CUSTOMS DISPUTES
(CT:CON-1060; 04-04-2025)
(Office Of Origin: CA/OCS)
7 FAM 641 SUMMARY
(CT:CON-104; 05-02-2005)
U.S. citizens often request assistance in the recovery of personal property that has been turned over to customs authorities. This may occur when a citizen is not aware of applicable laws and regulations, resulting in failure to list a certain article on the customs declaration form upon entering the country, or the citizen was not able to show evidence of the purchase of an item. If the citizen provides adequate information, you may ask the customs officials to determine the steps that can be taken to recover the property. If legal action is required, direct the citizen to the consular list of local attorneys, see 7 FAM 990, (which should be available on your post web page), 7 FAM 680 Cultural Objects, and 7 FAM 690 Intellectual Property as appropriate.
7 FAM 642 COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND CUSTOMS ISSUES
(CT:CON-1060; 04-04-2025)
If you receive a recurring number of inquiries about customs violations cases, include language in the Country Specific Information about the relevant sections of the receiving state customs regulations. Consular officers should have access to this via the economic or commercial section, if they don’t have it themselves, particularly in a country known to have strict customs requirements.
7 FAM 643 PROTESTS
(CT:CON-1060; 04-04-2025)
If you become aware of activities where it appears that U.S. citizen-owned property is illegally or arbitrarily confiscated, the matter should be brought to the attention of CA/OCS/ACS, which can assist you in coordinating with the regional bureau and the Office of the Legal Adviser on development of language for possible protests to the government of the receiving state when appropriate. Consular sections should coordinate with relevant embassy offices as well.
7 FAM 644 Birds, Wildlife, and Wildlife Products
(CT:CON-104; 05-02-2005)
The import and export of many types of wildlife (both plants and animals) and wildlife products are regulated by the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.), which in part implements an international conservation treaty, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. The Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992, Public Law 102-440 106 Stat. 2224, 16 U.S.C. 4901 – 16 U.S.C. 4916 affects the importation of exotic birds, including pets. If you receive inquiries about importing pet birds or wildlife species into the United States, advise citizens that many types of wildlife (both plants and animals) and wildlife products require permits to be imported or exported. In particular, travelers are often unaware of the U.S. domestic law regarding the importation of exotic birds, including pets. Documentation must be obtained in advance. Wildlife and plants brought to the United States without the proper permits are subject to seizure. Travelers should be advised to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for further information on possible requirements. This includes sport-hunted trophies, leather goods, certain tourist souvenirs and other items produced from wildlife, and plants such as orchids and cacti. Travelers should allow 60 days for the processing of import or export permits. See the Internet web sites for the U.S. Customs and Border Control Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service below.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection Publications … Know Before You Go Pets and Wildlife: Licensing and Health Requirements U.S. Department of Agriculture … Traveling With Your Pets Bringing Agricultural Products to the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Travel Web U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service … U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service International Affairs |
7 FAM 645 through 649 UNASSIGNED