Office of Law Enforcement
Mountain-Prairie Region

USFWS Permits

Requirements to Have Fish & Wildlife, Parts and Products Inspected by FWS

The Endangered Species Act and promulgated Regulations thereunder which are found in 50 CFR 14 require that any person, company, or organization who is importing into or exporting out of the United States fish or wildlife must do the following:
  • Import or export the fish or wildlife items at a specially designated U.S. Customs Port of Entry as required in 50 CFR 14.11.

  • Obtain required permits for any species that is endangered, threatened, or listed as an Appendix to CITES as required in 50 CFR 17 or 50 CFR 23.

  • Insure the imported or exported fish or wildlife is made available for inspection by FWS personnel as required in 50 CFR 14.51.

  • Declare to FWS any fish or wildlife, parts and products thereof by completing a "DECLARATION FOR IMPORTATION OR EXPORTATION OF FISH OR WILDLIFE", FWS form 3-177 as required in 50 CFR 14.61.

  • Properly mark containers used to import, export, or ship in interstate commerce fish or wildlife as required in 50 CFR 14.81.

  • Obtain licenses for commercial imports or exports of fish and wildlife as required in 50 CFR 14.91.

  • Ship fish and wildlife in a humane and healthful manner as required in 50 CFR 14.101.
The term "Fish and Wildlife" means: any wild animal, whether alive or dead, including without limitation any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, whether or not bred, hatch, or born in captivity, and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof.

There are many provisions that regulate the import and export of fish and wildlife, including to exceptions to the regulations. Prior to undertaking such activity, individuals importing or exporting fish or wildlife should obtain and read a copy of 50 CFR 14 by contacting your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Office.

Last updated: August 26, 2009