What has changed recently with importing?

[Chuck]

That's great for you, go collect in your backyard. That's not at all what this post is about.

I see that between the conspiracy theories, opinions that aren't helpful, the smug, I know it all but figure it out yourself, holier-than-thou attitudes,

New people looking for help might get better responses with a bit of humility.

Most if not all here quit their licenses thanks to USFWS inconsistent “service” and selectively singled out for inspection and harassment BECAUSE they were licensed.

[x106x]

Meh, I'm too old to coddle people who aren't my children. I'm generally nice, but I'm not going to get on my knees and beg for help from people who aren't going to give it. I'm from back in the day when people offered to mentor newbies, and I in turn, mentored when I was as educated and proficient as possible in my chosen hobby/business. Obviously those hobbies/businesses were NOT importing bugs!

I understand and expect bureaucracy and inconsistent service (at best) or absolutely awful service (at worst) from any government agency. It's not my first rodeo in that aspect. In one my previous businesses I had to deal with the DMV almost daily, and another, the USDA yearly. My current day job has to work with the DEA. Rules change depending on who you're speaking with and how they're feeling that day. I've seen a form sent back because *there wasn't enough space between the street name and number* (there was- it was perfectly legible). You can ask 4 people the same question (that has one correct answer) and get 4 different answers on how to do it, and each one thinks their answer is correct and won't do it any other way, even if shown the correct way according to whatever manual.

I guess my point is that people do it all the time, and it is possible, even if it's a huge pita. So if someone wants to take a shot at it and other people know the ins and outs, some direction would be greatly appreciated. Although honestly, with tariffs and so many agencies getting slashed, it all may be a moot point before too long.

In some humility,
Jen

[adamcotton]

Jen,

I get why you feel upset at some of the responses, but I can say that Chuck for one has 'been there, done that, got the t-shirt' and then given up because importing was too much hassle.

Sorry I cannot advise, not being an American and half way round the World.

Adam.

[kevinkk]

I'm an artist, not a reseller, but being able to import the popular bugs I use frequently would allow me to keep my prices reasonable (and we all need *something* reasonably priced right about now...amirite?) Any commissions or one offs I just purchase from US resellers.

You want special treatment. That's what I am reading. I am deserving of special treatment as well, I am disabled, I deserve to be treated differently, I am a victim.
That synopsis is the reason I responded to the post, nothing else, I've read all the previous similar posts for the last 5 years or more.

[Chuck]

Screen shots of said input problems would help.

The answers from members may be delayed because not everyone is here every day, or not coming because they no longer have a license, or don’t care for the attitude.

What did the N.Y. office say about broker requirements?

Lep importing is a far cry from what it was 25 years ago. To put it in perspective, there are probably more licensed machine gun importers than licensed Lep importers. And both are dying breeds.

And the importers you buy from probably aren’t interested in helping you cut them out of the picture.

[lepman1256]

USFW does give you hoops to jump through, but they are spelled out in your application for a import/export permit. Before a shipment hits the U.S. you need to notify the courier (FedEx or DHL) of its arrival. send them picks of documents such as declaration form, waybill number, box pic, health certificate, invoice, and possible others. Most inspections get done at or near their hubs. If you list the wrong one, a USFW representative will get back to you to change it on your Edoc (declaration form) and resubmit. I think what might slow down the clearing of a shipment is when the exact species is not listed on their dropdown list, so you have to go with a (genus name ?). Makes the officer have to check out the species as per your provided invoice. Bonding is done, with a small fee added to your custom fees. If all is done correctly, most shipments clear within 3-4 days.

Your Edoc has a link to upload documents in a PDF format . It has to be combined, the sent. I sometimes have to work with google to find a common name, or genus name, or sometimes just a name like moth or swallowtail. what can get things quicker to you is to pay the yearly fee for port exception or exemption where any port that it enters in can be an inspection point.

