Ok, after talking to FWS today, here is the info I got. I'm posting it in case anyone ever needs it. I realize most people here are breeders and I think this only applies to pets, but maybe someone will find it helpful. This only covers the US part of the story, countries of origin will also have their own requirement. Also please note that some people told me they had done this without any forms from the FWS, but here's what they said...
1. You need their form 3-177 - Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Wildlife. If your chins are PETS, you do not need an Import/Export Licence, nor a CITES permit.
Here is what they e-mailed me: The chinchilla, Chinchilla chinchilla, provided it is a domesticated specimen, is not a protected species however, as you prepare to import your pet chinchilla into the United States, you must complete Form 3-177, Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife. You can find this form on our website at the following address:
http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/faqs.htm This form is not difficult to complete.
Please have this form completed and have it, and your pet chinchilla available for inspection as you prepare to import it into the United States.
You must import your pet chinchilla at a designated port. You can find a list of designated ports and contact information for those ports on our website at the following address:
http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/Designated_Ports.htm Since this is a live commodity, we require that you contact 48 hours in advance the port where you will be importing your pet chinchilla in order to coordinate its clearance into the United States.
You may have to pay an inspection fee depending on the mode of transport. If you import your pet chinchilla as accompanying personal baggage, no inspection fee will apply. However, if you import your pet chinchilla via air cargo, an inspection fee of $74 will apply.
Now as far as I know, no airline will allow chins in the cabin.
2. A port of entry needs to be chosen from their list and notified 48 hours before the arrival of the chin by fax (no form, just your name, species, quantity, estimated arrival time, flight information and your contact).
3. On the day of the arrival of the chin, a person picking up the chin needs to go to a FWS office in the port of entry with the 3-177 form, airline bill and a letter from whoever sent the chins (saying my name is so and so, I am sending however many pet chinchillas (scientific name) to xy). I believe at this time you pay the $74 service fee.
4. You meet the inspector at the airport and present the form to them, they inspect the chin and you are free to go.
5. Airline requirements need to be checked - IATA regulations for carriers for live animals.
Thank you everyone for your time and help.
