# 50 CFR § 216.12: Prohibited importation

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.12

## Section

- **Citation:** 50 CFR § 216.12
- **Heading:** Prohibited importation
- **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 II—NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE > SUBCHAPTER C—MARINE MAMMALS > PART 216—REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS > Subpart B—Prohibitions

## Text

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subparts C and D of this part 216, it is unlawful for any person to import any marine mammal or marine mammal product into the United States.
(b) Regardless of whether an importation is otherwise authorized pursuant to subparts C and D of this part 216, it is unlawful for any person to import into the United States any:
(1) Marine mammal:
(i) Taken in violation of the MMPA, or
(ii) Taken in another country in violation to the laws of that country;
(2) Any marine mammal product if
(i) The importation into the United States of the marine mammal from which such product is made would be unlawful under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, or
(ii) The sale in commerce of such product in the country of origin if the product is illegal.
(c) Except in accordance with an exception referred to in subpart C and §§ 216.31 (regarding scientific research permits only) and 216.32 of this part 216, it is unlawful to import into the United States any:
(1) Marine mammal which was pregnant at the time of taking.
(2) Marine mammal which was nursing at the time of taking, or less than 8 months old, whichever occurs later.
(3) Specimen of an endangered or threatened species of marine mammal.
(4) Specimen taken from a depleted species or stock of marine mammals, or
(5) Marine mammal taken in an inhumane manner.
(d) It is unlawful to import into the United States any fish, whether fresh, frozen, or otherwise prepared, if such fish was caught in a manner proscribed by the Secretary of Commerce for persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, whether or not any marine mammals were in fact taken incident to the catching of the fish.
[39 FR 1852, Jan. 15, 1974, as amended at 59 FR 50375, Oct. 3, 1994]

## Nearby sections

- [50 CFR § 216.1 § 216.1 Purpose of regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.1.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.2 § 216.2 Scope of regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.2.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.3 § 216.3 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.3.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.4 § 216.4 Other laws and regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.4.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.5 § 216.5 Payment of penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.5.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.6 § 216.6 Forfeiture and return of seized property.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.6.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.7 § 216.7 Holding and bonding.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.7.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.8 § 216.8 Enforcement officers.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.8.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.11 § 216.11 Prohibited taking.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.11.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.12 § 216.12 Prohibited importation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.12.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.13 § 216.13 Prohibited uses, possession, transportation, sales, and permits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.13.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.14 § 216.14 Marine mammals taken before the MMPA.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.14.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.15 § 216.15 Depleted species.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.15.md)
- [50 CFR § 216.16 § 216.16 Prohibitions under the General Authorization for Level B harassment for scientific research.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.16.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-50-216.12. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.