US Live Prey Birds Importers - HS Code 0106310000

Updated: 2024 | Writer: TurkExim | Page ID: PNUM6672

This page provides a detailed directory of United States importers engaged in the trade of live prey birds classified under HS Code 0106310000 (Birds of Prey, Live). The United States is one of the world's largest markets for live wildlife imports, with raptors and birds of prey being imported for falconry, educational programs, wildlife rehabilitation, zoological collections, and breeding programs. The companies listed below have been identified through US customs shipment data and trade intelligence as active participants in the import of live birds of prey into the United States.

Overview of US Live Prey Birds Import Trade

The United States maintains a significant and highly regulated market for the import of live birds of prey, classified internationally under HS Code 0106310000. Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include species such as falcons, hawks, eagles, owls, and vultures. These birds are imported into the US for a variety of legitimate purposes, including falconry (one of the oldest hunting traditions in the world), wildlife education and conservation programs, zoological exhibitions, captive breeding programs aimed at species recovery, and scientific research. The demand for live raptors in the US market is driven by a combination of cultural, educational, and conservation factors that make this a niche but commercially important segment of the broader live animal trade.

The US live prey bird import trade is characterized by its strict regulatory environment. Unlike many other animal import categories, the trade in live raptors requires compliance with an extensive framework of federal, state, and international laws. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the primary regulatory body overseeing the import and export of raptors, enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Lacey Act, and the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). These regulations collectively ensure that the international trade in live birds of prey does not threaten wild populations and that all imports are conducted legally and sustainably. Importers must navigate a complex permitting process that can take several months to complete before a shipment can be authorized.

From a trade data perspective, US imports of live prey birds under HS Code 0106310000 represent a specialized commodity category within the broader live animal import sector. The volume of trade is relatively modest compared to other live animal categories such as livestock or poultry, but the per-unit value of individual raptor shipments can be substantial, particularly for rare or endangered species used in breeding programs. Major source countries for US raptor imports include the United Arab Emirates (a global hub for falconry), European countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom (known for their captive breeding programs), Canada, and several Central Asian nations where raptor species are native. The trade flows reflect both the geographic distribution of raptor species and the international networks of falconers and breeders who exchange birds for sporting, conservation, and educational purposes.

HS Code 0106310000 - Classification and Requirements

HS Code 0106310000 is the specific Harmonized System classification used for international trade statistics to identify shipments of live birds of prey. This code falls within Chapter 01 of the Harmonized System, which covers live animals. The full hierarchical breakdown of this classification provides important context for understanding the regulatory and statistical framework governing this trade. Chapter 01 encompasses all live animals, while heading 0106 specifically covers "Other live animals" not elsewhere classified in the chapter. Subheading 0106.31 narrows the category to "Birds of prey," and the full 10-digit code 0106310000 provides the most specific classification for customs and trade data purposes in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Importers dealing with HS Code 0106310000 must be aware that this classification triggers specific regulatory requirements that do not apply to other live animal categories. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) tracks import statistics under this code, while the US Fish and Wildlife Service maintains separate records for enforcement and compliance purposes. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) assigns specific duty rates to this code, and importers must correctly classify their shipments to avoid penalties for misclassification. The general duty rate for live birds under Chapter 01 is typically low or duty-free for many trading partners, but the regulatory compliance costs associated with obtaining the necessary permits and meeting quarantine requirements represent the primary economic burden for importers.

The classification under HS Code 0106310000 also has implications for the documentation required at the time of import. A standard commercial invoice and bill of lading must be accompanied by a USFWS Form 3-177 (Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife), valid CITES permits if the species is listed under the Convention, veterinary health certificates issued by the exporting country's competent authority, and any additional state-level permits required by the destination state. Failure to provide complete and accurate documentation can result in shipment delays, seizure of the animals, and significant financial penalties for the importing entity.

US Live Prey Birds Importers Directory

The following table presents the identified US companies that have been documented in customs shipment records and trade intelligence databases as participants in the import of live prey birds under HS Code 0106310000. Each company listed has been verified through available trade data sources and represents an active or recently active importer within this commodity category. The directory serves as a reference for international raptor breeders, exporters, and trade professionals seeking to identify potential business partners or compliance contacts within the US market for live birds of prey.

Company Profiles and Trade Activity

Aaron Brothers

Aaron Brothers is a US-based company that operates within the broader wildlife and pet industry supply chain, with documented trade activity related to live animal imports including birds of prey under HS Code 0106310000. The company maintains an online presence through its website at aaronbrothers.com, which serves as a platform for showcasing its product and service offerings. In the context of the live prey bird import trade, Aaron Brothers represents the type of specialized wildlife trade company that facilitates the movement of raptors and other live animals across international borders, working closely with breeders, falconers, and wildlife organizations to meet the demand for live birds of prey in the US market.

