The risk assessment process applies to all imported animals, whether the species has been in trade in the past or not. It entails provisions to ensure individuals that their current ownership of pets, hobby fish, and so on is not threatened; to ensure businesses that the screening process will be fair and timely; and to ensure the public and stakeholders that the process will be science-based and fully transparent. Animals included on the unapproved list can be imported with a permit for educational, scientific research, or accredited zoological or aquarium display purposes. In addition, the Secretary would accept petitions to remove species from the unapproved list.
