More on legalities

[thegreenwolf]

I updated United States-Relevant Animal Parts Laws at http://www.thegreenwolf.com/partslaws.html to reflect A) the illegality of selling pre-ban animal parts and B) more information on why it's illegal to just slap a customs form on a package of animal parts going out of the country, and info on every hoop you have to jump through to do it legally.

Also, yes, you are more than welcome to link to the collection of resources above; that's why I created it. And while it is NOT legal advice, you are welcome to use it as a basis for your own research.

In the end I can't tell you what to do and how to do it, but I at least want to help people make the most informed decisions possible.

[Former_Member]

I'm looking for info on importing animal remains into Canada. Not really finding anything specific to non-bird animal bone. I'm posting this here so everyone can read it instead of emailing you directly.

From the US Postal Service Site:

PROHIBITIONS:

An issue of a publication in which more than 5 percent of its total advertising space is primarily directed to a Canadian market and which indicates:
(a) Specifically where goods or services may be obtained in Canada, or
(b) Specific items or conditions relating to the sale or provision of goods or services in Canada.
All alcoholic beverages including wines, etc.
An issue of a publication that contains an advertisement primarily directed to a Canadian market is a prohibited import if that advertisement does not appear in identical form in all editions of the issue distributed in the country of origin.
Articles so marked as to create the false impression that they were made in Canada, Great Britain or any other British country.
Commercial tags of metal.
Firearms, except as follows: Firearms may be mailed to Canada provided that they meet the requirements in DMM 601.11.1, 601.11.2, 601.11.3, and 601.11.6 and that the importer has the required documentation. Customers must visit http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html prior to mailing for Canadian import requirements.
Gold bullion, gold dust, and nonmanufactured precious metals.
Non-refillable lighters or any other lighter that contains fuel. New lighters with no fuel may be sent.
Oleomargarine and other butter substitutes, including altered or renovated butter.
Perishable infectious biological substances.
Perishable noninfectious biological substances.
Plumage and skins of wild birds.
Prison-made goods being sold or intended for sale by a person or firm.
Radioactive materials.
Replica or inert munitions, as well as other devices that simulate explosive devices or munitions, including replica or inert grenades or other simulated military munitions, whether or not such items are for display purposes.
Reprints of Canadian or British works copyrighted in Canada.
Reproductions of Canadian postage stamps unless printed in publications in black and white only and with a defacing line drawn across each reproduction.
Shipments bearing caution labels indicating the contents are flammable.
Smoke-making devices for motor vehicles and boats.
Used or secondhand hives or bee supplies.

RESTRICTIONS:

The maximum value of a GXG shipment to CANADA is $2,499 or a lesser amount if limited by content or value.
Coins; banknotes; currency notes; securities payable to bearer; traveler's checks; gold, silver, platinum, manufactured or not; jewelry; and other valuable articles may be sent only in registered items.
Exceptions:
Coins sent to or from collectors or dealers may be mailed in ordinary (uninsured) parcels.
Drugs and medicines must comply with Canadian law.
Eggs for hatching must be packed in new, clean containers and accompanied by a certificate issued by a veterinarian of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or one issued by a State veterinarian and endorsed by a veterinarian of that Bureau, stating that to the best of his or her knowledge the eggs come from a flock that is free from Newcastle disease, fowl pest, or fowl typhoid. See 135.3 for method of packing.
Meat and meat food products must be accompanied by an export certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and labeled in accordance with Canadian regulations. Exception to these requirements are:
1. bona fide sample shipments weighing less than 10 kg;
2. meat products addressed to a government department or agency;
3. meat products intended for personal consumption when they enter Canada in the possession of the importer.
Precious stones, set or not set; all items used as dress ornaments and coming under the term "jewelry" including articles of gold or other precious metal for personal use such as cigarette holders, cases, powder cases, card cases, opera glasses, fountain pens, watches, etc., are permitted in insured parcels provided the articles have value not over $5 U.S. A parcel containing a number of such articles valued at $5 or less may be insured for the total value of the contents up to a maximum of $200.
Veterinary biological products including serums and vaccines must be accompanied by a permit issued by the Veterinary Director General, Ministry of Agriculture of Canada.

