Importing Alligator Hide!

[Tedward1]

Hi guys, bit of an unusual one. While I was in Florida last year I shot an alligator (had an alligator farming permit issued by the state) and I asked the outfitter to ship me the belly leather after getting it tanned. Have CITES permit and all that, and an exporter has contacted me to say they have it and are ready to send. Commodity code for the U.K. is 41064010.

I am assuming I need an import agent in the U.K. to get it to clear customs, and wondered if anyone has experience of a person or firm they could recommend? It’s just a small thing but would be good to find someone with experience of this sort of import.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!
Ed

 

[CarlW]

Get a freight forwarder at Heathrow to handle it all for you. I don't tend to import stuff any more but I used to use Rainbow (Martin Aries). Someone will be along soon with a more up-to-date recommendation.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Rainbow still to the best of my knowledge

 

[Jura]

Try Bob Nagra at PDQ Heathrow. I have used him before to import firearms.

Services | PDQ Freight & Art Move | UK

With over 37 years experience, handling the precise requirements to some of the most prestigious names in the Fine Art, Antiques & Firearms sectors.

www.pdq.uk.com

 

[Tedward1]

Thanks for these! Tried to find Rainbow, but the only company with the name rainbow in it hasn’t heard of Martin.

 

[CarlW]

Thanks for these! Tried to find Rainbow, but the only company with the name rainbow in it hasn’t heard of Martin.

As I said, probably a dated recommendation.

Whichever freight forwarder you use, make sure they have actual experience of CITES.

 

[Sika98k]

Martin@questfreight.co.uk

 

[deerstalker.308]

Quest Freight | Home is was also rainbow. Martin (as above) dealt with our imports from namibia in 2017z

 

[sh1kar]

Martin brought in a lot of stuff for me including several CITES

s

 

[Tedward1]

Thanks all! I am speaking to Martin who is on the case.. Ed