Fish and Wildlife Service regulations allow for the issuance of a permit authorizing the importation and exportation of wildlife at one or more ports not otherwise authorized (a designated port exception permit) when certain criteria are met, including the availability of an FWS officer. However, an agency press release states that it is “critical” for wildlife inspectors to be staffed at ports of clearance as the Service moves forward with implementation of the International Trade Data System and begins to pilot the FWS import message set submitted through the Automated Commercial Environment. As a result, effective Oct. 18 the FWS will no longer issue DPEPs to authorize a non-staffed port when the applicant is required to file a U.S. Customs and Border Protection entry for any import activity.
Copyright © 2021 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.