Post by mygala on Nov 29, 2011 13:47:04 GMT -8
Doing so has both save me and cause greater problems. In once case a particular USFWS manager with a ego problem went so far as to call me a "smuggler" but the good old black and white copies straightened out his attitude.
However, in another instance, CBP had no idea what do to, and being the ever truthful and helpful guy I pulled out the laws and described the options they had...this turned into a temporary seizure which cost me $400. At least I can sleep at night.
One of the greatest recurring problems I've encountered is freshmen USFWS inspectors having the basic, and wrong, thought that "CITES can't be imported." All it takes is to wip out the laws and show them, show them the CITES certificate, and all is good. In a few cases had I not had the laws it would have taken hours to straighten out.
That's incredibly smart.
There's no substitute for knowing the appropriate CFR's, especially if you are dealing with CBP when there is no USFWS around.
Another tip, is to make sure that your CITES certificate is properly filled out and validated. Sometimes a simple error on the part of the exporting country can turn in to a huge problem when you get to your destination. Seen it happen, and it can ruin everyone's day.