how to apply/obtain CITES import permit?

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

Does anybody know how to do this? or can point to some information on the topic?

thanks

Steven Garland · Jul 27, 2022

Google it,I'm sure there is a website with all the info you need to apply. I'm sure its probably pretty strict and need tons of documents. But I could be wrong.

Tired · Jul 27, 2022

Importing what, from where, to where, by what means?

livinlifeinBKK · Jul 27, 2022

There's a reason you've never met anyone with a CITES import permit to explain the process to you...

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
There's a reason you've never met anyone with a CITES import permit to explain the process to you...

I'm not following ?

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

Steven Garland said:
Google it,I'm sure there is a website with all the info you need to apply. I'm sure its probably pretty strict and need tons of documents. But I could be wrong.

Definitely googled it - as with all the govt websites/applications its very convoluted. Thought somebody might be able to give a brief outline of the process.

livinlifeinBKK · Jul 27, 2022

jamo130788 said:
I'm not following ?

The reason you've never met anyone with one is because they're extremely difficult to get...I actually looked into it a while back. They want it to be a difficult process because they don't want many people importing/exporting threatened or endangered species.

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
The reason you've never met anyone with one is because they're extremely difficult to get...I actually looked into it a while back. They want it to be a difficult process because they don't want many people importing/exporting threatened or endangered species.

Oh I see what you're saying. It makes sense that they are difficult to obtain , however not impossible as there are reef stores around the country that receive shipments weekly.

livinlifeinBKK · Jul 27, 2022

jamo130788 said:
Oh I see what you're saying. It makes sense that they are difficult to obtain , however not impossible as there are reef stores around the country that receive shipments weekly.

The reef stores don't all have CITES import permits...the import companies that they buy the fish from in California have the permits

livinlifeinBKK · Jul 27, 2022

Do you know how difficult it is just to get a liquor license in some states?

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
The reef stores don't all have CITES import permits...the import companies that they buy the fish from in California have the permits

Well of course they dont ALL have permits but some of them do - I understand there is an domestic wholesaler/distribution channel. Anyways - I guess I'll have to sift through the paperwork to figure it out

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
Do you know how difficult it is just to get a liquor license in some states?

I own two heavily regulated business currently - so yes, I am well aware.

Steven Garland · Jul 27, 2022

If you need something so bad,talk with the owner of a local store and work out a deal 3rd party. I'm sure you will pay an outrageous amount of money and literally have to provide very detailed paperwork.

I can't see why tye average person woukd need one. Kind of makes no sense.

livinlifeinBKK · Jul 27, 2022

jamo130788 said:
Well of course they dont ALL have permits but some of them do - I understand there is an domestic wholesaler/distribution channel. Anyways - I guess I'll have to sift through the paperwork to figure it out

What's the plan anyway? Why would you go through the expense, trouble figuring it all out, and I'm sure a very lengthy wait time? What are you trying to do?

jamo130788 · Jul 27, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
What's the plan anyway? Why would you go through the expense, trouble figuring it all out, and I'm sure a very lengthy wait time? What are you trying to do?

No plan currently - just gathering information

Steven Garland · Jul 27, 2022

If you don't plan on because a collector,or aquaculture facility or importing corals from some remote island then I can't wrap my head around wasting your time on such a permit.

Why not just call up WWC wire them $10K and have them get you some cool stuff. You'll probably have to spend that to maybe get 3-5 inane pieces anyways lol.

livinlifeinBKK · Jul 27, 2022

Steven Garland said:
If you don't plan on because a collector,or aquaculture facility or importing corals from some remote island then I can't wrap my head around wasting your time on such a permit.

Why not just call up WWC wire them $10K and have them get you some cool stuff. You'll probably have to spend that to maybe get 3-5 inane pieces anyways lol.

If you're the one officially importing then I would definitely assume you're paying for at least part of that air freight to get it here....

Steven Garland · Jul 27, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
If you're the one officially importing then I would definitely assume you're paying for at least part of that air freight to get it here....

Along with a lot of other things,so theres another price to add to the total.

Tired · Jul 27, 2022

Going through WWC or the like is a good idea. They should know how to get the thing, and they'll already have permits in place.

Wasabiroot · Jul 27, 2022

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/products/downloads/fish_wildlife_fs.pdf

That should help!
Note that you may not need one to trade captive bred, but it's worth noting the costs involved- importing coral and fish is expensive (think multiple thousands per shipment)