Most commercially traded reptile species—including crocodilians and many pythons—are listed under CITES Appendix I or II. Importation requires a valid CITES export permit from the country of origin and a US CITES import permit issued by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Shipments without proper CITES documentation are subject to seizure. Importers should apply for permits well in advance and verify the species-level listing, as requirements differ between Appendix I and Appendix II species.

Heading 4102 is limited to sheep and lamb skins (genus Ovis), while heading 4103 covers all other raw hides and skins not elsewhere specified, including goat and kid skins (genus Capra). The animal species is the controlling criterion. In practice, the supplier's species declaration and any accompanying veterinary certificates are the primary documentation used to support the classification.