I just learned, as a result of my So African trophy shipment being routed without my input, thru Atlanta, EFFECTIVE NOW AND FORSEEABLE FUTURE, 100% OF HUNTERS TROPHIES ARE BEING INSPECTED IN ATLANTA by US AGRICULTURE.
Apparently some foxy folks thought they could get away with undocumented species in their shipments, ie pigs, primates and birds that REQUIRE US AGRICULTURE inspection and got caught, USAG got blindsided and burned!!
As a result 100% inspection of all hunters trophies thru Atlanta. Normally inspections by US AG are infrequent and sporadic.
This incident looks bad for all hunters when something like this happens!!
There are 3 airlines accepting hunters trophies NOT transiting Atlanta- Emirates many ports of entry, Turkish via LA, and SAA via WADC, presently not requiring US AG inspection, except required species.
Since I was blindsided, not knowing, and further shipment was errant on loading, I was forced to nominate a Clearance Broker in Seattle, who knew about inspection and has agent to do inspection in Atlanta, $100, and put back in shipment stream. I was fortunate. My shipment could be sitting there, and eventually seized or destroyed if not handled. If no action is taken, shipments are moved off airport until clearance is accomplished...then put back into transit at your cost....both directions!!
My consignment sat for 3 days without contact by US AG, DELTA, or shipping agent.
I actually stumbled into issue due to failure to load, unknown schedule and my travel schedule.
Be careful and know your Africa shipping agent.
I will follow up with my Broker to see if/when this inspection requirement is lifted...I hope it doesn't spread!!
KEEP YOUR SHIPMENTS CLEAN AND WELL DOCUMENTED....NO "MONKEY BUSINESS"....
we all suffer.
It is becoming apparent that it is becoming more and more difficult to self clear trophies these days.
I had multiple complications with my recent shipment. I will comment on that later.

Cheers

Problem is with government
And they always blame everything on one bad apple
So unfortunate we are becoming quite the bureaucratic nightmare

quote:

Originally posted by boarkiller:
Problem is with government
And they always blame everything on one bad apple
So unfortunate we are becoming quite the bureaucratic nightmare

Modern day collective punishment.

Where everyone suffers, but the guilty suffer least!

Yes Saeed, spot on...one example and everyone pays

https://www.coppersmith.com/ne...ction-rules-atlanta/


By Lynley Bishop

Please be advised that all hunting trophy shipments clearing or transiting through the Port of Atlanta, GA will require physical examination by US Customs & Border Protection/Agriculture (CBP/A) officers. The officers are not allowed to open crates, therefore, a representative must open and present each shipment for inspection, whether fully processed or unfinished.

Shipments already consigned or ordered to USDA Approved Establishments for reprocessing will not require physical inspection. If any shipment cannot be presented for thorough exam, CBP/A will issue a VS 16-78 ordering movement to an approved establishment.

We’ve been advised that some hunting trophy shipments transiting through Atlanta have been found to contain undeclared items or either items that were described as “processed” that were not. Most recently, a taxidermist in another state received a shipment that came through Atlanta that contained undeclared, unprocessed ostrich feet. The taxidermist called USDA HQ to let them know that he received a shipment containing restricted bird parts that should have gone to a USDA Approved Establishment. HQ then notified Vet Services in Atlanta, who advised CBP/Ag Officers that all hunting trophy shipments are now to be opened and inspected, whether finished or unfinished.

Repeating, however, that if a shipment, is already going to go to an approved establishment, no inspection is necessary. If not, Coppersmith has to send staff to the airlines to open and present all shipments for inspection.

Coppersmith Atlanta staff will arrange to open all trophy shipments for all Coppersmith offices, whether clearing in Atlanta or moving in bond to other ports of entry for clearance. CBP officers determine what shipments are inspected on what days and our team is notified of the airway bills of lading numbers and the date/time that we are to be present to open all crates and cartons for exam.

Coppersmith can also provide this service to any importer, broker or agent who does not have a representative in Atlanta to open and present shipments for exam. Please email atlinspections@coppersmith.com to request assistance and information will be forwarded regarding set up and scheduling.

We have summarized this all in a letter which you can download here.

