Businesses that import or export wildlife specimens and flora may have information about those shipments disclosed unless they file an objection by June 1.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has received Freedom of Information Act requests for information on wildlife imports and exports between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2020, that is contained in the Law Enforcement Management Information System. This information comes from data collected on form 3-177, declaration for importation or exportation of fish and wildlife.
However, information that constitutes trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person that is privileged or confidential is exempt from disclosure under FOIA. Information filed on form 3-177 that may qualify for this exemption includes import/export license numbers, importer/exporter name and location, air waybill number, port of entry, value, and origin.
Businesses that have submitted information on form 3-177 now have an opportunity to review the information subject to potential disclosure. Objections to such disclosure must include specified information and be filed by June 1. If this deadline is not met, the FWS will presume there is no objection and may release the information without redaction.
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