It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in Mexico requires adherence to federal wildlife laws, primarily the General Wildlife Law (LGVS) and NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, which classify many bird species as protected. Permits from SEMARNAT are mandatory, and violations may incur fines up to 50,000 MXN or imprisonment under the Federal Penal Code. Indigenous communities hold customary rights under ILO Convention 169, complicating enforcement in rural areas.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Mexico
- Protected Species Restrictions: Feathers from species listed in NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 (e.g., quetzal, scarlet macaw) are prohibited without special permits. Even non-listed species may require authorization under LGVS Article 42.
- Permit Requirements: SEMARNAT issues permits for scientific, cultural, or subsistence purposes. Applications demand proof of legal origin, ethical sourcing, and compliance with CITES if applicable. Processing takes 30–90 days.
- Indigenous and Local Exemptions: Communities with ancestral rights (e.g., in Oaxaca or Chiapas) may collect feathers under LGVS Article 87, but commercialization remains restricted. State-level decrees (e.g., Ley de Vida Silvestre de Yucatán) may impose additional layers.
Enforcement Priorities: SEMARNAT’s 2024–2026 enforcement plan targets illegal trade in feathers, particularly for tourist souvenirs. Customs at airports (e.g., Mexico City, Cancún) confiscate undeclared feathers, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Consult PROFEPA for site-specific compliance guidance.