CHAPTER 73—RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION

        

§5301. Findings

The Congress finds the following:

(1) The world's rhinoceros population is declining at an alarming rate, a 90 percent decline since 1970.

(2) All 5 subspecies of tiger are currently threatened with extinction in the wild, with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 tigers remaining worldwide.

(3) All rhinoceros species have been listed on Appendix I of CITES since 1977.

(4) All tiger subspecies have been listed on Appendix I of CITES since 1987.

(5) The tiger and all rhinoceros species, except the southern subspecies of white rhinoceros, are listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

(6) In 1987, the parties to CITES adopted a resolution that urged all parties to establish a moratorium on the sale and trade in rhinoceros products (other than legally taken trophies), to destroy government stockpiles of rhinoceros horn, and to exert pressure on countries continuing to allow trade in rhinoceros products.

(7) On September 7, 1993, under section 1978 of title 22 the Secretary certified that the People's Republic of China and Taiwan were engaged in trade of rhinoceros parts and tiger parts that diminished the effectiveness of an international conservation program for that endangered species.

(8) On September 9, 1993, the Standing Committee of CITES, in debating the continuing problem of trade in rhinoceros horn and tiger parts, adopted a resolution urging parties to CITES to implement stricter domestic measures, up to and including an immediate prohibition in trade in wildlife species.

(9) On November 8, 1993, under section 1978 of title 22, the President announced that the United States would impose trade sanctions against China and Taiwan unless substantial progress was made by March 1994 towards ending trade in rhinoceros and tiger products.

(10) On April 11, 1994, under section 1978 of title 22, the President—

(A) directed that imports of wildlife specimens and products from Taiwan be prohibited, in response to Taiwan's failure to undertake sufficient actions to stop illegal rhinoceros and tiger trade; and

(B) indicated that the certification of China would remain in effect and directed that additional monitoring of China's progress be undertaken.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §2, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4094.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Endangered Species Act of 1973, referred to in par. (5), is Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§1531 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–112, §1, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2097, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5305c of this title and amending sections 4246, 5303 to 5305, and 5306 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2001'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §401, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2959, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 5305a and 5305b of this title, amending sections 5302, 5303, and 5306 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note below] may be cited as the 'Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1998'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 103–391, §1, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4094, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994'."

Congressional Findings

Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §402, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2959, provided that: "Congress finds that—

"(1) the populations of all but 1 species of rhinoceros, and the tiger, have significantly declined in recent years and continue to decline;

"(2) these species of rhinoceros and tiger are listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed on March 3, 1973 (27 UST 1087; TIAS 8249) (referred to in this title as 'CITES');

"(3) the Parties to CITES have adopted several resolutions—

"(A) relating to the conservation of tigers (Conf. 9.13 (Rev.)) and rhinoceroses (Conf. 9.14), urging Parties to CITES to implement legislation to reduce illegal trade in parts and products of the species; and

"(B) relating to trade in readily recognizable parts and products of the species (Conf. 9.6), and trade in traditional medicines (Conf. 10.19), recommending that Parties ensure that their legislation controls trade in those parts and derivatives, and in medicines purporting to contain them;

"(4) a primary cause of the decline in the populations of tiger and most rhinoceros species is the poaching of the species for use of their parts and products in traditional medicines;

"(5) there are insufficient legal mechanisms enabling the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to interdict products that are labeled or advertised as containing substances derived from rhinoceros or tiger species and prosecute the merchandisers for sale or display of those products; and

"(6) legislation is required to ensure that—

"(A) products containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, rhinoceros parts or tiger parts are prohibited from importation into, or exportation from, the United States; and

"(B) efforts are made to educate persons regarding alternatives for traditional medicine products, the illegality of products containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, rhinoceros parts and tiger parts, and the need to conserve rhinoceros and tiger species generally."

§5302. Purposes

The purposes of this chapter are the following:

(1) To assist in the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers by supporting the conservation programs of nations whose activities directly or indirectly affect rhinoceros and tiger populations, and the CITES Secretariat.

(2) To provide financial resources for those programs.

(3) To prohibit the sale, importation, and exportation of products intended for human consumption or application containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, any substance derived from any species of rhinoceros or tiger.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §3, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4095; Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §403, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2959.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Par. (3). Pub. L. 105–312 added par. (3).

