Hi. I've been getting mixed responses to a general question about the importing of finished taxidermy into the US.

For non-CITES finished taxidermy, are the importation inspection/license/clearance processes the same as for dipped/packed "raw" trophies?

Essentially, for raw trophies I see the wisdom in using an agent (ie Coppersmith). For finished trophies, is it much easier to the point that the shipment can be sent with a declared value and a normal carrier can get it here door-to-door, ala Fedex?

Having never dealt with this before, I would use someone like Coppersmith if the importation of finished taxidermy is as complicated as it appears to be for dip/pack items.

Some people have told me finished products are "no big deal", just like any other package. Other people have said "it's the same as unfinished" with all the licenses, specific port of entry clearances, etc.

USFWS has been surprisingly unhelpful.

So what's the real deal?

Thanks

see your pm

I've self cleared both finished taxidermy and "dip and pack only" trophies several times...both are simple to do if you can follow directions on the USFWS website.

Karl

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I've self cleared both finished taxidermy and "dip and pack only" trophies several times...both are simple to do if you can follow directions on the USFWS website.

Karl

USFWS is not the problem trying to self clear trophies- it's US Customs. I had no problems self clearing in 2013 going through Detroit- both USFWS and Customs were no problems. Going through Chicago in 2014, USFWS was a breeze, but Customs insisted I needed to go through a broker to clear my trophies. $165.00 later I had them, but the Customs agents were surly and uncooperative. They both had trick names like Chamiqua and Tamiqua, and would make Obama proud, sticking it to the man.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I've self cleared both finished taxidermy and "dip and pack only" trophies several times...both are simple to do if you can follow directions on the USFWS website.

Karl

USFWS is not the problem trying to self clear trophies- it's US Customs. I had no problems self clearing in 2013 going through Detroit- both USFWS and Customs were no problems. Going through Chicago in 2014, USFWS was a breeze, but Customs insisted I needed to go through a broker to clear my trophies. $165.00 later I had them, but the Customs agents were surly and uncooperative. They both had trick names like Chamiqua and Tamiqua, and would make Obama proud, sticking it to the man.

No trick names and no problems with the CBP officers at DFW, you hand them your paperwork, they review and stamp it and you are on your way. Maybe it had something to do with the stated value of the shipment?

Karl

What I found in ATL last May was when I hit the roadblock at the window at Customs, someone else came out and suggested I talk with an import/export specialist in the back. Just what I needed! This lady came out, looked at my papers , glared at the imbecile behind the window and I was gone in 10 minutes.
Remember that title: import/export specialist. And for an individual shipment you do NOT need a broker. I was given a list of 127 different names and told to pick one.