December 2, 2004

Subject: Reminder to the Airline and Trade Community

Background:
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently implemented Section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002, which mandates the collection of advance electronic cargo information. CBP will collect and access this information through its Air Automated Manifest System (Air AMS).

Action:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reminds trade partners and import/export customers that we may also request this information from the airline industry to promote compliance and facilitate our enforcement of wildlife trade laws and regulations. The Service cannot access AMS and may thus request that this information be provided by different means when needed.

The Endangered Species Act 16 USC §1540(e) and the Lacey Act 16 USC § 3375(b) grant authority to the Service to detain for inspection and inspect any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, or other conveyance; or any package, crate, or other container including its contents, and all accompanying documents upon import or export.

Under this authority, the Service may request documents or other manifest information. These requests will originate at the local level from Service officers at the ports of entry / exit. If there are any questions concerning this announcement, please contact your local wildlife inspection port office or our headquarters office located in Arlington, VA.

Contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
4401 North Fairfax Drive
MS –LE -3000
Arlington, VA 22030

Website: www.le.fws.gov
Email: R9LE_www@fws.gov