[lepman1256]

The whole process of creating the declaration form can be tedious and unnerving when that one species on your invoice can't be found when you type in the genus name on the dropdown window, so you have to use google to look for common names. The time and energy spent, makes me do it as few times as possible, hence most orders exceed $1000. The extra costs usually will add about 20-30% extra to your shipment (including higher courier shipper costs), so make sure your supplier has real good prices. If you have the license/permit and choose to import without a courier, you risk having your license dinged if stopped for inspection. Too many dings and you may lose your license, or have future shipments sent back to the shipper. Any questions someone may have, I would gladly answer if I can.

[mothman27]

I read through CFR 50 part 14, subpart A-I. I found it quite helpful in several areas. Admittedly, I was unaware of where to look for official rules on this topic but I believe this is it.

If you feel so inclined, here is a link to it: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/c ... -B/part-14

Some key takeaways:

14.4 "Commercial means related to the offering for sale, or release, purchase, trade barter, or the intended transfer in the pursuit of gain or profit..."
"There is a presumption that eight or more similar unused items are for commercial use."

14.64 (b) "...a Declaration for the Importation and Exportation of Fish or Wildlife (3-177) does not have to be filed for the exportation of the following: (1) Wildlife not intended for commercial use where the value of such wildlife is under $250."

14.81 "...no person may import, export, or transport in interstate commerce any container or package containing and fish to wildlife... unless he/she marks each container or package conspicuously on the outside with both the name and address of the shipper and consignee. An accurate and legible list of its contents by species scientific name and the number of each species and whether or not the listed species are venomous must accompany the entire shipment."

14.91 (Paraphrased) If you import/export from the US:
(6) as a collector or hobbyist for personal use - you don't need an import/export permit.
(7) as a collector of hobbyist for commercial purposes, including sale, trade or barter - you do need an import/export permit.

14.93 (4) "You must keep, in a U.S. location, the following records that completely and correctly describe each import or export... made under the license and, if applicable, any subsequent disposition that you made of the wildlife, for a period of 5 years."
(Paraphrased): these requirements include the (i) description of wildlife, (ii) quantity, (iii) common and scientific names, (iv) country of origin, if known, (v) date and place of import/export, (vi) date and manner of any subsequent disposition, (vii) name, address, phone, and email, if known, of the person who received the wildlife, (viii) copies of US permits, (ix) copies of the foreign country's permits.

14.94 (c) "Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, an import/export license holder must pay a base inspection fee, as defined in 14.94(h)(1), for each wildlife shipment imported or exported at a designated port."
(This designated port base inspection fee appears to be $93 currently)

14.94 (k)(2) "You do not have to pay base inspection fees, premium inspection fees, or overtime fees if you are importing or exporting wildlife that is exempt from import/export license requirements as defined in 14.92(a)..."
**While 'personal use' is not included in 14.92(a), I am curious whether the base fees would apply since an import/export permit is not required.**


Regarding customs brokers

I corresponded with a wildlife inspector at my nearest designated port (Chicago, IL) regarding the requirements for a broker (Feb 2025).
Here is the information I provided:
I am an individual importing "commercially," but not representing any business or company. I am looking to import dead/dried insects (butterflies and moths) for collectors and hobbyists. Some will be sold by myself here in the USA.
I am not dealing with any protected species. I have the necessary import/export permit and I am aware of the requirement to include the 3-177 with the shipment and file with the USFWS. I began to fill the eDoc for the form online but the field for customs broker is a required field. It was my understanding that a customs broker was not mandatory.
My question is this: Do I need to solicit the service of a customs broker for every shipment, or is this optional?

His prompt response:
You do not require a broker. However, you must file the eDec early enough for us to intercept the package in the mail before customs or USPS. If you delay filing an eDec you may be liable for penalties. Here at Chicago we recommend using FedEx, UPS, or DHL as they will act as the broker for you and also will avoid penalties if released without inspection."
If you choose to use international mail please enter the Customs broker as "self"

I hope this information is useful to others who are interested in the import/export process.