https://www.coppersmith.com/wp...nspection-Policy.pdf



July 25, 2019

Subject: Hunting Trophy CBP/Agriculture Inspections

Atlanta, GA

Please be advised that all hunting trophy shipments clearing or transiting through the Port of Atlanta,
GA will require physical examination by US Customs & Border Protection/Agriculture (CBP/A)
officers. The officers are not allowed to open crates, therefore, a representative must open and
present each shipment for inspection, whether fully processed or unfinished.
Shipments already consigned or ordered to USDA Approved Establishments for reprocessing will not
require physical inspection. If any shipment cannot be presented for thorough exam, CBP/A will issue
a VS 16-78 ordering movement to an approved establishment.
Coppersmith Atlanta staff will arrange to open all trophy shipments for all Coppersmith offices,
whether clearing in Atlanta or moving in bond to other ports of entry for clearance. CBP officers
determine what shipments are inspected on what days and our team is notified of the airway bills of
lading numbers and the date/time that we are to be present to open all crates and cartons for exam.
Coppersmith can also provide this service to any importer, broker or agent who does not have a
representative in Atlanta to open and present shipments for exam. Please email
atlinspections@coppersmith.com to request assistance and information will be forwarded regarding
set up and scheduling.
The fee for our staff to expedite examination of shipments is $100 per house airway bill of lading up to
4 crates. Shipments that exceed 4 crates will be assessed to determine if any additional charge is
necessary.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation. Any questions may be directed to the
undersigned.

Thank you,
Lynley Bishop
Atlanta Manager
Coppersmith Global Logistics
Email: lbishop@coppersmith.com

El Al Israel Airlines can be added to the list of airlines accepting hunters trophies NOT transiting Atlanta.

They delivered mine to SFO where they were transferred to Seattle w/out a hitch.

MY TROPHIES HAVE ARRIVED!!...almost a month from booked departure time from JNB!!

I was alarmed and notified my Shipping Agent when I was told they were shipping on Delta via Atlanta. I did NOT know about the 100% inspection by US Dept of AG going on, nor did my Shipping agents!! I wanted a direct shipment to my Port of Entry from foreign port.

I generally clear all of my own trophy shipments unless there are Inspections required such as Big5/Dangerous 7 CITES, pigs, primates or birds...then I nominate a US Clearance Agent.

I received Docs from Shipping Agent advising Shipment JNB on Sept 5 and arrival SEATAC on Sept 7. I proceeded to SEATAC with no notification by Delta, only to find shipment had NOT been loaded and expect Sept 12 shipment. I notified my shipping agent.

I also learned from discussion with US F&W agent that the new US F&W regs required East Cape Province Hunting Permit, and the ZAPHR- South Africa Professional Hunters Register, along with the CITES for Aoudad. I did NOT receive either from my Outfitter so was in a scramble to obtain both before arrival!!AND pre-filing with USF&W was preferred, which required setting up an account.

Due to the complication of my travel schedule and the above issues, I called and discussed my shipment, then nominated a US Clearance Broker in Seattle after the shipment was booked...this is a complication too!! But given the complexity of finding out about Atlanta 100% inspections, I immediately nominated a Broker. I had NO CHOICE!!

My trophies arrived Atlanta on September 8, no notification by Shipping agent or Airline. Finally on Sept 12 my Clearance Broker located the trophies in AG detention Atlanta, but still on the Airport. They assigned their agent to handle US AG inspection...and trophies were released on Sept 18 for shipment to Seattle.

They did actually move on that date, however Delta did not notify anyone...me or Clearance Broker. CB finally found cargo on 20th and started the clearance process....DOCUMENTS WERE NOT WITH THE CONSIGNMENT, ONLY COPIES...ORIGINALS "LOST" ACCORDING TO DELTA.

Now, this is a complication, if the Original CITES is not available to be presented to USF&W, no trophies, and they can be seized!! Clearance Broker took steps to contain Delta storage charges and to prevent seizure after 72 hours of arrival not being cleared. Wait until Monday, see what happens.

At about 1:30 PM on Sunday, Sept 22 the agent I met at SEATAC Delta Cargo called me and advised they had the documents and it was urgent I pick up cargo because Storage would begin Monday!!...Delta was responsible for delay, I explained!!!...lost Docs!!

I notified my Clearance Broker by email and called first thing on Monday. He went to Delta Cargo...no docs!!... finally on Tuesday Documents were located in the SEATAC office and I was again notified, as was Clearance Broker, I followed up with him too....

On Tuesday Sept 24th Clearance Broker gently contacted USF&W for clearance inspection of shipment/CITES required vs random...they promptly responded SAME DAY, cleared, and Customs also cleared using their electronic Dec now in place...and Clearance Brokers immediately picked up shipment via their dedicated warehouse agents...to avoid Storage Charges....note, this move is included in the Clearance fee and is very reasonable...SURPRISE>

It took two more days in house to organize my documents and invoice and I went to SEATAC on Thursday, September 26 to retrieve my consignment...delivered to taxidermist on 27th!! It was easy to take my Docs to warehouse and load my trophies...15 minutes from arrival!! WA LA!!

This was a lot of concern and scrambling that was UNNECESSARY. I learned a lot, however.

