Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 25, 2024

Title 50 - Wildlife and Fisheries last revised: Nov 18, 2024
§ 15.25 - Permits for personal pets.

(a) Application requirements for personal pets not intended for sale. No individual may import more than two exotic birds as pets in any year. Each application shall provide the following information and such other information that the Director may require:

(1) A description of the exotic bird to be imported, including;

(i) The common and scientific names, number, age, and, when known, sex;

(ii) A band number, house name, or any other unique identifying feature; and

(iii) A statement as to whether the exotic bird was bred in captivity or taken from the wild;

(2) A statement of the reasons the applicant is justified in obtaining a permit;

(3) Documentation showing that the applicant has continually resided outside of the United States for a minimum of one year;

(4) A statement of the number of exotic birds imported during the previous 12 months as personal pets by the applicant;

(5) Information on the origin of the exotic bird, including;

(i) Country of origin; and

(ii) A description and documentation of how the exotic bird was acquired, including a copy of any Convention permit under which the bird was re-exported or exported. If there is no such permit, a sales receipt or signed statement from seller with name and address of seller, date of sale, species, and other identifying information on the bird or signed breeder's certificate or statement with name and address of breeder, date of sale or transfer, species and hatch date.

(b) Issuance criteria. Upon receiving an application completed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the Director will decide whether or not a permit should be issued. In making this decision, the Director shall consider, in addition to the general criteria in part 13 of this subchapter, the following factors:

(1) Whether the proposed import would be detrimental to the survival of the exotic bird species in the wild;

(2) Whether the exotic bird to be imported is a personal pet owned by the applicant, who has continuously resided outside the United States for a minimum of one year, and who has no intention to sell the bird; and

(3) Whether the number of exotic birds imported in the previous 12 months by the applicant does not exceed two.

(c) Permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in part 13 of this subchapter, every permit issued under this section shall be subject to special conditions that no individual may import more than two exotic birds as personal pets in any year, the exotic birds cannot be sold after importation into the United States, and any other conditions as the Director may deem appropriate.

(d) Duration of permits. The duration of the import permits issued under this section shall be designated on the face of the permit.

source: 58 FR 60536, Nov. 16, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 50 CFR 15.25