The species Myiopsitta monachus - monk parakeet as listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and the U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA).

A WBCA import permit is required from the office of Division of Management Authority for the import of this species into the United States. As this species is also listed under CITES Appendix II, a CITES Appendix II export permit will be required from foreign country's CITES Management Authority. There is however no CITES import authorization necessary for CITES Appendix II birds. To apply for the necessary WBCA import permit, use the application 3-200-46 (http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-46.pdf).

The WBCA limits the import of listed birds. The issuance of the necessary import permit requires that the applicant is able to prove that their situation meets the permit issuance criteria. The issuance criteria for a WBCA import permit for personally owned pet birds are listed below.

50 CFR 15.25 (b) Issuance criteria. Upon receiving an application completed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the Director will decide whether or not a permit should be issued. In making this decision, the Director shall consider, in addition to the general criteria in part 13 of this subchapter, the following factors:

(1) Whether the proposed import would be detrimental to the survival of the exotic bird species in the wild

(2) Whether the exotic bird to be imported is a personal pet owned by the applicant, who has continuously resided outside the United States for a minimum of one year, and who has no intention to sell the bird

(3) Whether the number of exotic birds imported in the previous 12 months by the applicant does not exceed two.

Be aware that the estimated processing time for an application is 30-60 days once it is received at this office. (The processing time may be closer to or exceed 60 days. Some applicants choose to send in their applications by an express mail service for the assurance that their application was received. Additionally, some choose to include a self-addressed/ pre-paid express mail service slip for the return of the answer from our office).

Additionally, contacting the following offices/agencies regarding their requirements.

i] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service- Office of Law Enforcement at the port closest to the intended port of import concerning import regulations specific to their office. A list of inspectors/port contacts can be found at: http://www.le.fws.gov/Inspectors.htm. (There is a declaration procedure that this office administers. Inquiring about this specific process in addition to other processes they may have.)

ii] U.S. Department of Agriculture- Veterinary Services- National Center for Import/Export should be contacted for their import regulations at: 301-734-3277. (For contact by Mail: USDA-APHIS-VS-NCIE, 4700 River Road Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20247; by Fax: 301-734-4704; web information: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/.)

iii] U.S. Customs should be contacted at the port closest to the intended port of import. A list of port contacts can be found at: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/ports/.

More information about the CITIES and WBCA can be found at: US Fish & Wildlife Service-international Affairs- Wild Bird Conservation Act

To learn more about CITIES: CITIES

Wild Bird Conservation Act

APPLICATION FOR A FEDERAL FISH AND WILDLIFE PERMIT (this is a PDF file)