GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
 
Three government agencies regulate the importation of sport-hunted game trophies. These agencies are Customs and Border Protection, which encompasses Customs and the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Center for Disease Control.

Trophy shipments must clear and satisfy each government agency’s requirements. Each agency enforces their particular set of regulations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's concern with shipments has to do with accurate documentation, the collection of revenue, the prevention of smuggling, and Homeland Security. CBP requires invoices and packing lists which adequately identify the articles arriving into the United States.

CBP/PPQ Division (USDA) reviews all entries of trophies to determine if any species are restricted. This government agency protects our livestock populations and food supplies through inspection of trophy shipments. The USDA authorizes and approves establishments to receive and store restricted imported animal by-products.

Fish & Wildlife Service enforces both the world’s regulations set by CITES as well as the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Paperwork required by F&W Service is proof of legal export and original valid export permits for each hunter importing into the United States.

The CDC (Public Health) regulates the import of trophies due to possible disease outbreaks such as Ebola and other communicable diseases to humans. Trophies imported in the unfinished condition can pose a threat of carrying these diseases.