Bird products & feathers
ProhibitedUntreated feathers and bird products are commonly banned.
Rules vary by destination and by species, and the wildlife or border authority at arrival makes the final decision on whether a bird product may enter.
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What this means
Bird products and feathers covers feathers, down, skins, eggs, bones, and ornaments or trophies made from birds. Because many bird species are protected under wildlife law and birds can carry diseases, these items are tightly controlled and are often prohibited or require permits. Even decorative feathers in clothing, jewelry, or crafts can be affected.
What's included
- Loose feathers and feather ornaments or crafts
- Down and feather-filled items
- Bird skins, taxidermy birds, and mounted specimens
- Eggs and eggshells
- Bird bones, beaks, and talons
- Feathered headdresses, fans, and ceremonial items
- Wild-bird products and trophies
What's not included
- Live pet birds traveling with you (live-pets)
- Eggs and poultry meat intended as food (eggs / meat-poultry)
- Furs and mammal skins (fur)
- Ivory and elephant products (ivory)
Common types & examples
Decorative/craft feathers
Even ornamental feathers may be restricted if from protected or CITES-listed species.
Down and feather fill
Treated and commercially processed down is often more readily accepted than raw feathers, but still declarable.
Wild-bird parts (skins, eggs, bones)
Commonly restricted or prohibited; require special processing and may need CITES or wildlife permits.
Feathered cultural/ceremonial items
Headdresses and fans can contain protected-species feathers and may need wildlife permits.
Taxidermy birds
Treated as wildlife specimens; often need CITES documents and may require treatment at an approved establishment.
Why it's regulated
Birds and their parts are regulated to protect wildlife (many species are protected under CITES, the Migratory Bird Treaty, or the Wild Bird Conservation Act) and to prevent the spread of bird diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease. Trade in protected-species feathers and parts can be illegal without permits.
Before you travel
Documents you may need
- CITES permit/certificate for protected species
- Wildlife import/export declaration
- Veterinary or treatment certificate (for disease risk)
- Proof of species and legal origin
- Import permit where required
Next steps
- 1.Identify the bird species and check if it is CITES-listed or protected
- 2.Contact the wildlife authority before traveling with feathers or bird parts
- 3.Obtain any CITES or wildlife permits in advance
- 4.Declare all bird products to customs and wildlife officials
- 5.Be prepared to surrender items that lack required permits
Official sources
- Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States· U.S. CBP
- Prohibited and Restricted Items· U.S. CBP
- Animal Product Imports· USDA APHIS
- How CITES works· CITES
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →