(a) The Director may issue a permit authorizing the importation of exotic birds otherwise prohibited by § 15.11, in accordance with the issuance criteria of this subpart, for the following purposes only: Scientific research; zoological breeding or display programs; cooperative breeding programs designed to promote the conservation and maintenance of the species in the wild; or personally owned pets accompanying persons returning to the United States after being out of the country for more than 1 year.

(b) Additional requirements as indicated in parts 13, 14, 17, 21, and 23 of this subchapter must also be met.

(c) A person wishing to obtain a permit under this subpart or approval of cooperative breeding programs under this subpart submits an application to the attention of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at the address listed for the Division of Management Authority at 50 CFR 2.1(b). Each application must contain the general information and certification required in § 13.12(a) of this subchapter, and all of the information specified in the applicable section §§ 15.22 through 15.26.