Does anyone know whats involved in.....

[Great-Geckos]

buying and importing a rep. from outside the UK - namely the USA.

I imagine its messy and expensive, just wondered if anyone had done it and how messy and expensive it was.

[argentine_boa]

First you have to get paperwork from defra, this can take up to 6 months. Then you have got to pay vet fees each end, shipping fees, 17.5% import tax, and with some breeders a minimum buying fee.
It can be a long and tricky process but when you get the animals it will be rewarding.

[captaincaveman]

nige is the best one to talk to

[Great-Geckos]

6 months for the paperwork........oh, wasn't expecting that bit! Who or what is defra?

The vets fees - is that to have the rep. checked for diseases before leaving and entering the country?

Thanks for your replies by the way.

[argentine_boa]

Originally Posted by Great-Geckos

6 months for the paperwork........oh, wasn't expecting that bit! Who or what is defra?

The vets fees - is that to have the rep. checked for diseases before leaving and entering the country?

Thanks for your replies by the way.

Here is a link to defras' site.
Defra

Yes the vets have to check everything each end. Make sure it is fit to fly and to make sure the transport hasn't harmed them etc.

[captaincaveman]

what species are you thinking of importing?

[Great-Geckos]

for the link, had a look, will look into it further.

I was in the first instance looking at mossy geckos (Rhacodactylus Chahoua) as they seem to be extremely difficult to get hold of in the UK, however, whilst I was looking, I saw a few other species of gecko that I quite like also. Mainly mossy's though.