§5303. Definitions

In this chapter—

(1) "CITES" means the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed on March 3, 1973, and its appendices;

(2) "conservation" means the use of all methods and procedures necessary to bring rhinoceros and tigers to the point at which there are sufficient populations to ensure that those species do not become extinct, including all activities associated with scientific resource management, such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat protection, acquisition, and management, propagation, live trapping, and transportation;

(3) "Fund" means the the ¹ account established by division A, section 101(e), title I of Public Law 105–277 under the heading "multinational species conservation fund" [16 U.S.C. 4246];

(4) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior;

(5) "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Agency for International Development; and

(6) "person" means—

(A) an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or other private entity;

(B) an officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of—

(i) the Federal Government;

(ii) any State, municipality, or political subdivision of a State; or

(iii) any foreign government;

(C) a State, municipality, or political subdivision of a State; or

(D) any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §4, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4095; Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §404, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2960; Pub. L. 107–112, §6(a)(1), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2098.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Division A, section 101(e), title I of Public Law 105–277, referred to in par. (3), is Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(e) [title I], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681-232. Provisions under the heading "multinational species conservation fund" in Pub. L. 105–277, §101(e) [title I] appear at 112 Stat. 2681–237, and are classified in part to section 4246 of this title.

Amendments

2002—Par. (3). Pub. L. 107–112 substituted "the account established by division A, section 101(e), title I of Public Law 105–277 under the heading 'multinational species conservation fund' " for "Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund established under section 5305(a) of this title".

1998—Par. (6). Pub. L. 105–312 added par. (6).

¹ So in original.

§5304. Rhinoceros and tiger conservation assistance

(a) In general

The Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations and in consultation with the Administrator, shall use amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance for projects for the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers.

(b) Project proposal

A country whose activities directly or indirectly affect rhinoceros or tiger populations, the CITES Secretariat, or any other person may submit to the Secretary a project proposal under this section. Each proposal shall—

(1) name the individual responsible for conducting the project;

(2) state the purposes of the project succinctly;

(3) describe the qualifications of the individuals who will conduct the project;

(4) estimate the funds and time required to complete the project;

(5) provide evidence of support of the project by appropriate governmental entities of countries in which the project will be conducted, if the Secretary determines that the support is required for the success of the project; and

(6) provide any other information the Secretary considers to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for funding under this chapter.

(c) Project review and approval

Within 30 days of receiving a final project proposal, the Secretary shall provide a copy of the proposal to the Administrator. The Secretary shall review each final project proposal to determine if it meets the criteria set forth in subsection (d). Not later than 6 months after receiving a final project proposal, and subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary, after consulting with the Administrator, shall approve or disapprove the proposal and provide written notification to the person who submitted the proposal and to the Administrator.

(d) Criteria for approval

The Secretary may approve a project under this section if the project will enhance programs for conservation of rhinoceros or tigers by assisting efforts to—

(1) implement conservation programs;

(2) enhance compliance with provisions of CITES and laws of the United States or a foreign country that prohibit or regulate the taking or trade of rhinoceros or tigers or the use of rhinoceros or tiger habitat; or

(3) develop sound scientific information on that species' habitat condition and carrying capacity, total numbers and population trends, or annual reproduction and mortality.

(e) Project sustainability

To the maximum extent practical, in determining whether to approve project proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give consideration to projects which will enhance sustainable conservation programs to ensure effective long-term conservation of rhinoceros and tigers.

(f) Project reporting

Each person that receives assistance under this section for a project shall provide periodic reports, as the Secretary considers necessary, to the Secretary and the Administrator. Each report shall include all information requested by the Secretary, after consulting with the Administrator, for evaluating the progress and success of the project.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §5, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4095; Pub. L. 107–112, §5, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2098; Pub. L. 110–132, §3(a), Dec. 6, 2007, 121 Stat. 1360.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2007—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–132 substituted "and to the Administrator" for ", to the Administrator, and to each country within which the project is to be conducted" in third sentence.

2002—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–112 amended heading and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "To the maximum extent practical, the Secretary should give consideration to projects which will enhance sustainable development programs to ensure effective, long-term conservation of rhinoceros and tigers."

§5305. Acceptance and use of donations

The Secretary may accept and use donations to provide assistance under section 5304 of this title. Amounts received by the Secretary in the form of donations shall be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit into the Fund.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §6, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4096; Pub. L. 107–112, §6(a)(2), Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2098.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–112 redesignated heading and text of subsec. (d) as entire section and struck out former section catchline and headings and text of subsecs. (a) to (c). Prior to amendment, text of subsecs. (a) to (c) related to establishment in the Treasury of the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund, consisting of amounts deposited by the Secretary of the Treasury from donations and appropriated funds, to be used to provide assistance under section 5304 of this title, with not more than three percent of appropriated funds per fiscal year used to administer the Fund.

