Disclosure of Importer Information by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Disclosure of Importer Information by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Importers Must Act by June 11, 2021
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has advised a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request for records recently received. As an importer, if you filed on form FWS 3-177, unless you formally object to the release of information, the following data could be released to the requestor under the FOIA provisions of law:

Importer Name and Address
Foreign Shipper Name and Address
Customs Broker Name and Address
Quantity, Value, and Origin

Background: Imported wildlife products, whether or not considered endangered, are subject to the regulations of FWS. Importation of any fish or wildlife product must be accompanied by a Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177 which is submitted at the time of entry, be it paper or electronic filing.

Objection Instructions: Importers who wish to object to the release of their Form 3-177 information must provide “a detailed written statement that specifies all grounds for withholding the information” pursuant to the FOIA. The statement must explain why the information is considered a trade secret or provide certification that the business customarily treats such information as private. Should an importer or party not provide FWS with a statement to claim confidential treatment of its information, the agency will have no objection to disclosure of such information.

Deadline To File: On or before June 11, 2021
As an importer/company, if you filed any Forms 3-177 in the calendar year 1999, or during the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020 (which is the period covered by the FOIA request), Western Overseas Corporation strongly suggests you submit a written objection to the release of your data.

Address for Submission using one of the following methods:

Email to: Submitter_Notice@fws.gov

Fax to: (703) 358 2271

U.S. Mail or hand-delivery:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement (FOIA)
5275 Leesberg Pike (MS:OLE)
Falls Church, Virginia 22041

Please contact your Western Overseas representative if you have any questions.