accompanying baggage'. Simply said this regulation means people who leave the USA and collect overseas to collect for personal or exchange purpose, and people who trade or exchange via international mail with someone overseas, are required to be licensed, to pay fees each time this occurs, have inspections of specimens, and file import/export declarations. The regulations are the same for companies like Butterflies And Things, Insect World and similar high profile businesses. FYI, doing a google search for ss14.4 definitions one would find the entire ruling and law. In part as follows: SS 14.4 Definitions In addition to definitions contained in Part 10 of this subchapter, the following terms shall be construed to mean and include: (a) Commercial means the offering for sale or resale, purchase, trade, barter, or the actual or intended transfer in the pursuit of gain or profit, of any item of wildlife and includes the use of any wildlife article as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting sales, without regard to quantity or weight. There is a presumption that eight or more similar unused items (except for antiques, collectibles, or curios) are for commercial use. This presumption may be rebutted by the importer/exporter/owner or by the Service based upon the particular facts and circumstances of each case.
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Post by alandmor on Mar 2, 2015 9:21:43 GMT -8
I should note that these regulations apply to U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. I'm not sure how they apply to non-U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. and bringing specimens with them.
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Post by jshuey on Mar 2, 2015 9:59:01 GMT -8
You need to have documentation that you collected the bugs legally - usually that means a permit – and if you need an export permit from the countries in question – have that as well. Also - have the 3-177 form filled out. www.fws.gov/le/declaration-form-3-177.htmlAs you enter the US, you will fill out a customs form that asks specifically about “insects”. Checking yes will route you to the Agricultural inspection line, where they may ask to see your paperwork – or they may not – you never can quite predict what will happen. Have an extra set of copies that you can leave with them. You may also want to call ahead to the US-FWS office at the airport that you arrive at, and talk to them. I usually fax the 3-177 form to them in advance. Typically they don’t show up at the airport, but it’s nice to have someone’s name that you “talked to” about the bugs you are bringing in as well as proof that you faxed form 3-177 to them in advance. John
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 3, 2015 5:57:20 GMT -8
The laws apply to US and non-US citizens alike.
You'd be better off to work with a US-based person here who has USFWS import license, and send the specimens before you trip.
Keep in mind the costs and risk that it's not approved or that it's held for a few days or weeks, and you should wonder if it's even worth it. It's kind of "catch 22" because if you have 100 small ugly bugs USFWS isn't likely to give your import much inspection, but then again the specimens won't have much trade value; on the other hand, if you have 100 beautiful, large butterflies you are likely to get more detailed inspection, and more likely to have the package detained.
Looking at cost again, if you hand carry with a 3-177 and arrive during working hours and have no problems then your cost is $100. If it gets impounded for inspection add another $400 and up to week delay. If instead you ship it, you'll have importer's fees, the $100 inspection fee, and shipping, so you're probably starting at about $200.
Of course there is always the risk that USFWS had a bad day and takes the whole package or loses it or damages the specimens, and then you are left with nothing.
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Post by nomihoudai on Mar 3, 2015 8:28:59 GMT -8
A big thanks to everybody contributing and trying to help me! I really appreciate it. I have to excuse myself for being short worded but I currently have a huge list of things to work off before heading to the US. The specimens are just small non protected species, many of them with dull colors, that's how butterflies in Europe are. $400 dollars would not be worth it :/
I do see that trading is a 'commercial' activity going after US law as pointed out. Thank you very much for copying and clarifying the passage.
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Post by joee30 on Mar 16, 2015 21:05:10 GMT -8
Gotta love bureaucracy and all the red tape and hoops one has to jump in order to enjoy a hobby. This is a huge crock! Why in the hell should I pay $100 for a "license" to exchange bugs from another country, with non CITES material from here? This is stupid!
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leptraps
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Posts: 2,397
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Post by leptraps on Mar 17, 2015 4:29:20 GMT -8
That is why we elect Democrats. What would the world be without stupid laws created people who beleive that goverment must control everything.
And not only that, but we must pay for it as well!!!!
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Post by joee30 on Mar 17, 2015 22:39:46 GMT -8
I honestly believe both parties are made of scum. I lost faith in any political party. In the end, one side wants to tax you, but they keep getting richer while the other wants to control everything, and pamper people that do not want to help themselves. Still, this is too ridiculous. So, exchange=commerce? Lol
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Post by nomihoudai on Mar 18, 2015 4:23:52 GMT -8
Well long story short it was too much of a hassle. Left the bugs in Europe. Will try to maybe catch a few things here and trade with the guys from more northern states, I hope that is at least allowed. Thank you to everyone for his input, next time we can just reread or reference to this thread somebody come up with the question. All the best Claude.
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Post by papiliotheona on Mar 26, 2015 15:31:13 GMT -8
You will need a copy of both a collecting permit and an export permit for every single country whose specimens you are importing. If the specimens are for sale you will need to purchase a commercial importation permit for something like $150 from USFWS (basically, it's a tax).
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Post by joee30 on Jun 9, 2015 19:02:26 GMT -8
Would the USF&G charge you if it's just an exchange with no commercial value?
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