# S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-20: SECTION 50-16-20. Importation of wildlife for certain purposes prohibited; investigation; permit

> South Carolina · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-20

## Section

- **Citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-20
- **Heading:** SECTION 50-16-20. Importation of wildlife for certain purposes prohibited; investigation; permit
- **Jurisdiction:** South Carolina
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-20

## Text

(A) It is unlawful for a person to import, possess, or transport for the purpose of release or to introduce or bring into this State any live wildlife of the following types without a permit from the department: (1) a furbearer, a member of the family Cervidae, a nondomestic member of the families Suidae (pigs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), Bovidae (bison, mountain goat, mountain sheep), coyote, bear, or turkey (genus Meleagris). Furbearer includes, but is not limited to, red and gray fox, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, skunk, otter, bobcat, weasel, and beaver; (2) a species of marine or estuarine fish, crustacean, mollusk, or other marine invertebrate not already found in the wild, or not native to this State. (3) a species of freshwater fish, crustacean, mollusk, or other freshwater invertebrate not already found in the wild or not native to this State. (B) A permit may be granted only after the investigations and inspections of the wildlife have been made as the department considers necessary and the department approves the possession, transportation, or importation into the State. The department may not issue a permit unless it finds: (1) the wildlife was taken lawfully in the jurisdiction in which it originated; (2) the importation, release, or possession of the wildlife is not reasonably expected to adversely impact the natural resources of the State or its wildlife populations.

## Nearby sections

- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-10 SECTION 50-16-10. "Wildlife" defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-10.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-20 SECTION 50-16-20. Importation of wildlife for certain purposes prohibited; investigation; permit.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-20.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-25 SECTION 50-16-25. Unlawful release of pigs; permit exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-25.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-30 SECTION 50-16-30. Importation of diseased animals prohibited.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-30.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-40 SECTION 50-16-40. Exception to permit requirement for wildlife imported for exhibition purposes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-40.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-50 SECTION 50-16-50. Authority to promulgate regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-50.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-60 SECTION 50-16-60. Exception to permit requirement for certain wildlife imported for sale as pets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-60.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-70 SECTION 50-16-70. Penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-70.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C16_S50-16-20. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.