Fur Sporran Import into UK

**Grizzly** · 27th September 12, 12:43 PM

I am very tempted to order a bespoke fur (not full mask) sporran from one of our non UK vendors.
Are there any import restrictions on what furs you can legally import into the UK. I am not looking for anything exotic but am considering silver fox, beaver, skunk, nutria or similar for the main body with either a leather or fur flap or possibly both.

Additionally has anyone imported one into the UK, and if so what were the import duty fees. I think this is a bit hit and miss and sometimes you get charged and sometimes you dont.

Any advice most welcome.

**artificer** · 27th September 12, 01:04 PM

There are very few restrictions as to what can and cannot be imported or exported between western countries. Seal is one of the few. Some need special paperwork (animals that fall under the C.I.T.E.S treaties.)

I'll direct you to a thread I started HERE on the topic a while back.

ith:

EDIT: HERE are the specific mammals covered by the C.I.T.E.S. Treaties.

Edit #2: I don't believe there have been any additional duties on fur products that anyone has reported to be beyond the standard VAT tariffs.

**Grizzly** · 27th September 12, 01:39 PM

Scott thanks very much for your advice. One further question arises . The $100 annual licence I understand, but the $93 inspection fee is that applicable on every order you send overseas whether it is one item or twenty. Presumably that cost is passed on to the purchaser or is that an additional one off annual fee that you have to pay as you are the one exporting?

**artificer** · 27th September 12, 02:36 PM

The $93 is a per-shipment US Fish & Wildlife fee for all legal exporters of wild game product. So it's on 1 piece or on 100. Unfortunately it is passed on to the buyer- through the purchase contract, it's not a tariff "surprise" situation when the package is delivered.
I would have to pay this before the package is even cleared to go the the regular Customs/Port-Of-Departure process.

This only applies to wild/trapped product that requires some sort of license, so horse hair, goat, pig, cowhide, etc do not fall under the aegis of USF&W and do not require inspection (and the fee) by them.

**Grizzly** · 27th September 12, 03:01 PM

Scott once again my sincere thanks for explaining this. I am sure many of us this side of the pond were unaware of this additional element when we browse non UK websites. Thats a few more pennies I will have to put in the jar.

**artificer** · 27th September 12, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Scott once again my sincere thanks for explaining this. I am sure many of us this side of the pond were unaware of this additional element when we browse non UK websites. Thats a few more pennies I will have to put in the jar.

You're welcome.

I'm not sure how other vendors of animal products do it-

but all bone, fur, claws, feathers, EVERYTHING is that is considered "Wild game product" is regulated/inspected this way (if it is legally exported).

If it is not going through this process, it could technically be fined/seized.

I can only assume that if the international customer isn't paying this fee that it is already built into the price somehow.

Good luck!

ith: