Can anyone tell me what the proper procedure is for renewing my CITES import for leopard from Zimbabwe. My current CITES expires Aug. 1, 2008 and it doesn't look like my leopard will leave Zim before that.

The form I pulled up on the USFW os 3-200-52. From the schedule of charges I can't figure out (decode gov't language) as to whether there is a fee.

It also appears that I must send my original CITES back with the renewal application.

All advise is appreciated.

Regards, D. Nelson

Give them a call. They have always been helpful in explaining things when I have called them. I do believe that you are correct in that you have to send your original one back to them, but I am not sure about another fee, although I wouldn't be surprised if you have to pay one. Please let us all know. Thanks.

D,

Yes there is a fee (the original amount) and yes you send the original permit back.

We went through this in 2006 awaiting my husband's leopard. The new permit they send you will have a notation that this permit replaces permit number --------.

Good luck.

Kathi;

Some how I knew you'd be the one who would repond with the answer!!!

I would have PM'd you, but thought you might be busy.

Thanks for your help.

Regards, D. Nelson

If you will be using a broker to clear your consignment, do not leave it to them to send the amended permit number to the outfitter, do this yourself. The outfitter will then be responsible for seeing the "new" import permit number is entered on the Zimbabwe CITES export permit, this way USFWS will have matching documentation clearly showing "this" leopard is indeed yours and legally exported from Zimbabwe and imported into the US.

same thing happened to me. my leopard from Bots. was due to arrive in the US ONE DAY after my permit expired. had to stop the shipment, apply for a renewal( and pay the fee, which if i recall was more than the original fee), wait 3 months on the "new" permit, then re-schedule the shipment. what a pain in the ass!t