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Legal Compliance

Lacey Act
Overview

What every HerpShipper customer needs to know about federal live animal shipping law and your labeling responsibilities.

Print Your Labeling Form
Federal law applies to every shipment. Violations of the Lacey Act can result in criminal charges, fines up to $10,000 per violation, and forfeiture of animals. Always complete your label accurately before shipping.

What Is the Lacey Act?

The Law

The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371–3378) is a federal wildlife protection law originally passed in 1900 and significantly expanded in 1981. It prohibits the trade of wildlife, fish, and plants that have been taken, transported, or sold in violation of federal, state, tribal, or foreign laws.

Why It Applies to You

Any person or business that ships live reptiles, amphibians, or aquatic animals across state lines must comply with Lacey Act labeling requirements. This includes hobbyists, breeders, and commercial sellers — even for a single animal shipped through FedEx.

What Must Be Labeled
  • Common name of each species
  • Scientific name (genus & species)
  • Number of animals per species
  • Country of origin
  • Whether aquatic, reptile, or both
When to Label

The label must be affixed to the outside of the shipping container before it is handed off to FedEx. It must be clearly visible to the FedEx agent at drop-off. Labels cannot be added after the shipment is in transit.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Accurate Species Declaration List the exact common and scientific name for every species in the box. Grouping multiple species under one entry is not permitted. Each species must be listed separately with its own quantity.
Accurate Quantity Count must reflect the exact number of live animals in the package at the time of drop-off. Discrepancies between the label and actual contents can constitute a federal violation.
No Prohibited Species It is illegal to ship any species listed on the Injurious Wildlife list (18 U.S.C. § 42), CITES Appendix I without proper permits, or species prohibited by the destination state. Research state-level laws before every shipment.
Lawful Acquisition You may only ship animals you legally acquired. Shipping wild-caught animals taken in violation of state law (even if not federally listed) is a Lacey Act violation. Captive-bred animals must be from legally established breeding stock.
Check Destination State Laws Many states restrict or ban specific species entirely (e.g., California bans most reptiles; Hawaii prohibits nearly all). Shipping a legal species to a state where it is prohibited is still a Lacey Act violation. Always verify before creating your label.
Retain Shipping Records Keep records of every shipment — including species, quantities, buyer, and dates — for a minimum of 3 years. Federal investigators may request documentation to verify lawful trade at any time.
Humane Packaging Standards All live animals must be packaged to prevent injury, escape, or death during transit. FedEx and federal law require adequate ventilation, proper containment, and species-appropriate insulation. A DOA animal in a poorly packed box is your legal liability.

Your HerpShipper Lacey Act Label

Your label is pre-formatted to meet all FedEx and federal Lacey Act requirements. It includes the Wildlife – Live Harmless Animals designation, checkboxes for Aquatics and Reptiles, and lines for your Qty & Species information. Print it, fill it out by hand, and affix it to the outside of your box before drop-off.

Print Labeling Form Create a Shipping Label

Penalties for Violations

Civil penalties can reach $10,000 per violation. Criminal penalties for knowing violations can result in up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. Animals and any vehicles used in transport may be seized and forfeited. Ignorance of the law is not a defense.

Disclaimer: This page is provided as an informational overview for HerpShipper customers and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and vary by jurisdiction. For species-specific or situation-specific guidance, consult a licensed attorney familiar with wildlife law or contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at fws.gov.