Four Inch Turtle Law

The sale or commercial distribution of viable turtle eggs and small turtles (carapace lenght less tha 4 inches) for use as pets is banned under 21 CFR 1240.62. The ban is based on Public Health Service act( section 361, 58 Stat. 703) and there fore applies to both intrastate and interstate sale and distribution.

Exceptions to the ban under 21 CFR 1240.62 permit sales of turtles and turtle eggs for use in bon fide scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes other than as pets and of marine(ocean) turtles. Other exceptions to the ban are the sale of turtles and turtle eggs not in connection with a business(e.g.,limited sales between turtle fanciers have been permitted) or tha are intended for export.



The ban applies to small turtles(under 4 inches carapace lenght) because these are most likely to be held for sale as childrens pets, and the purpose of this ban is to protect children from turtle_born salmonellosis.


I,___________________________,have reviewed the information
 print name of purchaser

above about the prohibitions set forth in title 21, Code of Federal Regulations,section 1240.62,and fully understand these prohibitions.

Signature:_____________________________Date_____________

Business Name:___________________________________

Address:_________________________________________

            __________________________________________

Telephone:_______________________________________