Any individual, who for other individuals, engages in the business of dressing, dyeing or tanning the green hides of fur-bearing mammals, protected by this Act, shall be a fur tanner in the meaning of this Act. Before any individual shall engage in the business of dressing, dyeing, or tanning green hides of fur-bearing mammals, for any other individual, he or she shall first procure a fur tanner permit. Fur tanner permits shall be issued by the Department. The annual fee for each fur tanner's permit shall be $25.00. All fur tanner permits shall expire on March 31st of each year. Any fur tanner who receives or collects green hides shall require an affidavit from the shipper or consignor, stating that said green hides were taken according to regulations of the state where they were taken, a certificate of purchase as provided for in Section 3.14 or an invoice as provided for in Section 3.15. The affidavit, certificate of purchase, or invoice shall show the name and address of the individual from whom the green hides were received or collected and the records shall be kept by the fur tanner for a minimum period of one year following the date of receipt or collection. The affidavit, certificate of purchase, or invoice shall be immediately presented for inspection to officers and authorized employees of the Department, any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or any other peace officer upon request . Failure to produce such affidavit, certificate of purchase, or invoice shall be prima facie evidence that such green hides are contraband within this State . Upon receipt by the fur tanner of any green hide not accompanied by an affidavit, certificate of purchase or invoice, the fur tanner shall notify the shipper or consignor in writing of the requirement. The fur tanner shall then hold green hides until an affidavit, certificate of purchase, or invoice is received. The green hides shall be labeled with the name and address of the shipper or consignor, date of receipt, and the date notification was sent to the shipper or consignor. If the shipper or consignor shall fail to furnish the affidavit, certificate of purchase, or invoice within 30 days from the date of receipt of the green hides, the fur tanner shall notify the Department and green hides shall be disposed of in accordance with instructions from the Department. Additional Federal regulations may apply to the hides of certain endangered species.
520 ILCS 5/3.16