Title 16 — ConservationRelease 119-73not60

§4911 Exemptions

Title 16 › Chapter 69— WILD EXOTIC BIRD CONSERVATION › § 4911

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary can issue import permits for an exotic bird even if that species is otherwise banned, suspended, or limited. The Secretary must find the import won’t harm the species and that the bird is coming only for scientific research; as a personal pet for someone returning to the U.S. after at least one year abroad (no more than 2 birds per person per year); for zoo breeding or display; or for cooperative breeding programs that help conserve and keep the species in the wild and are run with organizations that meet the Secretary’s standards.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §4911

Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Notwithstanding any prohibition, suspension, or quota under this chapter on the importation of a species of exotic bird, the Secretary may, through the issuance of import permits, authorize the importation of a bird of the species if the Secretary determines that such importation is not detrimental to the survival of the species and the bird is being imported exclusively for any of the following purposes:

(1)Scientific research.

(2)As a personally owned pet of an individual who is returning to the United States after being continuously out of the country for a minimum of one year, except that an individual may not import more than 2 exotic birds under this paragraph in any year.

(3)Zoological breeding or display programs.

(4)Cooperative breeding programs that are—

(A)designed to promote the conservation of the species and maintain the species in the wild by enhancing the propagation and survival of the species; and

(B)developed and administered by, or in conjunction with, an avicultural, conservation, or zoological organization that meets standards developed by the Secretary.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 4911

Title 16 — Conservation

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60