When buying shells from Conchology, Inc., you always receive a BFAR permit (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) when the shells are sent to you. This permit is very important as it legalizes the shells that you have bought.

Why is this important?

• In the current socio-economic climate: sustainable and green eco movements are pushing for regulated fisheries around the world. The Philippines has a very well-established government program that keep tracks of fishing and exporting marine life. For exported marine life, like seashells and urchins the government issues a BFAR permit. This permit is only issued when the marine life products meet all legal parameters for export.
  
  
• Once the parcel arrives in your country you have all the legal documents required to prove that the shells in the box are legal and have the approval of the Philippine Government to be sold to you.
  
  
• Another benefit is that when you want to resale your entire collection or individual shells, you have proof that those shells are legally obtained and not through smuggling operations. Today museums and institutions worldwide are requiring more and more proof that the materials are legally obtained before they will buy or accept a donation. Hence the importance of such BFAR permit, as it is proof of the legality of your shells.
  
  

For each parcel send, Conchology, Inc obtains a BFAR export permit for you, which is included in the box. Keep this document at all times, as it is your legal owners proof of the shells.