*Pick your shipping company wisely from Africa, and make sure your shipment is booked from a foreign point to your Port of Entry...NOT another US point between!!....this is where trouble can start.
*If you are going to do your own clearance, know the ropes and understand today everything has gone ELECTRONIC and requires pre-registration with an E-Dec with US F&W, and now Customs. Remember, US Customs used to be part of Treasury and was a revenue generating entity, ie DUTIES....NOW IT IS UNDER HOMELAND SECURITY AND IT IS AN ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT IS SUSPICIOUS OF EVERYTHING!!
*If you have a CITES animal, have your dip and pack agent provide 2 ORIGINALS...one to be attached to shipment, the second sent directly to hunter/consignee or his Clearance Broker, in case of loss!! It might take your Dip and Pack agent 3-6 weeks to obtain a second CITES!!
*Study your routes for shipment before shipment with your Shipping agent and a knowledgeable Clearance Broker. In my case coming to Seattle, EMIRATES-JNB-Dubai-SEA, others are charter companies, and currently no AG inspections are occurring at WADC- so SAA is great, LA or SFO, so Turkish, ElAl, but if not direct to your POE, it is inevitable you must use a clearance broker.
*Life has changed for hunters since 9/11, and the electronification and "streamlining" of processes almost is eliminating the old simple processes of self clearing.
*In this case, my total fees after the hunt for Dip and Pack, Shipping agent, air and insurance, then Atlanta inspection, and Clearance Broker now total MORE THAN THE DAILY RATE for HUNTING!!
*My Clearance Broker advised me that he has NEVER had a negative comment be made by any Government official (re hunting) and have been very cooperative....in 25 years in the business. That said, be AWARE that some Agents have and will threaten hunters with Criminal Charges for illegal importations and it can a horrendous legal battle to survive without charges, and VERY Expensive. I was advised by another party involved in this that one of his clients was wrongfully threatened by USF&W and he refuted the agent after attorney advice that it was HE that was breaking the law...not the hunter...in other words, know your rules, and stick to your guns...
I will be working with my JNB Shipping agents to do some fact finding and resolution of the issues in this case that seriously complicated my shipment without my input. Consequently, I am not going to mention their Name.
I will mention International Freight Systems at SeaTac who did a SPECTACULAR job of picking up the ball and running to home base for me after the fact. Note that I had used them previously for CITES Dangerous 7 imports so I was already registered with them with Power of Attorney, and Customs Registration. I would recommend IFS to all hunters, Don Wallace, my agent to assist you in any way on your hunting trophy shipments into the Northwest. They know the territory and the pitfalls today...been there and done that...and they are NOT expensive for what they do and will prevent Criminal exposure that is out there today.
I hope this is helpful...a new education to me. I will be glad to answer any questions either on the forum or by Private Msging.

Good Luck in the future...our hunting World in Changing!!

Cheers,

I always clear my own trophies, each shipment is put on a "USDA Hold" in Atlanta, usually only three days. If you follow your shipment online you can usually see where the shipment arrives in Atlanta and is not manifested further for a couple of days...USDA hold. I believe all shipments of trophies come thru one of several ports where there is a USDA inspection and is no big deal, just takes a couple or three days. I haven't experienced lost documents so far and hope I don't.

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I always clear my own trophies, each shipment is put on a "USDA Hold" in Atlanta, usually only three days. If you follow your shipment online you can usually see where the shipment arrives in Atlanta and is not manifested further for a couple of days...USDA hold. I believe all shipments of trophies come thru one of several ports where there is a USDA inspection and is no big deal, just takes a couple or three days. I haven't experienced lost documents so far and hope I don't.

Karl, under normal circumstances you are very correct and all shipments of trophies are subject to random inspections and then put back into transit.

I have been advised this new 100% inspection in Atlanta process takes shipments out of transit and USAG will NOT open for inspection, consignee MUST arrange to have a representative open the shipment for inspection and call for inspection. If this is not done shipments will be moved off airport to a "licensed facility" and sit there until inspection is arranged or the trophies are seized and destroyed!!...at consignees cost. The representative, after USAG inspection, will move the consignment back into transit.
Presently, Atlanta is the only Port of Entry going through this process and requiring intervention.
I am certainly going to be talking with the big import agencies at Dallas and Reno next year.
That said, I hope that Atlanta will settle down, but the indication of my Broker is that it will take a turnover of USAG agents for this to pass...once Burned, memory is looonnnnggg!!
Cheers,

Well, I'lll find out in a very few days, shipment manifested to leave Joburg on 10/5/19 on Delta 201. I'l submit my E-Decs as soon as it shows manifested out of Atlanta. All of my previous shipments thru Atlanta have been "held" by USDA, as well as one thru DC on SAA. Never had to have a representative open the crates, USDA has done it in the past (maybe no longer, though). 'll find out soon enough. Thanks for the info.

quote:

Originally posted by jjbull:
El Al Israel Airlines can be added to the list of airlines accepting hunters trophies NOT transiting Atlanta.

They delivered mine to SFO where they were transferred to Seattle w/out a hitch.

Me too; my last shipment made it without issue, including a leopard.