How to Apply
Applications are required for CITES listed species for the following activities
- Import into and (Re) Export from the European Union
- The commercial use of any specimen listed on Annex A to the regulations within the EU
- Movement of specimens within the EU where there has been a previous movement restriction imposed
If you are not sure whether a species is controlled by CITES you should check this first. You will need the scientific name, and can find out using the resources on our CITES Species page.
To apply for a CITES controlled species you will need an application form. The different forms can be found here. Charges apply to some applications. See more details here.
You will need to check any specific requirements with the intended import/export country. You can find out on the Global Cites site here.
You should also check whether there is a trade ban with the country or the species you wish to trade with. You can use the WCMC Species Database for this.
Turnaround times and Customer Charter
We have published a Customer Charter as part of the Government’s service initiative to raise standards of public service. We aim to process 90% of licence applications within 15 working days and the remainder within 30 working days.You should allow this amount of time for your application to be processed.
Copies of the Customer Charter can be obtained from the Enquiries Desk.
Release of Information
Information supplied in applications may be used for the purposes of monitoring compliance of EC Regulation 338/97 and supporting regulations, and in the investigation of possible offences.
The information may be passed to HM Revenue & Customs under the provisions of Article 14 of Regulation 338/97 and to the Police and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) for the purposes of gathering and analysing intelligence on possible wildlife crimes.
Information (including personal data) may also be released on request to other enforcement authorities, under the Environmental Information Regulations, the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It is a condition of making an application that you agree to the Department passing on information to these organisations.
Page last modified:09 January 2007
Page published:31 January 2007