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Originally Posted by Tarolisol
Well if and when i go i am going to take my chances bringing some sps frags back. I figure the worst that can happen is they say no. Then i turn around go to a different crossing and hide them in my trunk  |
Actually the worst that can happen is this. The corals will be confiscated, and they will die. Then you will get a several thousand dollar fine. You may also face up to ten years in prison.
Smuggling endangered species animals, or parts of animals, alive or dead ... is a serious criminal offense.
Plus it also puts all legitimate importers at risk for more thorough customs inspections, etc.
Do not attempt.
My advice: There is nothing you can get in the U.S., really, nothing, that you can't get up here. Tell your favourite LFS what you want, and let them hunt for you. Yes, this means that immediate gratification may have to wait. But this is their business, let them do what they're best at.
I have gone through the process of legitimately importing CITES listed live matter (in my case it was plants). The customs brokerage was a total hassle, it took several hours of my time over the course of many days, plus the overhead costs were prohibitive for small orders.
Make no mistake though: customs officers know exactly what you're trying if you try to bring little bags of water and stuff.
Over the years I have heard of about a half-dozen stories out of the news media (or from word of mouth) about how someone tried it and didn't get away. And they went to jail. Or they had their car stripped searched. Guess what: even if they don't find anything they don't pay to put it back together. This happened to someone I know.
Once you've shown up at the border, it's not like you can "change your mind" and turn around with the stuff you have with you.