What little I did find that doesn't seem to apply as exact as I'd like it to:

Health on Animals Regulations from Canada Dept of Justice:

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._296/page-11.html

Animal Product Import Information:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_anproducts.shtml

[Former_Member]

From Canada Border Services site:

http://recherche-search.gc.ca/s_r?t3mpl1t34d=1&s5t34d=cbsa&l7c1l3=eng&S_08D4T.1ct57n=search&S_08D4T....

There is a PDF there about exporting "items such as jewellery made from antler or bone slices" but I'm not finding info about importing bone.

This page talks about import restrictions but the info again is vague "Examples of controlled goods - snakeskin cowboy boots and a variety of plants and animals and their by-products."

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5092-eng.html#_item26

[thegreenwolf]

If you look in the US Customs section of http://www.thegreenwolf.com/partslaws.html you'll find http://www.thegreenwolf.com/international.html which has the info on international shipment of animal parts from the US.

[Former_Member]

OK thanks I see that section now! First thing I checked was your site and it honestly overwhelmed me. I swear I'm not an idiot it is just a lot to read and understand and some of the terminology is over my head.

I read a lot of that and it still didn't answer my questions with a clear yes and no answer as to each type of animal bone I want to know about.

The "Legalities Regarding International Trade in Animal Parts" page says an import/export license is $100 a year plus there are inspection fees for every item mailed. But that's also talking only about deer parts and "exporting at a designated port." Which the closest one for me is 8 hours away. This just isn't realistic.

The "International Animal Product Export Regulations" list that you link to (and I listed above as finding in my research) says nothing about bone/fur... only meats, eggs, dairy, fish and honey. Seems this is only about food item export.

Maybe I'll just contact US Fish & Wildlife and ask them about specific items. I'm honestly kind of afraid to though. Don't want to be put on some crazy watch list.

[thegreenwolf]

The original email was for deer parts, but the same things apply to all animal parts; the person I got it from is a highly experienced taxidermist who already did all the homework with USFW. I'm going with that email as my personal final say.

[Former_Member]

Ok, thanks... that's what I needed to know!

[Former_Member]

great info here, i read this thread before i joined the team and it got me motivated to contact the other 49 states and find out the legalities of what i sell ( antler parts), i've gotten responces from 38 and so far only 1 has said no i can not sell in our state, i did it via e-mail so that if there were ever any questions i had something to refer back to.

i have a license as a antler and hide dealer in oregon ( my state) and i stated that in my e-mail to each state. i think that may have something to do with some of the states giving me the ok, i have to keep pretty detailed records and there are limits on what i can buy and sell

as a result i do not even offer sales to canada, its just to much to go through

[Former_Member]

smanpens, which state said no?

BTW - I started the above mentioned research about Canada because I've had some interest/purchases from there recently. But before I could find any info I went ahead and mailed out an order for a pendant which had snake vertebrae in a sealed glass vial. I stated this clearly on the postal forms. It was NOT returned to me. Don't know if it has anything to do with the animal remains being sealed inside the vial or if they have no problem with importing snake bones or if it was just the location where it crossed the border into Canada. But just thought I'd mention that.

[Former_Member]

at this point Delaware is the one state that has told me no. i've had a number that do not allow the sale of whole antlers (my state is one of them) but once they are broken down into pieces they are ok, by doing that they are removing the finacial incentive to poach trophy animals for someone to hang on thier wall.

with my license i am allowed to by whole antlers but i can't sell them whole unless its to another dealer and then there is some paperwork we have to do.

[Former_Member]

i know have a canadian buyer wanting me to ship some antler tip jewelry pendants.

BoneLust, you did some research on this situation, whats your take on it? after reading your link it seems i should be fine, but i'm interested on what you think?

[Chronokinesis]

California animal parts laws are a confusing and contradictory nightmare to try and figure out. I've been working on this for a month and still don't have much of an answer other than "if it's found in the wild in California, you can't sell parts of it, with the following exceptions..." (list of extremely random things here that mostly only covers mammals and birds). I've emailed and called Fish & Game over and over, and so far the only result of that is a vaguely worded .pdf and messages left on wardens' voicemails. The original post is helpful, but still not definitive. I just want a SIMPLE answer of what I can legally sell in California!!

[thegreenwolf]

Willow--most of what I know to be legal all over are coyote, fox, rabbit, mink and beaver. But yeah--CA and NY both have crazily confusing laws!

[Chronokinesis]

There's a bone store in San Francisco, I think I'm just going to call them. Frustrating. Grateful for this group!