Designated Port Exception Permit
Where may I import or export wildlife?
In most cases, you must bring wildlife through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
designated port
where we can inspect and clear it.
Do any other options exist?
If your wildlife meets certain criteria, you may apply for a designated
port exception permit to import or export it through the port of
your choice.
What criteria does the Service use for issuing these permits?
We issue designated port exception permits only to
• Accommodate imports or exports for
scientific purposes;
• Minimize or prevent deterioration
or loss of the wildlife; or
• Alleviate undue economic hardship
for you.
In addition, Service officers must be available to inspect your wildlife
at the port you want to use.
How do I apply for a designated port exception permit?
You must complete an application
(Form 3-200-2)
and provide written documentation showing how your wildlife meets
the criteria for this permit. You must pay a $100 permit application
fee. If you want the permit for a commercial shipment, please provide
a copy of your valid Service wildlife import/export license.
What information must I provide in my application?
All applicants must
• List the species and quantity of wildlife involved and its place of origin.
• Identify the port where the import or export will occur.
• Indicate the reason why an exception is being requested.
• Provide a written statement showing how the shipment meets the specific
criteria
for permit issuance.
How do I show that my shipment qualifies for a designated
port exception permit for scientific purposes?
In your application, you must
• Describe how the wildlife will be
used or why it is being imported/exported.
• Show that the shipment is associated
with a bona fide scientific research project
or other scientific use or that
it involves the import/export of preserved museum specimens.
How do I show that my shipment qualifies for a designated
port exception permit to minimize deterioration or loss?
In your application, you must show that
• Your shipment is perishable or otherwise
subject to deterioration or loss.
• Your use of a designated port would
cause substantial deterioration or loss.
• Using the port requested would prevent
or minimize deterioration or loss.
How do I show that my shipment qualifies for a designated
port exception permit to alleviate undue economic hardship?
In your application, you must
• Identify the cost difference between
shipping your wildlife through the port requested and
the lowest cost of using a designated port.
• Show that absorbing this difference
in cost would impose an unwarranted economic hardship
on you.
Does the Service always issue port exception permits if the
applicant meets the appropriate criteria?
No. We can only issue these permits if the applicant meets the criteria
AND a Service officer will be available to inspect and clear the
shipment.
Are there any costs associated with using a designated port
exception permit?
Yes. Anyone importing or exporting wildlife under a designated port
exception permit must pay a $55 base fee.
The following additional fees apply depending on the port where the
import or export will occur:
< • If you import or export
wildlife at a
port staffed by Service officers
, you must also pay a minimum
charge of $40 for two hours of inspection work.
• If you use a port where
we have no officers stationed, you must also pay ALL costs associated
with sending a Service officer to inspect your shipment. These costs
include the officer’s
salary plus any travel and lodging expenses.
Can I obtain a designated port exception permit that allows
me to import/export more than one shipment?
Yes. When you apply, you may request authorization to import or export
multiple shipments at the port selected for a period up to two years.
Which Service offices issue designated port exception permits?
Send your application to one of our seven
regional law
enforcement permit offices
if your shipment contains wildlife that does NOT require any other
Service permit. Use the office for the region where the port you
want to use is located.
If your wildlife also requires a
permit
under Service regulations for injurious species, endangered and threatened
species, migratory birds, marine mammals, or species listed under
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES),
you may request a designated port exception permit from the Service
office that will issue your permit for importing or exporting protected
wildlife.
For example, if your wildlife is listed on CITES Appendix I, you
must obtain a CITES permit from the Service’s Division of Management
Authority. You may also submit your application for a designated
port exception permit to this office at the same time that you apply
for your CITES permit.>
For additional information, contact
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS-LE-3000
Arlington, VA 22203
703-358-1949 (phone)
703-358-2271 (fax)
R9LE_WWW@fws.gov
www.le.fws.gov
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