§5305a. Prohibition on sale, importation, or exportation of products labeled or advertised as rhinoceros or tiger products

(a) Prohibition

A person shall not sell, import, or export, or attempt to sell, import, or export, any product, item, or substance intended for human consumption or application containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, any substance derived from any species of rhinoceros or tiger.

(b) Penalties

(1) Criminal penalty

A person engaged in business as an importer, exporter, or distributor that knowingly violates subsection (a) shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.

(2) Civil penalties

(A) In general

A person that knowingly violates subsection (a), and a person engaged in business as an importer, exporter, or distributor that violates subsection (a), may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $12,000 for each violation.

(B) Manner of assessment and collection

A civil penalty under this paragraph shall be assessed, and may be collected, in the manner in which a civil penalty under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 [16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.] may be assessed and collected under section 11(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1540(a)).

(c) Products, items, and substances

Any product, item, or substance sold, imported, or exported, or attempted to be sold, imported, or exported, in violation of this section or any regulation issued under this section shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States.

(d) Regulations

After consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this section.

(e) Enforcement

The Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall enforce this section in the manner in which the Secretaries carry out enforcement activities under section 11(e) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1540(e)).

(f) Use of penalty amounts

Amounts received as penalties, fines, or forfeiture of property under this section shall be used in accordance with section 3375(d) of this title.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §7, as added Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §405(2), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2960.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Endangered Species Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§1531 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 7 of Pub. L. 103–391 was renumbered section 10 and is classified to section 5306 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§5305b. Educational outreach program

(a) In general

Not later than 180 days after October 30, 1998, the Secretary shall develop and implement an educational outreach program in the United States for the conservation of rhinoceros and tiger species.

(b) Guidelines

The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register guidelines for the program.

(c) Contents

Under the program, the Secretary shall publish and disseminate information regarding—

(1) laws protecting rhinoceros and tiger species, in particular laws prohibiting trade in products containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, their parts;

(2) use of traditional medicines that contain parts or products of rhinoceros and tiger species, health risks associated with their use, and available alternatives to the medicines; and

(3) the status of rhinoceros and tiger species and the reasons for protecting the species.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §8, as added Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §406, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2961.)

§5305c. Advisory group

(a) In general

To assist in carrying out this chapter, the Secretary may convene an advisory group consisting of individuals representing public and private organizations actively involved in the conservation of rhinoceros and tiger species.

(b) Public participation

(1) Meetings

The Advisory Group ¹ shall—

(A) ensure that each meeting of the advisory group is open to the public; and

(B) provide, at each meeting, an opportunity for interested persons to present oral or written statements concerning items on the agenda.

(2) Notice

The Secretary shall provide to the public timely notice of each meeting of the advisory group.

(3) Minutes

Minutes of each meeting of the advisory group shall be kept by the Secretary and shall be made available to the public.

(c) Exemption from chapter 10 of title 5

Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the advisory group.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §9, as added Pub. L. 107–112, §4, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2097; amended Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(123), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4319.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 9 of Pub. L. 103–391 was renumbered section 10 and is classified to section 5306 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

¹ So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.

§5306. Authorization of appropriations

(a) In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this chapter, to remain available until expended.

(b) Administrative expenses

Of amounts available each fiscal year to carry out this chapter, the Secretary may expend not more than 3 percent or $100,000, whichever is greater, to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this chapter.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §10, formerly §7, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4097; renumbered §9 and amended Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §§405(1), 407, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2960, 2961; renumbered §10 and amended Pub. L. 107–112, §§2–4, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2097; Pub. L. 110–132, §3(b), (c), Dec. 6, 2007, 121 Stat. 1360; Pub. L. 116–9, title VII, §7001(c)(1)(C), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 784.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–9 substituted "2019 through 2023" for "2007 through 2012".

2007—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–132, §3(c), substituted "2007 through 2012" for "2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–132, §3(b), substituted "$100,000" for "$80,000".

2002—Pub. L. 107–112, §§2, 3, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, substituted "is authorized" for "are authorized" and "2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007" for "1996 through 2002", and added subsec. (b).

1998—Pub. L. 105–312, §407, substituted "1996 through 2002" for "1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000".