Conch and Customs

[Gemini Dreams]

Obviously I am not using the correct key words. Could someone direct me to the US Customs rules on importing Helmet Conch and other shells when returning to the US.

wes

[GordMay]

See ➥ Queen Conch

And ➥ http://www.fws.gov/international/DMA...ueen_conch.pdf

PS: I Googled < importing conch shells to usa >

[Gemini Dreams]

Thanks GordMay but I am specifically looking for King Helmet Conch not Queen conch. Do you have any clue as to the Helmet restrictions?

Cassis tuberosa
Field Guide | EOL: Learning and Education Group

w

[Gemini Dreams]

Okay I have an answer. It is included below just in case anyone else has a similar question along with a contact email for any other specific species.


Dear Wes,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the importation of helmet conch shells from the Bahamas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission is, working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The helmet conch, Cassis tuberosa, is not a protected species.

However, we suggest that you contact the proper authorities in the Bahamas to determine if there are any restrictions under that country's laws pertaining to the exportation of these helmet conch shells. You can find contact information for the proper authorities in the Bahamas at: National Contact Database

If you are not importing these helmet conch shells for commercial purposes, consistent with our definition of commercial, you do not have to apply for an import/export license. However, please be advised that a portion of this definition reads:

"There is a presumption that eight or more similar unused items are for commercial use. The Service or the importer/exporter/owner may rebut this presumption based upon the particular facts and circumstances of each case”

You can view our complete definition of commercial at the following website: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:
Regulations at the following links state that you can import helmet conch shells for personal use as personal accompanying baggage into the United States at any U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port without filing a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declaration (Form 3-177) :

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:

However, please ensure that you declare your helmet conch shells on the CBP Declaration Form upon your arrival into the United States.

Thank you for your interest in our regulations that help protect fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. Please feel free to respond to this message with any further inquiries that you may have regarding this matter.
_____________________________
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
4401 N. Fairfax Drive (Mailstop: LE-3000)
Arlington, Virginia 22203

eMail lawenforcement@fws.gov


Wes

[GordMay]

Thanks Wes.

"Seashells are generally allowed into the U.S. if they are not taken from endangered or threatened species (CITES protected), and they are completely sanitized from the creatures that inhabited them, and any other agricultural material such as sand, clay, soil, etc. A traveler may bring in a reasonable amount of seashells for personal use as a memento of their trip. Large quantities of seashells being brought into the U.S. for the purposes of using them in crafting, landscaping, or for commercial use are prohibited."
➥ https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...r-personal-use

My CITES Search returned: “no records for your search criteria”
Common Name ➥ CITES-listed species database
Species (Cassis tuberosa) ➥ CITES-listed species database