At ApparelX, we sell shell buttons from japanese button manufacturers. We have recently found out that our customers/ US importers require a US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) permit/license to import shell products, including the buttons we sell.
We have inquired with the US FWS’s Office of Law Enforcement to gather details. If you plan to purchase shell buttons to ship to the US, please take a look at the requirements below that they have provided us.
If acquiring a permit not possible, please take a look at our list of shell-like polyester buttons that do not require getting a permit. (here)
U.S. buyers/consignees importing garments with shell buttons for commercial purposes are required to possess a valid FWS import/export (IE) license and declare using form 3-177/eDecs. They would use form 3-200-3a to apply for a IE license. . . . Import/Export shipments should comply with the marking requirements in 50 CFR 14.81 or 50 CFR 14.82. . . . Some expedited shipping carriers as UPS, DHL and FedEx provide brokerage services that will file declarations on behalf of the U.S. importer. For UPS shipments, they can contact [email protected]. For FedEx, [email protected]. For DHL, [email protected]. For specific questions about the clearance process, the importer should contact the designated Wildlife Inspection office nearest to where the import will occur. A list of office can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/media/wildlife-trade-fish-and-wildlife-portspdf.
The import or export of fish and wildlife, including shells and shell products, must comply with FWS import/export regulations (50 CFR 14), including but not necessarily limited to,
- Commercial importers/exporters must obtain an FWS import/export (IE) license. Apply here.
- All fish and wildlife imports/exports – You must File a declaration for import/export form 3-177. File here.
- Submit supporting documents with form 3-177. (Invoice, packing list, shipping bill of lading or air waybill, or courier label/invoice, and any additional permits that may be required, such as country of export- permit.)
- Pay fees, which can be paid when you file form 3-177 online.
- Shipment imported at a designated port and made available for inspection by FWS wildlife inspector.
- Obtain clearance from FWS wildlife inspector prior to release from customs.
Some species of mollusks are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and/or are listed in the CITES Appendices. Importing or exporting any such species would have additional permit requirements.
This is information given to us as of March 29th, 2025.
As we typically use DHL to ship to the US, it is expected that DHL will file the import declaration. However, it is expected that you apply for and get the import license PRIOR to us shipping out the shell buttons.
We can gather shell origin information on a as needed basis, so please contact us if you need the shell origin information.
Some Shell Buttons available on ApparelX (click on photo to jump to their respective product page) Click here for full list
Some Shell-Like Polyester Buttons available on ApparelX (Click on photo to jump to their respective product page) Click here for full list
Conclusion
Including tariff policies, import regulations are changing and while we do our best to stay on top of changes, please do your due diligence as the importer to know your local laws and regulations.
ApparelX is a BtoB ecommerce platform for brands, tailors and the like to order from small MOQs from a variety of manufacturers in one order. And we ship worldwide!
Check out our FAQ page, Youtube, and LinkedIn if you have basic questions or looking to stay connected.
If you are looking to bulk order, custom order, or have any other questions, contact us through our contact form and a member on the Global Strategy Team will get back to you within the next business day. (Please understand that we are based in Japan and our office hours are 9am-6pm so we are only able to answer during that time).
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