A Federal Eagle Transport Permit is essential for those needing to transport Bald Eagle or Golden Eagle parts into the United States for specific purposes such as science or exhibitions. It’s crucial to use the correct Eagle International Transport Form to ensure compliance, as these permits are managed by different programs.
This permit specifically addresses the transportation of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) parts into the U.S. strictly for scientific or exhibition reasons. It is important to note that any items brought into the country under this permit are only allowed to remain temporarily. Permanent importation of eagle parts is prohibited under the Eagle Act. Furthermore, the ownership of these items cannot be transferred while in the U.S., and the identical items, in their original condition, must be returned to the sender once the project or exhibit concludes.
It’s also worth noting that if you are transporting other species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, such as songbirds or hawks, alongside Bald Eagle or Golden Eagle parts, these can be included in the same permit application.
However, it is strictly forbidden to transport live eagles or viable eagle eggs into or out of the United States under this permit.
Who is Eligible for an Eagle Transport Permit?
Eligibility for a Federal Eagle Transport Permit is limited to specific institutions. Only zoological parks, recognized scientific societies, and museums that are classified as “public” under the criteria defined in 50 CFR 10.12 are eligible to apply for this permit (50 CFR 22.21). Therefore, applicants must complete section B on page 1 of the application form to verify their eligibility.
Scope of the Eagle Transport Permit
This permit specifically covers “dead” eagle specimens and their parts, which includes feathers and samples. It’s crucial to understand that only temporary stays in the United States are authorized for these items. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act explicitly prohibits the permanent importation of eagle parts. This particular permit is designed for the transport of Bald Eagle and/or Golden Eagle parts into the United States exclusively for scientific or exhibition purposes.
All shipments of wildlife under this permit must enter and exit the United States through designated wildlife ports, as outlined in 50 CFR 14.12. Exceptions to this rule require a separate permit issued by the Office of Law Enforcement under 50 CFR 14.
To reiterate, items imported under this permit must not change ownership and must be returned to the original sender in their original state after the project or exhibition is completed.
Restrictions of the Eagle Transport Permit
It is important to be aware of what this permit does not cover. The transport of live eagles or viable eagle eggs into or out of the United States is strictly prohibited under this Federal Eagle Transport Permit.
Applying for an Eagle Transport Permit
To apply for a permit, you can submit your application either online or via mail. Detailed instructions can be found on our ePermits site.
Application Fee Information
There is a non-refundable application fee of $75 associated with this permit. However, Federal, Tribal, State, and local government agencies, and those acting on their behalf, are exempt from this processing fee, although documentation may be required to prove eligibility for the exemption.
