Owning one is fun, but can you pack your fur coat and travel to another country? How about the policies of the airline companies, the customs, and the laws inside the country? Worry not.
We’ve got you covered and we answer your questions.
How to Properly Pack a Fur Coat for Transport?
Packing a fur coat? Here’s a guide to do it right!
- Choose a garment bag made for fur coats.
- Brush gently to remove dirt and debris.
- Place acid-free tissue paper inside.
- Carefully fold it and put it in the bag.
- Allow for air circulation.
- For extreme temps, seek professional advice.
- Ensure your item before travel.
Follow these steps to safely travel with your fur coat by keeping it fresh and new.
Can I Bring a Fur Coat into the USA?
Yes, most of the time. furs made of fox, rabbit, chinchilla, sheep and in general allowed in the US.
Rules about importing animal products may differ, so knowing the regulations before packing your fur item is essential.
As per the US Fish and Wildlife Service, some furs need permits for import while others call for declarations upon arrival.
Before heading to the USA with a fur coat, recognizing the type of fur you have is key.
Certain furs are restricted from import due to conservation or endangered species concerns, like leopard, snow leopard, tiger, cheetah, jaguar, lynx, ocelot, and margay.
Please refer to this link for more information.
If you own fur coats made from furs not classified as endangered or safeguarded by international trade agreements, there are still essential matters. Different regulations depend if the fur is from a domesticated animal or hunting.
To make the customs process easier, it helps to have proper documentation like CITES permits or certificates of origin.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order that asked federal agencies to create ethical policies for wildlife trafficking and aid conservation efforts worldwide. This significant move helps to shield our ecosystems from illegal trade.
We highly advise you to do your due diligence before traveling to the US for any real fur you have or to content yourself with a faux fur coat.
Can I Bring a Fur Coat into the UK?
Yes, you can! But, you need to stick to some rules.
Fur coats made from endangered or protected species are not allowed.
“Council Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91 prohibits the importation of furs and fur products from some wild animal species originating in countries where they are caught by leg-hold traps or trapping methods that do not meet international standards of humane trapping.“
www.gov.uk/
What to do then? If it’s a common animal like a mink, ferret, fox, chinchilla, or rabbit, no problem. But, if it’s something exotic or endangered, like a leopard or tiger, you could run into legal troubles.
You must have all the documents too. Show proof of purchase and tags that say the type of animal used for the coat. This will help authorities verify its legality.
Also, customs officers will inspect your coat. If there are issues, authorities will investigate further.
Be aware, that laws and agreements can change at times. So, stay up-to-date on regulations before traveling with your fur coat.
Full list of prohibited fur in the EU and the UK
| Common name | Latin name |
| Badger | Taxidea taxus |
| Beaver | Castor canadensis |
| Bobcat | Felis rufus or Lynx rufus |
| Coyote | Canis latrans |
| Ermine | Mustela erminea |
| Fisher | Martes pennanti |
| Lynx | Lynx canadensis |
| Marten | Martes americana |
| Musk rat | Ondatra zibethecus |
| Raccoon | Procyon lotor |
| Otter | Lutra canadensis or Lontra canadensis |
| Sable | Martes zibellina |
| Wolf | Canis lupus |
Can I Wear Fur Coats in Europe?
Yes, it is generally acceptable. but be aware of some fur types that are listed in the table above.
Fur has been fashionable in Europe for centuries and it is still today.
Many luxury designers include fur in their collections. However, some countries within Europe have banned the production or sale of certain types of fur.
Faux fur is becoming popular as a sustainable and animal-friendly alternative to real fur. This shows that people are more conscious of their fashion choices.
We also recommend saving yourself time and trouble and only traveling with a faux fur coat or jacket to another country.
Please refer to the table above that contains the types of prohibited fur in Europe.
Also, check The Fur Free Alliance or local authorities for information.
Can I Carry a Fur Coat in the Airport?
Yes. Most airports and airline companies allow people to carry fur coats.
Traveling with a fur coat may seem complicated, but it can be done. Check with the airline and airport to make sure you follow their guidelines.
Pack it in a garment bag or box, and use moth repellents or cedar chips to keep pests away. Customs regulations differ from country to country – research the departure and arrival rules.
In 1929, Greta Garbo had an interesting problem while on Ellis Island in NYC. Customs officials believed her coat was made from illegal pelts. She had to prove they were acquired legally, causing a media stir.
Check out this table to see the different airline regulations for fur coats:
| Airline | Carry-On? | Checked? |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Yes | Yes |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes | Yes |
| American Airlines | Yes | Yes |
| Southwest Airlines | Yes | No |
| British Airways | No | Yes |
| Lufthansa | No | Yes |
Top Tips For Carrying Your Fur Coat On Plane
- We highly recommend not checking your fur coat if you can, but carrying it in your hand luggage on the plane.
- Kindly ask the flight attendant to store it in the outer closet. Otherwise, fold it nicely in the overhead compartment of the plane.
- Also, flip it so that the lining is outside to protect it from dust and liquids.
Special Facts
- It is illegal to carry items made of cat or dog fur to the US, UK, Europe, and many other countries.
- Beware of exotic skins like tigers, coyotes, sable, and wolves…
- Avoid plastic bags since they make fur sweat.
