Exporting,selling and shipping leather goods to the U.S.: how to apply for a CITES certificate

The export of leather goods to the United States is on the rise. In the first 10 months of 2019, sales to the U.S. increased by 4.9% in value and 11.3% in volume.

Mandatory documentation for exporting protected species leather to the U.S.: the CITES certificate

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certificate is a mandatory document for exporting leather products made from protected species. This certificate is required worldwide, including in the United States, to ensure compliance with international regulations.

In summary, the company applies for the necessary documents, the supplier provides the certifications, and the Forest Service validates them with the CITES certificate.

The CITES certificate can be considered a "passport" for leather made from protected species. Given the specific requirements, specialized freight forwarders have internal procedures to ensure compliance before shipping. This guarantees that shipments meet all legal standards and avoid customs issues when entering the U.S.

Key considerations for importing protected species leather products into the U.S.

To successfully import protected species leather products into the U.S. and ensure smooth customs clearance, two critical factors must be considered:

1. The CITES certificate
2. The reliability of the freight forwarder

Once the necessary certification is obtained and a qualified freight forwarder is selected, exporting fashion products made from protected species leather to the U.S. becomes a straightforward process. Regulations are strict and leave no room for interpretation—compliance and working with professionals are essential.

Why you need an experienced international freight forwarder for U.S. shipments

Freight forwarders, Chambers of Commerce, and the Forest Service play key roles in preparing leather shipments to the U.S.

Before proceeding with the shipment, it is crucial to verify with the freight forwarder which permits are required for exporting products made from protected species leather. This verification should also be conducted with the Chamber of Commerce and the Forest Service to confirm whether the type of leather used is classified as protected.

This step is particularly important because each U.S. state has its own regulations. A product that is allowed in New York may be banned in California. For example, did you know that California does not allow the import of python skin? Many companies ship python leather goods to New York first and then distribute them within the U.S., as domestic shipments are permitted.

Additionally, customs certification should be reviewed before shipping, not after. The necessary documents must be pre-checked with the relevant authorities to avoid delays or entry denials at U.S. customs.

Preventive verification with customs authorities ensures a smooth import process. It is essential to check the legality of the export based on the destination country, as regulations vary from state to state within the U.S.