iHerp Answers: What do I need (permit wise) and how much would it cost to ship from Europe to U.S.?

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What do I need (permit wise) and how much would it cost to ship from Europe to U.S.?

Posted By:

Blaise and Echo

Well, I have a person on another site who would like to sell me an F1 leopard gecko from WC parents, which I really want to take him up on. What kind of permits would I need to import a leopard gecko from Europe to the U.S., and how much can I expect to pay for shipping?


Points:	50
Topics:	General Health
Tags:	Europe, Permits, Shipping
Species:	Lizards > Geckos > Eublepharis macularius
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

8/5/2009 2:36:54 PM

Kovol445

I have seen people say it would be like $500 just in papers and shipping let alone the animal its self. I think of it a waste to just send 1 animal i would try and get the person to buy maybe 5 or so and make it worth all the hassle.

Assisted Answer

8/5/2009 3:19:19 PM

masterfulpoopsie

First of all Cites are expensive and shipping can be as much as 1k. Its simply not worth it.
Make him buy the whole clutch.

Also ou need import/export permits, for certain things, so check your laws etc.

Author Comment

8/5/2009 3:36:58 PM

Blaise and Echo

Ouch... That sucks.

Assisted Answer

8/5/2009 4:36:08 PM

Geckofactor

The paperwork alone is a nightmare so much so on the rare occassion I have to import or export something I pay someone else to fill the paperwork out. The shipping would run you at the very least $300 and dependign on where in europe you are there's all kinds of other good stuff to take into consideration.

Assisted Answer

8/5/2009 8:24:38 PM

Sparkle

I checked into shipping a corn snake to Jeff in Canada. The U.S. charges $550 just for paperwork, not including shipping, etc. It's ridiculous. Maybe you could have it shipped to a friend in Canada, then have someone drive (aka smuggle) it across the border to the U.S. to another friend, then have that friend ship it to you. Kinda the long way around but might be cheaper in the long run...

Assisted Answer

8/5/2009 8:44:12 PM

xanaxez

It would cost you 3 times the amount for shipping and permits than the animal is worth honestly. my suggestion is find on already in the states or have someone that already imports from uk.

Member Comment

8/5/2009 9:11:44 PM

EricIvins

The most feasable way would be piggy backing the animal on another Export. With Hamm on the way, things like that are already in the works. You're still going to have to pay freight, plus a percentage, and I couldn't justify that over one Leopard Gecko. Imports are definately easier than Exports, here in the US. Paperwork/Permits only take a few weeks, if not days in most other Countries. Here, you're looking at 2-6 months for CITIES CBB animals. Probably more than you wanted to know, but......................

Member Comment

8/6/2009 11:04:13 AM

mack1time

Here is the thing. Boas and certain other species are on the CITES protected list and shipping to and from the USA is a long and costly process. Basically there is a 3- 6 month wait time just to apply for the permit. Then there is also the cost of shipping plus about 500$ for the CITES itself. Then you have to pay for an inspection and for the taxes on the sale price of the animal. For me with my first motley I pretty much had to buy from the States as they were very rare in canada. And I know that mine took 6 months of wait time and 600 some odd bucks. If you still wanna work something out tho , it can be done, or you can have it shipped to someone on the Canadian side r pick it up in person but then it would be your problem at the borde.

Member Comment

8/6/2009 1:04:52 PM

JohnJohn

If you're really brave, you could stick him in your pocket or your underwear and smuggle him on a plane! (I'm totally kidding, a gecko is not worth going to jail for)

Member Comment

8/9/2009 2:54:24 PM

masterfulpoopsie

There are companies that ship stuff over seas for a fee, but too much work, Piggy back it on another shipment would be your best plan.

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