Live Psittaciformes (Parrots, Parakeets, Macaws & Cockatoos)

The WBCA imposes a moratorium on commercial imports of most CITES-listed exotic bird species into the US, going further than CITES alone. Importation is permitted only from facilities participating in a USFWS-approved foreign cooperative breeding program, or under specific exemptions for scientific research, zoological breeding, or personal pets (limited to two birds per person per year). A CITES permit alone is not sufficient for commercial trade.

USDA APHIS requires that imported psittacine birds undergo a mandatory quarantine period at a USDA-approved quarantine facility upon arrival. During quarantine, birds are tested for Exotic Newcastle Disease and Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis). Importers must arrange quarantine facility space in advance, as capacity is limited, and costs are borne by the importer.