Import & Export Process

Safari Life Taxidermy has a U.S.D.A. approved facility to receive your sport-hunted trophies from anywhere in the world.

We work closely with trusted import and export brokers to facilitate the safe and efficient transport of your trophies to the United States. Our experience allows us to communicate on your behalf and help simplify what can often be a complex process.

Although not mandatory, we strongly recommend using Safari Life Taxidermy shipping tags to help prevent mislabeling or loss, as your trophies may pass through multiple hands before arriving in the U.S.

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The Process

Before The Hunt

  • We provide shipping tags and gather general information prior to your departure
  • We recommend notifying us once you return so we can help track the progress of your shipment
  • If needed, we will connect you with a trusted import broker to get the process started

After the Hunt

  • Animals are cleaned, processed (dip & pack), and prepared for export
  • Crates are transferred to a freight forwarder in the country of origin
  • Documentation is sent to the U.S. import broker for approval
  • Required permits for export/import are processed
  • Freight payment is arranged for shipment to the United States

Arrival & U.S. Clearance

  • Crates enter the U.S. through a designated Fish and Wildlife port of entry
  • Your import broker works with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, USDA, CDC, and U.S. Customs to clear the shipment
  • Once cleared, the crate is delivered to our U.S.D.A. facility
  • The crate is sanitized and inventoried upon arrival

From Our Studio to Your Wall

  • Once your shipment arrives, we finalize your taxidermy instructions and begin the process
  • A deposit is collected before work begins
  • Taxidermy typically takes six to eight months for completion
  • Finished trophies are carefully crated and shipped to you, ready for display

Broker Partnership

We work closely with trusted import brokers, including Pro Cargo USA in Houston, Texas, to ensure a smooth and reliable clearance process.

For more information on our recommended import broker, please visit our Links page.

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