Importing True Spiders

[ReignofInvertebrates]

I have been in business for about 5 years, and I'm thinking about importing SOMEWHERE down the road. That being said, I understand the USDA policies and that I will have to get in contact with them, obtain the necessary licenses, and do the same with any country I may end up importing from. Aside from all of that, can anyone tell me in general the range of costs from Delta Dash or whatever methods of transportation you importers use? Again this is not tomorrow for me, but in the next few years I will be looking into it. I also understand that regardless, it is very expensive, and that costs depend on a lot of variables. There's just so many non-native true spiders I'd love to get my hands on!

 

[The Snark]

VERy expensive, from what little I've encountered. Beware a common pitfall as encountered often here in Thailand and I am told very common in all third world countries.
Just because you have all the licenses and permits doesn't mean clear sailing in export-importing. Thialand often imposes additional fees under an assortment of names. It is entirely a graft scam but absolutely nothing you can do about it as exporting is technically illegal anyway, just overlooked. Essentially, the agent inspecting the outgoing shipments has to grease his superior officers palm regularly which is in accordance with said superior officer's wife's desire for a new Mercedes. Not exaggerating.

 

[Philth]

You don't need a license from the USDA if you're just bringing in spiders. But for a rough outline, USF&W will require a import/export permit that is $100 a year, and there is a charge with them of $186 for each shipment you bring in ( additionally you are responsible for over time fee's if the box needs to be inspected after hours). Freight charges depends on what country you are dealing with, and what airline they are using. I've seen it run anywhere from $300-$700, but I know it can be more depending on where it's coming from. Additionally, depending on the value of the import, you may be required by customs to have a broker bring the box in, that can also run a few hundred dollars. (some exporters my add in their broker expenses if they need one on their end) The headache of paper work, rude customs and F&W employees, and organizing it all is free of charge though lol.

Another thing to think of, just cause you see pictures of a cool spider someone took in say Malaysia, doesn't mean they are available to be imported. Pretty much all the true spiders that are available in the hobby, are already here

Later, Tom

 

[ReignofInvertebrates]

You don't need a license from the USDA if you're just bringing in spiders. But for a rough outline, USF&W will require a import/export permit that is $100 a year, and there is a charge with them of $186 for each shipment you bring in ( additionally you are responsible for over time fee's if the box needs to be inspected after hours). Freight charges depends on what country you are dealing with, and what airline they are using. I've seen it run anywhere from $300-$700, but I know it can be more depending on where it's coming from. Additionally, depending on the value of the import, you may be required by customs to have a broker bring the box in, that can also run a few hundred dollars. (some exporters my add in their broker expenses if they need one on their end) The headache of paper work, rude customs and F&W employees, and organizing it all is free of charge though lol.

Another thing to think of, just cause you see pictures of a cool spider someone took in say Malaysia, doesn't mean they are available to be imported. Pretty much all the true spiders that are available in the hobby, are already here

Later, Tom

Thanks for the info, Tom! Seems like a lot of inflated prices (as Snark mentioned) and bad manners. What you say about the true spiders is probably true, my highest interest is the huge array of Ctenids and Sparassids found in South America, Africa, etc. I believe Eresids are making their way into our hobby though which is exciting! They're lifespan is perfectly set between typical true spider and T.

 

[The Snark]

I did some checking up on this yesterday, relating to Thailand, but quite obviously it cannot be assumed it is a heck of a lot different in many other third world countries.

Instead of going the normal route of importing-exporting animals. A foreign investment company registers in the country. This moves the company to fall under the ministry of foreign affairs. The company files a blanket permit for 'remedial use of natural resources'. And a little loop hole the size of Jupiter in the import export regulations and restrictions opens up. Essentially, the normal restrictions involving the export of animals then becomes the transfer of natural resources and is able to ignore all sorts of potential restrictions.
This is very dumbed down and somewhat inaccurate but explains why this country has become the international gateway for illegal animal trade.
Just how rhino horns, elephant tusks or pangolins from Africa manage to fall under this? Because the ministry is free to define whatever it wants to in the interests of 'maintaining foreign relations'.

So the onus falls squarely on animal importers and exporters and their ethics. I would be willing to bet similar systems exist all over the world, wide open to abuse at the animals expense.