Crossing the US-CAN border

[Aug]

Hello,

i need some help.

My situation is as follows, I have purchased an N. Amyae in the states. He does not ship to canada but i suppose can ship to buffalo.

I have a few questions concerning crossing the border with a gecko. (One N. Amyae to be exact)

1) They aren't under CITES correct?
2) Will i be required to provide a Vet Certificate?
3) Any wild life permits i need?
4) Any chance i won't be able to bring the animal into canada?


Thanks!!
:)

[sara]

That's a tough situation, the legal importation process takes alot of time and effort, and it really isn't the most wonderful experience even with all of the paperwork...
These links should help get you started: www.permits.fws.gov/ImportExport/ImportExport.shtml
www.le.fws.gov/pdffiles/CommiEhc.pdf
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/importe.shtml

Good luck, and don't let the red tape strangle you. ;)

[huhet]

Please be advised that amphibians and reptiles (excluding turtles and tortoises) are no longer regulated under the Health of Animals Regulations and as a result, no Canadian Food Inspection Agency import permit is required, nor a health certificate and no inspection will normally be done at the border. Imports are permitted from any country, for any use, to any destination

from the third link

[Aug]

Wait....
wait....
i don't believe that quote... no way... am i worrying over thing?

i never knew such regulations existed. !SWEET!

Thanks a bunch.

[Stockwell]

Not quite...
You can't legally leave the US without getting the animals inspected by USF&W
There is no problem on the Canadian side but you're best not to break US law.
Canada customs will only varify the animals aren't CITES listed then charge you PST & GST on the declared value..
However to do it properly you need to arrange an inspection with US F&W before leaving the states.
That appointment must be arranged a couple days in advance.
Normally a US Import/export license is required for such transactions but for only a couple animals if its non commercial they might waive the license, but probably still charge for the inspection which is 55US.

[Leviathan]

Is that just in Ontario??? When I cross the border here both sides have told me if they are not on the list then I'm free to go. Are they just slacking???

[Aug]

So,

For the US side. Will i be required a health certificate for just one animal?

Any website i can read for the american side of the border. I don't want to be held up and unable to cross when the time comes.

thanks

[condabroad]

I know we have brought animals across and the only one we had a problem with was my sister in laws dog, beleive it or not. We had to show that it was up to date in shots and that was from Michigan to Canada. Snakes and reptiles have caused us no problems. However I would still check just in case someone wants to give you grief. Those websites are good references to go by or call your local mnr.

[hobotramp]

Never had to declare anything in the US and only once in Canada. They do verify that they are not on the CITES list. As long as you have the scientific name available for them there shouldn't be a problem. No permits, etc were needed (I brought leopard geckos,AFTs and viper-tailed geckos over). We never stopped on the US side, but it was never mentioned on the Candian side either.

[Aug]

Wow, sounds like easy pass and go.

I'm confused, i hear the border is regulated heavily by laws. Yet, many people have had experiences that say other wise. i guess it's luck?

Which port did you cross hobotramp? (nice name lol:))

[Stockwell]

There is no health certificate required to bring herps into Canada. Its required in some European countries but not here.
I've had Americans charge me for this vet certificate, but the customs agents don't even take the certificate. Its a total waste of money.
It's no big deal bringing one non cites gecko over.
Customs officials have a great deal of prerogative
when it comes to this stuff.
There is no normal mechanism for triggering a US inspection, as you don't normally make contact with any official until you reach Canada customs.
Canada customs wont tell you, you should have got a USF&W inspection, because its not their jurisdicition, not Canadian law , and they frankly don't know and don't seem to care.
US F&W do not appear to be too worried about inspecting individual "pet" herps that aren't CITES listed. Even if contacted I hear stories of them waving inpections for occasional non CITES pet purchases(like a gecko)
Coming across with 100 specimens obviously for resale is a different story, but Canada customs still wont ask if you got them inspected by the Americans. No problems would arrise unless you were sent back or unless they sought clarification from the American side that the species was non CITES.. At that point you might be in hot water with the US F&W and a fine may be levied. (I know of this happening)
Commerical shipments entering or exiting the USA should always be first inspected by USF&W, in order to conform to their import export laws.
Onesies and twosies, can usually just be declared with Our customs officers and you'll be charged GST and PST on the declared value, and set on your way

[Aug]

Thanks a bunch everyone.
All i need then is proof of purchase to declare the animals and pay my GST and PST.

Thanks again!

[Painted Desert]

Yup. And just so you know, they accept Interac and Visa :D
I'm also going to inform you all that I have never, ever, not once brought a gecko into this country..... So, what did I bring over?
"Novelty Items".... ! They can't seem to find the correct listing...