New Import Permit Fees Begin July 1

HONOLULU – In accordance with Act 172 (SL2010), which was signed by Governor Linda Lingle on June 23^rd, fees for importing regulated plants, microorganisms and non-domestic animals will increase as of tomorrow, July 1^st.     

The fee increase applies to state permits that are required to import plants that are restricted or have conditions under which they may be imported to Hawai`i and to import non-domesticated animals, such as pet birds, rats, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc.  The new import permit fees will also apply to shipments of microorganisms, live seafood for consumption and aquatic animals, such as live aquarium fish.  (This fee increase does not affect the import of domesticated dogs, cats and livestock.)

The new law designates these fees to be deposited into the Pest Inspection, Quarantine and Eradication Special Fund, which will help to pay for agricultural inspections, invasive species quarantine and eradication activities by the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA).  It is expected that the new fees will generate about $100,000 per year.   The old fees were established in 1999. (See fee schedule attached)

To help protect Hawai`i from potentially invasive species, the state’s importation rules and laws allow certain species of plants and animals to enter the state under permit from HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch.  Certain plants are required to be quarantined for a period of time to make sure that they do not harbor diseases that may harm Hawai`i’s unique environment and agriculture.  Some of these types of plants include bromeliads (pineapple family), grasses (sugar cane, bamboo), coffee, orchid, banana, palm, coconut and taro plants.

HDOA has four different listings of animals that require import permits.  Animals on the Conditional Approved List are common pets.  The Restricted Animal List Part A & Part B have special conditions and a higher standard of containment and are restricted to research institutions, municipal zoos and entertainment purposes such as filming of movies or fairs.   Site inspections by agricultural inspectors are required in these cases.   The Prohibited Animal List contains animals that may not be imported to Hawai`i.  Any animal not on any of the lists is considered prohibited. There are also lists for microorganisms. For more information on the state’s import guidelines, go to:  http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/import

Import Permit Fees

*    to view the lists of animals approved or restricted, go to:  http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/import

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