Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone - I have an interest in several snakes native to various islands in the West Indies, which are pretty much unobtainable in the US. What kind of paperwork is involved in collecting and importing such snakes to the US (or am I wasting my time even attempting to do this)?

I am assuming that I will need some kind of 'collection' permit and a US import permit? Does anyone have any experience in obtaining such permits for both CITES and non-CITES snakes in the West Indies?

If anyone could point me in the right direction for info, I would be very appreciative.

TIA, Ryan

(or am I wasting my time even attempting to do this)?

Most likely that quote sums it up. It's possible to open up most country's and get anything from anywhere. But.........................

If you want to do it by the book and we all do, in almost all circumstances the non-sense to reward ratio and financial aspects derail the feasibility of these projects. With non cites stuff you have a better shot but cites stuff originating from a country that doesn't currently have an export quota. Ummm , there's enough red tape involved to roll up a mummy.

Ernie Eison

westwoodreptiles.com

Thanks for the info Ernie, looks like I could be facing an up-hill battle

Do you know where I can access export quotas for different species? I'm hoping there is web access to this kind of info.

Thanks again, Ryan

Hi Ryan, this link should help. Ernie Eison

wstwoodreptiles.com
Cites Info

Wouldn't it be possible to work with someone that already is a direct importer, to pay some sort of fee to a have a specific species imported legally?

Katrina
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1.2 Eastern Muds - Fred, Ethel, Edith
0.1 Iguana - Tiffel
Foster turtles: More than I'd like the husband to know about.