Importable Lizard Species?

[crocsnhots]

Hi there,
I'm wondering if there are any lizard species that cannot be imported from (or exported to) the US? I heard exportation of Austrailian varanids (out of USA) is impossible now? If this is true, why? In the future I'd like to import some of the nice bearded dragons I keep seeing available down there.

Thanks for any input.

[NiagaraReptiles]

Since early 1998 the US has decided to not recognize or issue CITES paperwork for any Australian animal. The only exception to this is if the party applying for paperwork can provide, along with their application, a copy of the original export paperwork from Australia. As far as I am aware, this is the only country that has taken a stand of this nature.

Bearded Dragons are not listed under CITES, you should have no problem importing them following proper import/export procedure/structure.

Best wishes,

[crocsnhots]

Thanks so much for the info. Ok so it's just Austrailian CITES species, thats a relief. There's nothing like that on any other non-Austrailian species right? The US has such a wide variety of herps available it'd be a shame if there were many others with those restrictions.

[bob_thesnowman]

i know that as of recently you can't export the monkey-tailed skink from the solomon islands,but as for exporting them INTO the country...i dunno....?

[NiagaraReptiles]

I looked into that as well, and from what I'm told it has nothing to do with the species itself, but that the US has some sort of trade ban with the Solomon Islands. CITES re-export paperwork lists the country of origin as well as every country they have been sent to. Once the US sees the Solomon Islands listed, they may refuse it.

If you are seriously considering importing/exporting across US and Canadian borders, I would inquire with USFW regading their regulations and procedures. You will also need to get a US export permit, and be prepared for many hours of waiting for inspections and other difficulties that are sure to arrise.

Best wishes,