The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits import of feathers and skins from most wild migratory bird species without a specific exemption. CITES controls apply to species listed on its appendices, requiring export permits and, for Appendix I species, US import permits. US Fish & Wildlife Service enforces both frameworks at the port of entry. Commercially farmed species such as ostriches and domesticated ducks generally face fewer restrictions, but species documentation is still required. Consult a licensed customs broker and US Fish & Wildlife Service before importing.

Down that has been washed, dried, and sorted by fill power but not yet incorporated into a product or further manufactured remains classifiable here. Once down is sewn into baffles, quilted into a garment, or otherwise assembled into a finished article, it advances to the appropriate finished-goods heading. The critical test is whether the down retains its character as a raw or semi-processed material.