16 U.S.C. § 4911 — Exemptions

Despite an import^* prohibition, suspension, or quota under this chapter for a species^* of exotic bird^*, the Secretary^* may issue an import permit authorizing a bird of that species to be imported if the Secretary determines that the import will not harm the species’ survival and that the bird is imported only for one of these purposes: (1) scientific research; (2) a personally owned pet of an individual returning to the United States^* after continuously being outside the country for at least one year, except that the individual may import no more than two exotic birds under this paragraph in any year; (3) a zoological breeding or display program; or (4) a cooperative breeding program that (A) is designed to conserve the species and keep it in the wild by improving its reproduction and survival, and (B) is developed and run by, or together with, an avicultural, conservation, or zoological organization that meets standards developed by the Secretary.