§4904 Moratoria on Imports of Exotic Birds Covered by Convention

Summary

Imports of certain exotic birds are banned. Any species listed as Category B in the Animals Committee report adopted at the Conference of the Parties’ 8th meeting cannot be imported. That ban stays until the Secretary, after public notice and a chance for comment, finds that the countries of origin fixed the threat to the species and makes the findings described in section 4905(c) and adds the species to the list under section 4905(a). The Secretary can also stop imports of any species listed in any Appendix to the Convention if trade is harming the species, there is not enough information to be sure trade is safe, or recommended fixes were not carried out, and if a suspension might help conserve the species. Suspensions last until the Secretary makes the section 4905(c) findings and lists the species under section 4905(a). One year after October 23, 1992, imports of any bird on an Appendix are barred unless those findings are made and the species is listed. For the 1-year period beginning on October 23, 1992, the Secretary must forbid imports of Appendix-listed species above the number imported in the most recent year with complete import data.