Australian Crocodile Product
Export Regulations
ABOUT WILDLIFE IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROLS
The Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982 (the
Act) is the legislative basis for conservation-orientated controls on
the export and import of wildlife and wildlife products. Controls
under this Act apply to transactions undertaken by museums, zoos, scientific
institutions, commercial organisations, tourists, migrants and the general
public.
The Act controls the export of most Australian native animals and plants and fulfils Australia's legislative requirements as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Act regulates the importation of most live animals and plants. These controls are in addition to those exercised under the Quarantine Act 1908.
ABOUT THE CROCODILE TRADE
The export of all Australian crocodiles (and all overseas species) is
regulated under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Trade in crocodile products (eg; skins, meat, skin products such as handbags, belts and shoes) is strictly controlled. To export crocodile products from Australia (irrespective of the age of the item) a permit must be obtained from Environment Australia.
PERSONAL EXPORTS
Environment Australia issues CITES personal effects permits to manufacturers
of Australian crocodile products. The permits may be attached only
to manufactured products such as handbags, belts and wallets that are
derived from animals bred in captivity or taken under approved ranching
operations. Products attached to a CITES personal effects permit
may only be exported where the product is leaving the country as personal
luggage.
If the items are not being exported as personal luggage then the requirements
as for commercial export (see below) apply.
COMMERCIAL EXPORTS and RE-EXPORTS
Permits are required for the commercial export of all parts, products
and substances derived from crocodiles. Permits may be granted provided
that the products are:
derived from an animal bred in a captive breeding operation approved by
Environment Australia;
derived from an animal taken under approved ranching operations;
imported into Australia prior to May 1984 (proof of import required);
or
were imported into Australia under a permit issued by Environment Australia.
Applications for permits should be supported by documentation which supports
one of the above.
LIVE EXPORTS
The export of live Australian native crocodiles for private or commercial
purposes is prohibited. Non native crocodiles may be exported under
certain circumstances, for more information contact Wildlife Protection
of Environment Australia.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Permit Applications
An Australian permit must be issued prior to the consignment of the specimens.
Application forms are available from Wildlife Protection. PLEASE
NOTE that failure to obtain an Australian permit prior to consignment
of the specimens may result in confiscation. Severe penalties exist
for persons or companies breaching the Wildlife Protection Act.
Permit Fees
The fee for a permit is $30. Fees should be paid by cheque or money
order made payable to the "Collector of Public Monies". In cases
where permits are not issued the fee will be refunded.
Other Approvals
The import and export of wildlife and wildlife products may also be subject
to controls administered under the Quarantine Act. Information about
quarantine matters may be obtained by contacting the Australian Quarantine
and Inspection Service (AQIS), GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601,
phone 02 6272 3933.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
The Director
Wildlife Protection
Environment Australia
GPO BOX 636
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: 02 62500 300 Facsimile 02 62500 303
email: wps@ea.gov.au
Or To Visit their Website click below links
http://www.biodiversity.environment.gov.au/plants/wildlife/intro.htm
For ANCA Crocodile Product Export Regulations
http://www.biodiversity.environment.gov.au/plants/wildlife/inf18.htm
United States of America Customers
It is 100% Legal to Import Australian
Crocodile products
Click Here to Download US Fish and Wildlife Services Import Regulations
Or:From U.S Fish &Wildlife Services Import regulations website
Refer To http://www.fws.gov/r9endspp/freptil1.html#Lnk1y
See "Australian Saltwater Crocodile Only" Reference:
Special Rule 50 CFR 17.42(c) applies making import
of AustralianCrocodile products into USA legal,
when exported under standard CITES regulations.
This 'Special Rule' is basically as follows
Revision Year
Title Part
Section
most recent available 50
CFR 17 . 42
Go to paragraph (c) Threatened crocodilians.
You will read that the imports of items from
Australian saltwater crocs are allowed if the items
are
accompanied bya CITES Appendix II export permit
issued by Australia or a CITES re-export certificate.
These permits/certs must contain information
including the country of origin
(and its export permit # and date of issuance).
The rule further describes the tagging requirements.