U.S. imports of Live Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles) (HS 010620) totaled $676K in August 2026, imported from 42 countries.
Importers of Live Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles) paid $53K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 7.89% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Live Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles) imports of $676K in August 2026 ran 16% below the year-to-date monthly average of $808K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataUSDA APHIS and the US Fish & Wildlife Service jointly govern the importation of live reptiles, with CITES permits required for any species listed under that convention — a category that encompasses many commercially traded snakes, tortoises, and freshwater turtles. The single US tariff line (0106200000) covers the full spectrum from captive-bred ornamental species to wild-caught specimens, and classification as a CITES Appendix I, II, or III species determines whether an import permit, export permit from the source country, or both are mandatory. El Salvador and Indonesia are among the leading suppliers, reflecting both captive-breeding operations and wild-harvest traditions in those regions. Misidentification of species at entry — particularly between protected and non-protected look-alikes — is a recurring compliance risk that can result in seizure.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
59 import shipments a month
Importers typically need a US Fish & Wildlife Service import declaration (Form 3-177) for all wildlife shipments. For CITES-listed species, a CITES export permit from the country of origin and, for Appendix I species, a US CITES import permit are also required. USDA APHIS may impose additional quarantine or health-certificate requirements depending on the species.
CBP and USFWS inspectors rely on species identification supported by documentation such as CITES permits, breeder certificates, and morphological descriptions. Captive-bred specimens often require documentation proving they were bred in a registered facility. Misidentification — especially among morphologically similar species — can trigger seizure and potential criminal liability, so importers are strongly advised to engage a licensed customs broker and a wildlife compliance specialist before shipment.
Yes. Wild-caught specimens of CITES-listed species face stricter scrutiny and quota limits set by the exporting country's CITES Management Authority. Captive-bred animals from registered facilities may qualify for simplified CITES documentation, but the breeding facility must appear on the CITES-registered operations list. Some species are also subject to US domestic law under the Lacey Act, which prohibits import of wildlife taken in violation of foreign law.
Subheading 5 of 13 in heading 0106
Subheading 010620 · $676K of $20.2M
ImportsExports
Imports
$676KYoY · free account
Exports
$731KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $9.5M of Live Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles) and exported $6.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China pays 20.0% duty; El Salvador 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
37.5% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 7.89% of imports for consumption.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0106200000 | Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles), Live | $676K | 7.89% | 62.53% | $53K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0106200000 | Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles), Live | $731K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 010620 — Live Reptiles (Including Snakes and Turtles), so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.