Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at United States customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in CITES. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “A permit is required to import or export a CITES-listed species, whether a live specimen, part, product, or pet.”

How does United States compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products into United States only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

CITES U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in United States

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in CITES. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “A permit is required to import or export a CITES-listed species, whether a live specimen, part, product, or pet.”
How does United States compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)