SERVICE OFFERS NEW WAY TO DECLARE WILDLIFE IMPORTS, EXPORTS

"A new Internet-based system for declaring wildlife imports and exports to the Fish and Wildlife Service is now available for use by anyone engaged in wildlife trade. Called "eDecs," the system gives individuals, customs brokers, and companies required to file declarations with the Service a quick and efficient alternative to filling out paper forms.

"The eDecs System promises to speed clearance of wildlife imports and exports. Through this system, users can communicate with Service wildlife inspectors by e-mail and problems with declarations can be identified and resolved quickly, avoiding potentially costly delays in clearing shipments," said Service Director, Steve Williams.

Most commercial wildlife imports and exports must be declared to the Service; declarations are also required for some personally-owned animals and wildlife products that individuals bring into or out of the country. In the past, declaring a wildlife import or export involved filling out a paper form and presenting it to a Service wildlife inspection office or to the U.S. Customs Service.

"The Service monitors wildlife trade to ensure compliance with laws and treaties that protect species, but we are also committed to making it easier for the public to meet wildlife import/export requirements," said Williams.

The new electronic declarations system, which supports the Administration