Moving a T from US to UK

[Kathleen Schmidt]

Hi,

So I've been checking the forum today to see if anyone has posted about T transport. I also downloaded the T packing and shipping pdf. I am confident about that part now. However, I am wondering if anyone here knows where I can go to see if I need an import license for my girl. I am obtaining an export licence from the US, but do I need an import license for the UK? Also, I am thinking of shipping her FedEx because I have had success with them in the past and have received a T that way. But I have also contacted some pet travel agents just to c what they offer.
Any suggestions?

Thanx yaw.
BTS Expo whoooo!

[matthew spooner]

hi kathleen, i think it all depends on what you are importing, what species is it you are importing to uk?

[matthew spooner]

ok, here is what CITES have to say on sending inverts by air, i dont know the consequences of not following these guidelines.

PACKER'S GUIDELINES

Inv/2 – Terrestrial invertebrates

1.General welfare 1.1Animals should have priority over merchandise. 1.2Only animals in good health should be transported. 1.3Animals should not be sedated. 1.4Animals should be left undisturbed during transport. 1.5No feeding should be necessary during transport. 1.6To avoid cross-infection, and for health and hygiene reasons, human contact with animals should be avoided. Should it be necessary, in an emergency, to handle them, then the hands should be thoroughly washed immediately afterwards, as the skins of some species are toxic. 1.7Animals should not be housed near foodstuffs. 1.8No animal should be transported with radioactive material or other substances dangerous to health. 1.9Containers should be secured to the aircraft, rail wagon, lorry or ship to avoid any possible movement, and should at all times be maintained in a horizontal position. 2.Advance arrangements for transport 2.1All possible precautions should be taken in advance to ensure that animals are kept within the temperature range stated on the labelling. This would necessitate planning their movement with due regard to the climatic conditions natural to them, and to the conditions prevailing at their final destination, and also those that will be encountered during transport. Particular attention should be paid to the facilities at any intermediate stops at airports, etc. 2.2Any bags or other packing material should be destroyed after use; when containers are to be re-used they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after use. 2.3The estimated time of arrival should be notified in advance to the consignee, and also the route of the consignment. Adequate arrangements for its prompt collection at the final destination, and for any necessary movement at transit points, should be made in advance. 2.4Should any delay in collection be anticipated, then advance arrangements should be made for the housing of the animals. 2.5Cash on delivery facilities should not be used. 3.Container 3.1The container should be constructed of wood, or material of similar strength, and should be strong enough to house the animals, and to withstand the handling involved during transport.

3.2The container may comprise a number of separate compartments, provided that the overall size is such that it may be handled without difficulty. In some cases, polythene bags can be used. 3.3There should be an inner container constructed of high density expanded polystyrene, in order to provide the necessary heat insulation, and lined with plastic or metal, where necessary. 3.4The inner container should have a well fitting lid provided with an adequate number and size of ventilation holes. 3.5The outer container should be so designed that there is a free flow of air to the inner container. 3.6As access to the animals is not normally necessary, the outer container should be securely banded or taped. 4.Packing 4.1Animals should be packed in sphagnum moss, or foam chippings, dampened if appropriate. 4.2Undue overcrowding of the animals should be avoided. 5.Labelling and documentation Durable, waterproof labels should be provided as follows: 5.1"LIVE ANIMALS – DO NOT TIP", "TOXIC" or "POISONOUS" where applicable, on all sides and top. 5.2"THIS WAY UP", with arrows indicating the top, on all sides. 5.3Consignor's and consignee's name, address and telephone number. Box numbers should not be used as the sole address. 5.4Detailed list of contents: number of animals; scientific name and common names used in the exporting and importing countries; whether fresh or saltwater species. 5.5Temperature range required. 5.6Date on which amphibians were packed for transport. 5.7Official stamp of carrier showing date of his receipt of consignment. Durable, waterproof means of containing the following documents and other essential information should be firmly attached to the container: 5.8Duplicate of consignor's and consignee's name, address and telephone number. 5.9Duplicate list of contents as in 5.4. 5.10Copies of relevant export and import licences. 5.11Copy of valid health certificate issued in accordance with the requirements of the importing country. 5.12Duplicate information regarding temperature range required.



depending on what species it is, you may need extra documentation, for instance if it is on the CITES appendix II then you need relevent CITES documentation from the seller in the USA, and as far as i know i think it has to be captive bred aswell rather than wild caught. hope this helps kathleen

[Kathleen Schmidt]

Hi Matthew,

I would be shipping a Grammostola rosea.

Thanx.

[matthew spooner]

not in the CITES list as far as i know, although it would probably be cheaper to buy one in the uk than it would to ship one accross, you can pick up adult females really cheaply over here.

[Kathleen Schmidt]

matthew,

lol i'm sure i will get more spiders in the uk when i settle down, but i love my girl and good news! i was able to book a cargo space for her on my flight with british airways so she'll be traveling with me. I will use your packing info to keep her safe during travel. thanx for your help. do you have a fave spot in london to scope out and buy T's?

[Daniel Richardson]

Google the spider shop-they're the king pin's of the spider world.

[Tony Hammond]

Hi Kathleen, I'm new on here myself & this love of T's but I've had quite a few recommend www.virginiacheeseman.co.uk in High Wycombe to me.

I'd like to add that I have no link to Virginia, I'm just passing on a site recommended to me, Tony

[Ray Hale]

Virginia has been a friend of the Society for many years and has a good reputation when it comes to inverts. She is very knowledgable and helpful.

Ray Hale
BTS

[Kathleen Schmidt]

Thank you for recommending Virginia, I'll scope her out Also, thank yaw for your help. I have decided to adopt Samantha to a friend of mine to save her stress. I will miss her, but I am quite excited about picking out a new T or two when I get settled . I think the Expo will be a great place for me to figure out which kind I would like next. I think I saw a gorgeous picture of a mostly black with some dark purple T in the theraphosidae section. She is an Avicularia purpurea, and she will be mine... i hope.

<3 spiders!

[matthew spooner]

thats great kathleen, and probably for the best. i myself have a postal Tarantula shop called Arachnomania, i hope a couple of people on here would be able to recommend me, i deal mostly in slings but do currently have some sub adults and adults for sale, including adult female grammostola rosea rcf and ncf if you was looking for a replacement