The US Fish & Wildlife Service document provides information about their Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) which includes Special Agents who investigate wildlife crimes and Wildlife Inspectors who monitor wildlife trade at ports of entry. Special Agents conduct undercover operations and make arrests. Wildlife Inspectors monitor over $1 billion in annual wildlife trade at airports, seaports and land crossings. The document also provides guidance on importing and exporting wildlife including required permits, using their website to submit declarations electronically, and contact information for the Wildlife Inspector offices.

1. Department of Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

2. USFWS/OLE
Special Agents
• 1811 - Criminal investigators who enforce Federal
Wildlife Laws throughout the United States
• Special Agents conduct law enforcement investigations:
Take down major trafficking organizations via
surveillance, undercover work, making arrests, and
liaison with US Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
• When fully staffed, USFWS, OLE has 261 Special
Agents
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

3. USFWS/OLE
Wildlife Inspectors
• United States is one of the world's largest markets for
wildlife and wildlife products
• Stationed at the Nation's major international airports,
ocean ports, and border crossings, wildlife inspectors
monitor an annual trade worth more than $1 billion.
• They stop illegal shipments, intercept smuggled
wildlife and wildlife products, and help the United
States fulfill its commitment to global wildlife
conservation
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

4. Air Cargo
US Fish & Wildlife Service
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5. Border Ports of Entry
US Fish & Wildlife Service
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6. Seaport
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Railroad
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7. US Fish & Wildlife Service
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8. WWW.FWS.GOV
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Go To:
Importing/Exporting
Navigate to find information
Locate Wildlife Inspector Offices
Declaration Forms
Create an Account to submit declarations electronically
Benefits: FWS is aware of your shipment immediately
You eliminate the paper declaration
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

9. US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

10. Does the importer require a
license/permit?
• Import/Export License - This permit is generally required for all
individuals or businesses that engage in business as an importer or
exporter of wildlife. SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE WITH SCIENTIFIC
EXCHANGES.
• BUT THIS DOES APPLY:
• Port Exception Permit - This permit authorizes import or export of
wildlife at a port other than a required designated port or authorized
border or special port under limited circumstances. These permits may
be issued (1) for scientific purposes, (2) to minimize deterioration or
loss, or (3) to alleviate undue economic hardship. Applicants must
demonstrate that they meet the criteria for issuance of these special
permits. Apply to the Regional Office where the applicant is located.
11/19/13

11. Bona fide Scientific Research
• 50 CFR – Subpart C – 14.31 Non-designated port permit
for scientific purposes
• Why? Usually wildlife shipments are only permitted at
Designated Wildlife Ports of Entries
• Accredited Scientific Institutions do not need a FWS
commercial license for obvious reasons
• 50 CFR – 14.62 & 14.64 – Exceptions to Import/Export
Declaration Requirements:
Accredited Scientist/Scientific Institutions may file a
general declaration however within 180 days an
amended declaration must be filed.
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

12. FWS Declaration Form
• USFWS Declaration
(Form 3-177)
• eDecs (electronic) or
hard copy
• Ensure the
declaration is
stamped “CLEARED”
• Must be “CLEARED”
before released by
CBP
US Fish & Wildlife Service
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13. Import/Export Entomological
Specimens
• Secure a trusted Shipper
• Determine Entry/Exit Port
• Contact the closest Wildlife Inspector office that will most
likely inspect shipment
• Fill out a Declaration Form
• Ensure all Permits (CITES or general Export and
Collecting Permits) are included in shipment
• Timing! Timing! Timing!
• Make sure you notify the WI of your shipment prior to its
arrival/departure (48 Hr)
US Fish & Wildlife Service
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14. Pack specimens knowing they will be
inspected!!!!
US Fish & Wildlife Service
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15. Things to Keep in Mind
• It is very important to contact the FWS Wildlife Inspector
Office your shipment will most likely be inspected.
• www.fws.gov; Importing/Exporting; Wildlife Inspection
Offices
• Communicating with a WI will eliminate many concerns
• WIs’ will indeed help you!
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13

16. Questions?
Frank Solis, Senior Special Agent – USFWS/OLE
1874 Grandstand Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78238
(210) 681-8419
frank_solis@fws.gov
US Fish & Wildlife Service
11/19/13