Yes, collecting feathers in Chile is legal under strict conditions, primarily governed by the Ley de Caza (Hunting Law) and Reglamento de Protección de Especies (Species Protection Regulation). Native bird feathers are protected unless sourced from non-native, domesticated, or legally hunted species with permits. The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) enforces compliance, with 2026 amendments tightening oversight on endangered species.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Chile
- Protected Species Ban: Collecting feathers from native or migratory birds (e.g., Diuca diuca, Passer domesticus) is prohibited without a SAG-issued Permiso de Aprovechamiento de Recursos Faunísticos. Violations incur fines up to 5,000 UTM (~$400,000 CLP) or imprisonment.
- Domesticated/Non-Native Exceptions: Feathers from poultry (e.g., chickens, ducks) or introduced species (e.g., Columba livia) may be collected freely, provided no municipal ordinances restrict waste disposal. SAG requires documentation for commercial use.
- CITES & Endangered Species: Feathers from species listed under CITES (e.g., Vultur gryphus) or Chile’s Listado de Especies en Categorías de Conservación require prior authorization from the Ministerio del Medio Ambiente. 2026 updates mandate digital tracking for all transactions.
Enforcement: SAG conducts inspections in markets (e.g., Feria Lo Valledor) and online platforms (e.g., MercadoLibre). Indigenous communities may harvest feathers for cultural purposes under Ley Indígena (Law 19.253), but only with prior consultation and limited quantities. Always verify permits via the SAG portal.