# 50 CFR § 14.91: When do I need an import/export license?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.91

## Section

- **Citation:** 50 CFR § 14.91
- **Heading:** When do I need an import/export license?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 50—Wildlife and Fisheries > CHAPTER I—UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER B—TAKING, POSSESSION, TRANSPORTATION, SALE, PURCHASE, BARTER, EXPORTATION, AND IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND PLANTS > PART 14—IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION, AND TRANSPORTATION OF WILDLIFE > Subpart I—Import/Export Licenses and Inspection Fees

## Text

(a) The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1538(d)(1)) makes it unlawful for any person to engage in business as an importer or exporter of certain fish or wildlife without first having obtained permission from the Secretary. For the purposes of this subchapter, engage in business means to import or export wildlife for commercial purposes.
(b) Except as provided in § 14.92, if you engage in the business of importing or exporting wildlife for commercial purposes (see § 14.4), you must obtain an import/export license prior to importing or exporting your wildlife shipment.
(c) The following table includes some examples of when an import/export license is required:
If I import into the United States or export from the United States
. . . do I need an import/exportlicense?
(1) Wildlife in the form of products such as garments, bags, shoes, boots, jewelry, rugs, trophies, or curios for commercial purposes
Yes.
(2) Wildlife in the form of hides, furs, or skins for commercial purposes
Yes.
(3) Wildlife in the form of food for commercial purposes
Yes.
(4) As an animal dealer, animal broker, pet dealer, or pet or laboratory supplier
Yes.
(5) As an individual owner of a personally owned live wildlife pet for personal use
No.
(6) As a collector or hobbyist for personal use
No.
(7) As a collector or hobbyist for commercial purposes, including sale, trade or barter
Yes.
(8) As a laboratory researcher or biomedical supplier for commercial purposes
Yes.
(9) As a customs broker or freight forwarder engaged in business as a dispatcher, handler, consolidator, or transporter of wildlife or if I file documents with the Service on behalf of others
No.
(10) As a common carrier engaged in business as a transporter of wildlife
No.
(11) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or guide importing or exporting my own hunting trophies for commercial purposes
Yes.
(12) As a taxidermist, outfitter, or guide transporting or shipping hunting trophies for clients or customers
No.
(13) As a U.S. taxidermist receiving a U.S. client's personal hunting trophies after import clearance for processing
No.
(14) As a U.S. taxidermist importing wildlife from or exporting wildlife to foreign owners who are requesting my services
Yes.
(15) As a foreign owner of wildlife exporting my personal hunting trophies from the United States to my home
No.
(16) As a circus for exhibition or resale purposes
Yes.
(17) As a Federal, State, municipal, or tribal agency
No.
(18) As a public museum, or public scientific or educational institution for noncommercial research or educational purposes
No.

## Nearby sections

- [50 CFR § 14.1 § 14.1 Purpose of regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.1.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.2 § 14.2 Scope of regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.2.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.3 § 14.3 Information collection requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.3.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.4 § 14.4 What terms do I have to understand?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.4.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.11 § 14.11 General restrictions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.11.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.12 § 14.12 Designated ports.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.12.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.13 § 14.13 Emergency diversion.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.13.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.14 § 14.14 In-transit shipments.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.14.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.15 § 14.15 Personal baggage and household effects.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.15.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.16 § 14.16 Border ports.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.16.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.17 § 14.17 Personally owned pet birds.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.17.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.18 § 14.18 Marine mammals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.18.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.19 § 14.19 Special ports.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.19.md)
- [50 CFR § 14.20 § 14.20 Exceptions by permit.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.20.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-14.91. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.