I received confirmation from Zimbabwe that their Management Authority has reached a compromise with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the new regulations that went into effect on September 24, 2007.

Effective immediately all Export Permits from Zimbabwe will indicate the proper Purpose Code of either "H" for Hunted Trophies or "P" for personal products made up from hunted trophies or purchased animal products. The purpose code will appear in Block 8 of the Export Permit and seperate Permits will be issued for "P" and "H" items.

Therefore, export entry processing is now being done on those shipments halted as a result of the implentation of these new regulations.

There will be NO GRACE PERIOD given by Fish and Wildlife as it pertains to Purpose Code.

The only grace period being offered by FWS affects Block 14 of a proper CITES permit that provides a required export endorsement by Management Authorities listing the exporting shipping information and a recap of the number of CITES Animals on the permit. That grace period expires April 2008.

So, you can have personal items made up from your elephant hide as long as they are marked personal, correct?

I wouldn't bet my life on that but it would be worth a try. One client of ours is just having the elephant panels tanned there and will get the golfbag made here.

Well, the reason that I ask is that Bridgit at Life-Form has informed me that as long as they are marked as Personal Items made out of your own hides that they can be shipped with your finished trophies. Apparently the personal products may be subject to customs tax if they are over the amount that you are entitled to declare. Just what I have been told. Apparently they are aware of the September 24, 2007 ruling and have been shipping items for clients that way since it went into effect. I was hoping that Coppersmith could confirm that, as I really don't want to take a chance and have items made there and then a problem occurs. What are the other taxidermy and shipping businesses over there telling you as the customs broker, and have your contacts at the USFWS given you any clarification? I can't see how they can keep us all in the dark on such an important issue.

Some good information IMHO

Coppersmith FAQ

As long as we can see a copy of the export documents before the shipment is booked we can determine if there are any items that require clarification.

The reason for my concern regarding the elephant items is a notation placed by CITES on African Elephant that only "H" products may be exported. FWS inspectors don't question that.

As we see more shipments coming in we will have better information.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Well, the reason that I ask is that Bridgit at Life-Form has informed me that as long as they are marked as Personal Items made out of your own hides that they can be shipped with your finished trophies. Apparently the personal products may be subject to customs tax if they are over the amount that you are entitled to declare. Just what I have been told. Apparently they are aware of the September 24, 2007 ruling and have been shipping items for clients that way since it went into effect. I was hoping that Coppersmith could confirm that, as I really don't want to take a chance and have items made there and then a problem occurs. What are the other taxidermy and shipping businesses over there telling you as the customs broker, and have your contacts at the USFWS given you any clarification? I can't see how they can keep us all in the dark on such an important issue.