Permits & International Trophy Shipping
From Our Studio to Your Trophy Room
Karoo Taxidermy offers a complete export, crating and international shipping coordination service. Our experienced team manages each consignment with careful attention to secure packing, regulatory compliance and the documentation required for its destination.
Because every trophy shipment is different, the final requirements and costs will depend on the species included, crate dimensions, destination country, port of entry, method of transport and applicable permit regulations.
Packing and Crating Your Trophies
Once your trophies have passed final quality control and are ready for export, they are professionally packed by our on-site crating team. 
Each wooden crate is custom-made for the individual consignment. The trophies are carefully positioned and securely fastened to the internal structure of the crate to minimise movement and protect them during handling and transport.
Where the mount design and horn structure allow, the horns of larger species may be made detachable. This can significantly reduce the dimensions and volumetric weight of the crate, helping to lower international freight costs.
The detachable horn system is individually fitted to the natural horn cores, allowing the horns to be correctly repositioned when the trophy is assembled at its final destination. Reassembly instructions can be provided where required.
All solid-wood packaging material used for international consignments complies with ISPM 15 requirements. Karoo Taxidermy uses appropriately treated and marked timber for its export crates.
Export Documentation and Permits
Karoo Taxidermy has a dedicated export team that coordinates the required South African export documentation and permit applications on behalf of our clients.
Applications can only be finalised once we have received all relevant documentation from the hunting outfitter or professional hunter. Depending on the species and country of destination, this may include:
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Hunting permits and licences
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Professional hunter and outfitter documentation
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Transport or possession permits
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CITES documentation
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Veterinary documentation
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Import permits issued by the destination country
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Copies of the client’s identification and other supporting information
Incomplete or outstanding documentation may delay the export process. Clients are therefore encouraged to ensure that their outfitter submits all required paperwork to Karoo Taxidermy as soon as possible after the hunt.
CITES export permits and re-export certificates generally have a maximum validity period of six months. Shipment timing must therefore be carefully coordinated so that the relevant documents remain valid when the consignment is exported and presented to the authorities at its destination.
Non-CITES permit requirements and validity periods may differ according to the species, province of origin and destination country.
Import Permits and Destination Requirements
Certain species and wildlife products require an import permit or other prior authorisation from the destination country before a South African export permit can be issued or the shipment can proceed.
This may apply to CITES Appendix I specimens, Bontebok trophies, Elephant products and other regulated species or wildlife products, depending on the destination.
Import requirements differ between countries and may change. The client’s appointed customs-clearing agent or wildlife-import specialist should confirm the requirements before shipment.
Where an import permit is required, a clear copy must be supplied to Karoo Taxidermy as soon as it becomes available. The permit must remain valid for the required period and, where applicable, must be valid when the consignment arrives at its destination.
Although clients may apply for their own import permits, we strongly recommend working with an experienced customs broker or clearing agent who specialises in hunting trophies and wildlife products.
Veterinary Inspection and Health Certification
Where required, completed trophies are inspected before export by the relevant South African veterinary authority.
Following a successful inspection, the applicable veterinary health certificate is issued and included with the export documentation. Veterinary and sanitary requirements vary according to the destination country and the contents of the consignment.
International Shipping
Karoo Taxidermy works with experienced freight companies and customs-clearing agents specialising in the international transport of hunting trophies.
Once the consignment is ready and the necessary documentation is in place, the appointed freight company collects the crate from Karoo Taxidermy and coordinates:
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South African export customs clearance
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Delivery to the airport or seaport
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Airfreight or sea-freight booking
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Export handling and documentation
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Transport to the agreed destination port of entry
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Communication with the destination clearing agent
At the destination, the appointed clearing agent receives the consignment and coordinates clearance through the relevant authorities. Depending on the country and species involved, these may include customs, wildlife or conservation authorities, veterinary services and agricultural inspection authorities.
The clearing agent can also arrange onward delivery to the client’s home or nominated address where this service is available.
Airfreight or Sea Freight
Airfreight is generally the faster option and may be more practical for smaller consignments. Sea freight may offer a cost-effective alternative for larger crates or consolidated shipments, although transit and clearance times are usually longer.
The suitability of sea freight depends on factors including:
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The destination and available shipping routes
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Crate size and weight
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The species and products included
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Permit validity periods
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Port handling facilities
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Consolidation opportunities
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Estimated transit time
Our team will discuss the available options with the client and freight agent before shipment.
Customs-Clearing Agents and Brokers
Karoo Taxidermy has established relationships with experienced customs-clearing agents in several international destinations.
Clients may use one of our recommended agents or appoint a customs broker with whom they already have a working relationship. The appointed agent must be authorised and experienced in clearing hunting trophies and regulated wildlife products.
Unless specifically included in the shipping quotation, destination charges are payable directly to the clearing agent. These may include:
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Import clearance fees
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Customs or government charges
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Veterinary and wildlife inspections
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Airport or seaport handling
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Storage
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Duties or taxes, where applicable
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Local delivery
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Additional permits or documentation
What Does International Trophy Shipping Cost?
Every trophy consignment is individually quoted. International freight rates fluctuate, and two crates containing similar species may differ in size, weight, routing and documentation requirements.
The cost will be influenced by:
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The external dimensions and volumetric weight of the crate
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The number, size and type of trophies
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Whether horns can be made detachable
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Airfreight or sea freight
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Destination country and port of entry
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Current carrier rates
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Export permits and veterinary requirements
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Customs and handling charges
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Insurance
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Final delivery requirements
Any shipping estimate is subject to confirmation once the trophies have been packed, the final crate dimensions are available and current freight rates have been obtained.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, Karoo Taxidermy’s shipping quotation may exclude destination clearance, inspections, storage, duties, taxes and final delivery. These charges are normally invoiced separately by the appointed destination clearing agent.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Shipment
Our team will guide you through the export and shipping process and help determine the most appropriate shipping method and port of entry for your consignment.
Please contact Karoo Taxidermy for destination-specific guidance or an individual shipping quotation.
