Purchasing spiders while overseas and taking back to US?

[SpiderCafe]

Does anybody have a real life experience with this? I am traveling to Europe and my family lives close to Spider Shop. I'd love to get few spiders: 8-10 and either: declare them and take them back to US with me on the plane or Fedex them to myself from EU to US. Is either one even an option? Thank you!

 

[WolfSpider]

As far as I know, as soon as they are declared with US customs, they will be removed and likely will die. If not declared, then one is subject to a felony. I think transporting tarantulas across the pond can only be done with an import license. Does anyone know different?

 

[octanejunkie]

You can potentially do either and risk losing them

 

[SpiderCafe]

You can potentially do either and risk losing them

That I understand I can potentially do it. So is there a way to do it and not loose the spiders?

 

[octanejunkie]

That I understand I can potentially do it. So is there a way to do it and not loose the spiders?

Have them legally imported through a licensed importer and pay for the privilege of picking your T in person abroad

 

[SpiderCafe]

Have them legally imported through a licensed importer and pay for the privilege of picking your T in person abroad

Ok I remember someone saying you could do it as hobbyist but what you are saying makes more sense. I wonder if it may be worth it for me to get that import license since I go there twice a year anyway. Thanks a lot!