When do I need an import/export license?

§ 14.91 When do I need an import/export license? (a) The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1538(d)(1)) makes it unlawful for any person to engage in business as an importer or exporter of certain fish or wildlife without first having obtained permission from the Secretary. For the purposes of this subchapter, engage in business means to import or export wildlife for commercial purposes. (b) Except as provided in § 14.92, if you engage in the business of importing or exporting wildlife for commercial purposes (see § 14.4), you must obtain an import/export license prior to importing or exporting your wildlife shipment. (c) The following table includes some examples of when an import/export license is required: If I import into the United States or export from the United States . . . do I need an import/export license? (1) Wildlife in the form of products such as garments, bags, shoes, boots, jewelry, rugs, trophies, or curios for commercial purposes Yes. (2) Wildlife in the form of hides, furs, or skins for commercial purposes Yes. (3) Wildlife in the form of food for commercial purposes Yes. (4) As an animal dealer, animal broker, pet dealer, or pet or laboratory supplier Yes. (5) As an individual owner of a personally owned live wildlife pet for personal use No. (6) As a collector or hobbyist for personal use No. (7) As a collector or hobbyist for commercial purposes, including sale, trade or barter Yes. (8) As a laboratory researcher or biomedical supplier for commercial purposes Yes. (9) As a customs broker or freight forwarder engaged in business as a dispatcher, handler, consolidator, or transporter of wildlife or if I file documents with the Service on behalf of others No. (10) As a common carrier engaged in business as a transporter of wildlife No. (11) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or guide importing or exporting my own hunting trophies for commercial purposes Yes. (12) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or guide transporting or shipping hunting trophies for clients or customers No. (13) As a U.S. taxidermist receiving a U.S. client's personal hunting trophies after import clearance for processing No. (14) As a U.S. taxidermist importing wildlife from or exporting wildlife to foreign owners who are requesting my services Yes. (15) As a foreign owner of wildlife exporting my personal hunting trophies from the United States to my home No. (16) As a circus for exhibition or resale purposes Yes. (17) As a Federal, State, municipal, or tribal agency No. (18) As a public museum, or public scientific or educational institution for noncommercial research or educational purposes No.