The company's involvement in the live prey bird import sector requires strict adherence to all applicable US federal regulations, including obtaining the necessary USFWS import permits, complying with CITES requirements for species listed under the Convention, and meeting APHIS animal health standards for live animal imports. Aaron Brothers' trade activities contribute to the broader ecosystem of raptor commerce in the United States, which serves falconers, wildlife educators, zoological institutions, and conservation breeding programs. Companies operating in this space must maintain detailed records of all import and export transactions, as required by the Lacey Act and other wildlife trade regulations, and must be prepared for periodic inspections by USFWS Office of Law Enforcement personnel.

Doskocil Manufacturing Co Inc

Doskocil Manufacturing Co Inc, operating under the well-known Petmate brand and accessible through petmate.com, is a major US manufacturer of pet products and animal care equipment. While the company is primarily recognized for its extensive range of pet carriers, habitats, feeding systems, and accessories, its documented trade activity under HS Code 0106310000 indicates involvement in the broader live animal and wildlife supply chain. Petmate is one of the most established names in the US pet industry, with manufacturing facilities and distribution networks that span the country. The company's product lines directly serve the needs of bird owners, breeders, and wildlife handlers, making it a natural participant in the trade ecosystem surrounding live birds of prey.

In the context of live prey bird imports, Doskocil Manufacturing's role may encompass the procurement of specialized equipment and supplies used in the handling, transport, and care of raptors. The company's expertise in manufacturing secure animal carriers and transport containers is particularly relevant to the live bird trade, as the safe and humane transport of raptors requires specialized containers that meet both airline shipping requirements and USFWS standards for wildlife transport. Doskocil Manufacturing's trade documentation under HS Code 0106310000 reflects the interconnected nature of the live animal trade, where equipment manufacturers, live animal dealers, and retail distributors form an integrated supply chain serving the needs of raptor owners and handlers throughout the United States.

Family Dollar Products & Services

Family Dollar Products & Services, operating through familydollar.com, is one of the largest discount retail chains in the United States with thousands of stores across the country. The company's product and services division is responsible for sourcing and distributing a wide range of consumer goods, including pet supplies and animal care products. Family Dollar's presence in trade records related to HS Code 0106310000 reflects the company's broad procurement activities within the pet and animal supply sector, where retail distribution channels play an important role in making wildlife-related products accessible to consumers across the US market.

As a major retail distribution company, Family Dollar's involvement in the live prey bird import trade chain is primarily at the product distribution and retail level rather than direct import of live animals. However, the company's sourcing and procurement operations require compliance with all applicable trade regulations, including proper documentation and record-keeping for any imported goods that fall under wildlife trade regulations. Family Dollar's extensive store network, particularly in rural and suburban areas where hunting, falconry, and outdoor wildlife activities are popular, positions the company as an important retail channel for products related to bird care and wildlife management. The company's trade activity documentation under HS Code 0106310000 demonstrates the breadth of commercial entities that participate in or intersect with the US live prey bird import market.

Regulatory Framework for Live Raptor Imports

The import of live birds of prey into the United States is governed by one of the most comprehensive and strictly enforced regulatory frameworks in the world for live animal trade. Multiple federal agencies share jurisdiction over different aspects of the import process, creating a multi-layered compliance requirement that importers must satisfy before any live raptor can legally enter the country. Understanding this regulatory landscape is essential for any company or individual seeking to participate in the US live prey bird import market, whether as a direct importer, broker, or service provider.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) serves as the primary regulatory authority for the import and export of birds of prey. Under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) of 1992, the USFWS regulates the import of exotic bird species, including many raptor species, and requires importers to obtain specific permits before shipments can proceed. For species listed under CITES Appendix I (such as certain eagle species and the peregrine falcon in some contexts), an import permit from both the exporting country and the US is required, along with documentation demonstrating that the import will contribute to the conservation of the species. The USFWS also enforces the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which protects native migratory bird species and restricts their commercial trade, and the Lacey Act, which prohibits the trade in illegally obtained wildlife.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), oversees the animal health and quarantine aspects of live raptor imports. All live birds entering the US must comply with APHIS regulations designed to prevent the introduction of avian diseases such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and exotic Newcastle disease. Importers must obtain a VS 16-6A permit from APHIS, provide veterinary health certificates issued within a specified timeframe before shipment, and comply with any quarantine requirements at designated USDA animal import centers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also maintains regulatory authority over the import of live birds to prevent the introduction of zoonotic diseases that could pose public health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions