Federal Ban on Commercial Kangaroo Products Kicks Off: $10,000 Fine for Violations

The newly proposed Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025 is straightforward: it aims to shut down the commercial trade of specific kangaroo species and their products in the United States. If you’re a business owner, a retailer, or anyone involved in importing or selling products made from kangaroo leather or meat, this is the fine print you need to read.

The Ban: What’s Off the Table?

This bill makes it illegal to knowingly import, sell, or distribute products made from four specific species of kangaroos: the Western Gray (Macropus fuliginosus), the Eastern Gray (Macropus giganteus), the Common Wallaroo (Osphranter robustus), and the Red Kangaroo (Osphranter rufus). The law is clear that a “kangaroo product” is anything made, even partially, from one of these animals. Think of it this way: if you’re a shoe retailer selling kangaroo leather boots, or a specialty food distributor selling kangaroo meat, this section is aimed squarely at your supply chain.

It’s not just about bringing the animals into the country; the prohibition covers interstate commerce—meaning you can’t make, sell, advertise, or transport these products across state lines either (Sec. 2).

Penalties That Hit the Wallet and the Clock

For those who knowingly violate this ban, the penalties are significant. The bill establishes a fine of up to $10,000, up to one year in jail, or both. Crucially, the bill specifies that every single violation counts as a separate offense (Sec. 2). For a business caught shipping multiple boxes of prohibited products, those $10,000 fines could stack up fast.

This is a major shift for any businesses, large or small, currently relying on these imported materials. They will need to quickly pivot their sourcing and inventory management to avoid costly legal trouble once the law takes effect.

Rolling Out the New Rules

While the bill is clear on what’s banned and the consequences, it doesn't slam the brakes immediately. The substantive prohibitions and penalties won't actually kick in until 180 days after the bill becomes law (Sec. 2). This six-month grace period is essential for businesses to liquidate existing stock, adjust contracts, and find alternative materials.

The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with writing the specific rules needed to make this ban work, consulting with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Agriculture. This means that while the core prohibition is set, the detailed enforcement mechanisms are still being worked out, which will be important for businesses to watch closely.