How do you bring a watch on an alligator strap into the U.S.?

[vman]

Bought the watch in Europe from an AD. The strap is American Alligator. Will be arriving by air, so what forms do I need to fill out? Also, does it matter whether the watch is on my wrist or in a box?

[GradyPhilpott]

I'm pretty sure that alligator is off the endangered list.

I'm also pretty sure everyone was eating alligator when I left Louisiana.

I'd contact Customs.

I'd recommend wearing the watch.

[Ruud Van Driver]

I'd wear the watch.

I also agree with Grady that alligator is likely to be off the endangered list. Panerai source the skins for their alligator straps from farms in Louisiana.

[77T]

True enough, but is Rolex on the endangered species list?



If it's a 116500, then they are very scarce and rated G2 = imperiled globally because of rarity...

[Ruud Van Driver]

Check out this link to the Panerai website, and it's a little more specific about the alligator straps. Seems that wild 'gators could still be endangered but the straps are indeed from farmed sources. Once the page opens, click the 'Maintenance' tab and read the bit about the strap.

http://www.panerai.com/en/collection..._pam00689.html

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I'm pretty sure that alligator is off the endangered list.

I'm also pretty sure everyone was eating alligator when I left Louisiana.

I'd contact Customs.

I'd recommend wearing the watch.

It doesn't matter that it's off the list, it's still regulated under CITES (Appendix II listed species). You need a certificate from the maker that says it is CITES compliant.

EDIT: It's regulated by Fish and Wildlife, not Customs. https://www.fws.gov/international/pd...cates-2013.pdf

[bdex75]

Wear it and I hope you ate the tail. Fried preferably.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

It doesn't matter that it's off the list, it's still regulated under CITES (Appendix II listed species). You need a certificate from the maker that says it is CITES compliant.



EDIT: It's regulated by Fish and Wildlife, not Customs. https://www.fws.gov/international/pd...cates-2013.pdf

There is an exemption for personal use in CITES so the OP should be just fine since it was legal at the Rolex AD within the country it was purchased.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by 77T

There is an exemption for personal use in CITES so the OP should be just fine since it was legal at the Rolex AD within the country it was purchased.

Only true if this is true:
"Appendix-II and -III specimens may be imported and exported without CITES documents, provided the foreign country does not require a CITES permit."

And it accompanies the owner (the OP should wear it or have it on his person).

The EU requires a CITES permit. The retailer would apply for the CITES permit and include the cost in the sale price (about $50).

[james1787]

Gator is delicious.

I would think if you wear the watch.. absolutely positively nobody would take any sort of notice whatsoever.

[rr-nyc]

I've purchased a few gator straps from Panerai in Italy over the years. Never an issue bringing them here but they sell them here too so not sure why it would matter

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

I've purchased a few gator straps from Panerai in Italy over the years. Never an issue bringing them here but they sell them here too so not sure why it would matter

There are a lot of laws that are not well known or ignored. But if you get snagged, the penalties will be painful.

A CITES document isn't required for sale within the EU, only if exporting. The same is true in the US. Unless you specify to your retailer, I'm sure they assume it's internal and no documents are required. An online sale with a foreign address outside the governing organization would flag the requirement.

If you intend to export from a CITES jurisdiction, you should declare that to the retailer so that he can do the needful.

[azguy]

Say its Caiman

[The Joker]

Say it's Pleather.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

There are a lot of laws that are not well known or ignored. But if you get snagged, the penalties will be painful.



A CITES document isn't required for sale within the EU, only if exporting. The same is true in the US. Unless you specify to your retailer, I'm sure they assume it's internal and no documents are required. An online sale with a foreign address outside the governing organization would flag the requirement.



If you intend to export from a CITES jurisdiction, you should declare that to the retailer so that he can do the needful.

My only duty upon return to the US is to declare purchases on a 6059b. I clearly state an alligator watch.

Unless it's specifically stated I need additional documents, which nobody had asserted, I'm not worried at all



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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

My only duty upon return to the US is to declare purchases on a 6059b. I clearly state an alligator watch.

Unless it's specifically stated I need additional documents, which nobody had asserted, I'm not worried at all



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The US FWS says people need documents to import items of CITES listed species. The Government is not required to inform every traveler of every requirement, rather you are expected to comply with the law. You can ignore the law if you'd like, but it's still the law.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

The US FWS says people need documents to import items of CITES listed species. The Government is not required to inform every traveler of every requirement, rather you are expected to comply with the law. You can ignore the law if you'd like, but it's still the law.

Unless I'm missing something, CITES applies to the trade, not retail. I think you're overthinking this by a long shot. Me buying an alligator strap from a panerai boutique and bringing it home is no different than walking up to Madison Avenue and buying it at the NYC boutique. Furthermore, I will add that I have ordered 2 stamps from ABP Paris. No accompanying documents came with the package other than standard customs docs


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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

Unless I'm missing something, CITES applies to the trade, not retail. I think you're overthinking this by a long shot. Me buying an alligator strap from a panerai boutique and bringing it home is no different than walking up to Madison Avenue and buying it at the NYC boutique. Furthermore, I will add that I have ordered 2 stamps from ABP Paris. No accompanying documents came with the package other than standard customs docs


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CITES applies to retail sales as well. Personal use is covered in the FWS regulations.

[texex91]

Good god with all the legal BS. Put it on your wrist and enjoy.

Geeshhhhhhhh

[vman]

Here is the answer as provided by a retailer at the airport and confirmed by my experience with US customs: If a strap has a yellow tag that certifies compliance with the trade laws, you are okay. All legal retailers that comply with CITES will have such tags. I passed the customs today w/o any issues. Note, shipment via mail may be a different game.

[RW16610]

I'm glad to hear you had no issues

[Jcbarnard]

A form would only draw attention to yourself. It's not like you're bringing in a thousand straps for resale.

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