Hi everyone,
 
A Fish & Wildlife Service Inspector I spoke to today told me that mail
shipments of wildlife are not covered by 50 CFR part 14, but that FSW follows
an internal "policy". Based on that she told me that no permits are required
for importing shells by mail. I especially stressed the fact that I am not
affiliated with any institute, but that the shells are for scientific study,
not for commercial use. She did say that the package may be inspected first
by the Customs, then by FSW inspectors. But she didn't think there would be a
problem in my getting it. She took my name & number & told me that they would
contact me if there was a problem.
 
Has anybody had experience in importing shells in the mail from other
countries? Can I really trust what this inspector told me? Someobody in
Germany will be sending me empty land snail shells in the mail. I was told
that the German post office requires the declaration of contents of packages.
So, if the Customs people are paying attention when my package arrives, they
will know that there are shells in it.
 
I will appreciate any advice.
 
A.