---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 4911"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "4911"
heading: "Exemptions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/4911"
units:
  - "Chapter 69 — Wild Exotic Bird Conservation"
---

# §4911. Exemptions


Notwithstanding any prohibition, suspension, or quota under this chapter on the [importation](/usc/16/4903.md?p=3) of a [species](/usc/16/4903.md?p=7) of [exotic bird](/usc/16/4903.md?p=2), the [Secretary](/usc/16/4903.md?p=6) may, through the issuance of [import](/usc/16/4903.md?p=3) permits, authorize the [importation](/usc/16/4903.md?p=3) of a bird of the [species](/usc/16/4903.md?p=7) if the [Secretary](/usc/16/4903.md?p=6) determines that such [importation](/usc/16/4903.md?p=3) is not detrimental to the survival of the [species](/usc/16/4903.md?p=7) and the bird is being imported exclusively for any of the following purposes:

- (1) Scientific research.
- (2) As a personally owned pet of an individual who is returning to the [United States](/usc/16/4903.md?p=8) after being continuously out of the country for a minimum of one year, except that an individual may not [import](/usc/16/4903.md?p=3) more than 2 [exotic birds](/usc/16/4903.md?p=2) under this paragraph in any year.
- (3) Zoological breeding or display programs.
- (4) Cooperative breeding programs that are—
  - (A) designed to promote the conservation of the [species](/usc/16/4903.md?p=7) and maintain the [species](/usc/16/4903.md?p=7) in the wild by enhancing the propagation and survival of the [species](/usc/16/4903.md?p=7); and
  - (B) developed and administered by, or in conjunction with, an avicultural, conservation, or zoological organization that meets standards developed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/4903.md?p=6).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 102–440, title I, § 112, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2230.)