U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Champlain Port of Entry seized a shipment of fur coats valued at $76,736.
The discovery occurred on June 12, upon inspection of a commercial shipment of 16 fur coats that had arrived from Canada. CBP officers deduced that the furs lacked the required documentation and contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who determined that the fur garments were mink, fox, chinchilla and sable. Thus, resulting in the seizure of all the fur garments by CBP. “The men and women of CBP are responsible for enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws and regulations. Enforcing the laws related to the international trade of animals and animal products, is an important part of our mission,” said Champlain Area Port Director Steven Bronson.
The United States is a party to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora which regulates trade in endangered species of wildlife, plants and their products. International trade in species listed by CITES is illegal unless authorized by permit. Items prohibited by CITES include, but are not limited to, articles made from whale teeth, ivory, tortoise shell, reptile, fur skins, coral, and birds.
Seized Fur Coats at the Port of Champlain
Seized Fur Coats at the Port of Champlain
CBP encourages travelers to plan ahead, declare all goods upon arrival and prior to traveling view travel information at www.cbp.gov for additional information.