Transiting the US with trophies ?

[Sarg]

Guys would anyone know or could advise on flying through the US with trophies in your luggage ?

It looks like when you first touch US soil you must clear bags through Customs, haven’t got time to declare animal trophies before next leg which is only transiting out of the US ?

On the way through the US heading out I did have to pickup bags & deliver to the transit luggage but had to clear customs !

I presume it will be the same heading back ?

Been reading online that only a few animals are restricted like Primates, African Rodents & the Civet family.

Seems Antelope & Bovine are Ok ?

Does anyone know if these would need to be declared or go through then deliver to transit luggage ?

Making land fall in Philadelphia Airport.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Where is your final destination?

I was told by Toronto brokerage firm that it was much quicker to move stuff myself through customs as "personal effects" than turning it over to brokers. Then it goes into the "commercial goods" que with imported shipments of produce, Chinese bras, etc.

 

[375Fox]

Transiting through isn’t entering the United States. There is nothing to declare if it’s the same itinerary. However, if you are changing airlines on a different itinerary, you’d have claim your bags and recheck technically entering US. Any unfinished African animal products without paperwork and vet certificates etc would likely get seized because it’s the easiest and safest option for customs. Transiting through your guess is good as mine, but not nearly the risk or scrutiny.

 

[375Fox]

I’m also uncertain if Philadelphia is a port of entry that has inspectors for animal products if you were to declare them. Not every international airport is.

 

[wesheltonj]

(1) ALL travelers entering the USA, have to clear immigration and customs and then clear security. No such thing as staying "In Transit" in the USA. (2) Your animals are in checked luggage you would still would have to have a USDA inspection. That limits your ports of entry.

Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States

Securing America's Borders

www.cbp.gov

Animal hunting trophies, game animal carcasses, and hides are severely restricted. To find out specifics and how to arrange to bring them into the United States, contact USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services, National Center for Import and Export (NCIE) at (301) 851-3300, via email at: AskNCIE.Products@aphis.usda.gov or VS-Live.Animals_Import.Permits@aphis.usda.gov or on the Web at Veterinary Services - Safeguarding Animal Health (Import/Export). The import and export of wild (and endangered) animals is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). For a list of endangered species check the following: http://www.cites.org.

 

[JimP]

Just what trophies are you talking about?

Also from where are you coming from and where are you going?

 

[Sarg]

Thank you all for the input & advise, may well need another plan I think.