Live Reptiles (Including Snakes & Turtles)

FDA regulations prohibit the sale or distribution of turtles with a carapace length of less than four inches due to documented Salmonella transmission risks, particularly to children. This rule applies regardless of HTS classification and can affect admissibility at the port of entry even when CITES and APHIS requirements are met. Importers of small turtle species should confirm FDA compliance before shipment.

Live wildlife, including reptiles, must enter through a US Fish & Wildlife Service-designated port of entry. There are currently 18 designated ports; shipments arriving at non-designated ports require advance written permission from USFWS. Routing decisions should account for this requirement early in the logistics planning process.