CITES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The EU regulations which implement CITES are complex and it is easy to get caught out - the following list of FAQs is designed to guide you through some of the potential pitfalls but the best advice we can give is to contact us, explain the particular circumstances and let us offer you advice on how to proceed.
- What species are covered by the CITES Regulations?
- What do I need to know, to find out how CITES affects me?
- What do the various Annex listings mean?
- Do the regulations only affect live animals and plants?
- What is the “European Union”?
- Does the EU have different CITES requirements to other countries?
- What do I need to move my specimens into or out of the EU?
- What happens if I don’t get a permit or certificate?
- Are there any exemptions from the regulations?
- What if my specimen is just a family pet?
- Does it matter when I acquired the specimen?
- Does the age of the specimen/object matter?
- What do I need to do if I see a specimen advertised on the internet which I wish to purchase?
- What should I do if I become aware of someone selling CITES specimens without paperwork?
What species are covered by the CITES Regulations ?
There are over 25,000 species of animals and plants that are covered by the EU Regulations.The listings of all species are contained in the WCMC website. All of the “big cats”, all primates, parrots, alligators, crocodiles, birds of prey, plus elephants, rhinoceros, tortoises, sea turtles, many exotic reptiles plus corals and sea horses are all protected by CITES. Many plants and trees are also protected e.g. orchids, cacti, succulents, tropical timbers. If you have any doubts whatsoever you should contact the following e-mail address and ask for help: wildlife.licensing@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk or telephone number 0117 372 8774
’The link to the WCMC website above will help if you know either the scientific name or common name. The best advice that we can give is not to leave it to chance – if you are unsure - ask !
What do I need to know to find out how CITES affects me ?
All species protected under the EU CITES regulations are listed in one of the four Annexes:A,B,C and D.
The key facts you will need to know for all species listed in the annexes are –
- the name of the species - the application forms requires you to include both the common and scientific name
- the annex in which the species is listed
- when the specimen was acquired i.e. when was it first imported into the EU, taken from the wild or bred in captivity.
- the country you are proposing to import from or (re)export to and in most cases equivalent documentation will be required from the CITES authority in the other country.
With this information to hand it should usually be possible to make an application.
What do the various Annex listings mean?
The annex is the critical listing which defines what you can or cannot do with a specimen.
Annex A species are the most endangered, and most protected species and trade is very strictly controlled . Unless the specimen is covered by a certificate from the UK CITES Management Authority you cannot legally use it for any commercial purpose, whether or not direct payment is involved. This includes offer to buy, buy, keep for sale, offer for sale, transport for sale, sell, advertise for sale, exchange for anything else, or display to paying customers. To import or (re)export such a specimen into or out of the EU requires both an import permit and an (re)export permit. You will therefore need to contact the management authorities in the countries of export and import, prior to such a move.
Annex B species can be traded within the EU providing you can prove “legal acquisition” i.e. the specimen has not been taken from the wild illegally or smuggled into the EU. Annex B specimens which are imported into or (re)exported from the EU require the same documentation as for Annex A specimens (see above)
Annex C and D species require an ‘Import Notification’ form to be completed at the time you make your import. To obtain a copy of the form ring 0117 372 8774
Do the regulations only affect live animals and plants ?
No, the regulations also require certificates and permits for what are described as “parts and derivatives”, for example eggs, feathers, tusks, teeth, skins. shells, seeds, wood, blood, semen, and tissue. This means, for example, that crocodile or snakeskin watchstraps and other fashion items are controlled, as are ivory and items carved from rhino horn. Traditional medicines which contain extracts from endangered animals and/or plants are also controlled and many antiques contain ivory or tortoiseshell (usually obtained from sea turtle). Musical instruments can also be affected by these regulations as the keys on a piano for example may well be ivory.
The advice is ask us for advice – do not assume the item is not covered by the regulations. Email us or telephone 0117 372 8774.
What is the “European Union”?
For the purposes of the EU CITES regulations, the EU or “free trade area” includes the following 27 member states:-
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France inc Guyane, Reunion, Martinique & Guadeloupe
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal inc Madeira & Azores
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain inc Canary Islands
- Sweden
- UK
Please note that for the purposes of the EU CITES regulations, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not part of the UK or the EU, and CITES listed specimens moving between these two places and the UK mainland will require appropriate documentation i.e. they will be regarded as imports/(re)exports. Find contact details here.
Does the EU have different CITES requirements to other countries ?
Yes, the EU has in some cases stricter controls than those required under CITES. In addition they use different terms e.g. species are listed in annexes rather than Appendices I, II, and III which is how they are listed under the Convention. The stricter measures imposed by the EU often catch people out and it is important if you are given advice from a management authority outside the EU to check with us before you do anything.
It is easy and can be expensive to be caught out so please check first !
What do I need to move my specimens into or out of the EU ?
Any specimen of a species listed in Annex A or B requires you to apply to the UK CITES Management Authority in advance of any movement of the specimen. Application forms are available here. The application needs to be accompanied by a cheque for the appropriate amount.
For Annex C and D specimens a self completed ‘Import Notification’ form needs to be completed and stamped by Customs at the point of entry/exit. To obtain one of these forms please contact us by email or telephone 0117 372 8774.
What happens if I don’t get a permit or certificate ?
If you move a specimen into or out of the EU without the appropriate permits it is almost impossible to obtain such authorisation after the fact i.e. “retrospectively”. Customs officers will seize the specimen and you will probably lose it permanently, and you could face prosecution. The message is clear: ask us what is required and make sure you leave plenty of time for your application to be processed and to receive your permit before the specimen is moved. Our service standards, i.e. how long we take to process your application, are published here.
Are there any exemptions from the regulations ?
There are certain statutory exemptions which apply and this is one reason why it is worth asking before making your application.
Certain “worked items” which pre-date June 1947 may be exempt from the need to obtain a sales certificate. Contact us to find out if your specimen is exempt.
Items which are personal possessions and which are moved for personal i.e. non-trade reasons and are carried in your own baggage may be exempt from some of the import/(re)export requirements.
This is known as the Personal Effects Derogation and is complicated and involves many differing circumstances. If you intend to take out or bring a CITES specimen into the EU we recommend that you contact us first to check if you are covered by the Personal Effects Derogation.
What if my specimen is just a family pet ?
The ownership of a pet for non-commercial purposes does not require CITES paperwork. If, however, you buy an Annex A specimen such as a tortoise or parrot, the person selling the specimen to you is required to have a sales certificate issued under Article 10 of the EU CITES Regulation. You should always obtain a copy of this certificate as it is your proof of “legal acquisition”. To buy or sell an Annex A listed specimen which is not covered by an Article 10 certificate is an offence. To buy or sell an Annex B, C or D listed specimen does not require CITES paperwork but remember if you buy from a person based outside the EU you will need CITES import/(re)export documents.
Does it matter when I acquired the specimen ?
Usually no – but it is important to obtain all necessary paperwork before the trade takes place.
Does the age of the specimen/object matter ?
In most cases No – however it can be relevant in the case of antiques i.e. “worked items” which were carved or worked prior to June 1947; it may also be relevant if your specimen was brought into the EU prior to the implementation of the regulations or prior to that particular specimen being listed in the Annexes.
The more information you are able to supply about your specimen the more chance we have of being able to process your application to a successful conclusion.
If you obtained the specimen a long while ago, or you have inherited it, you may not be able to prove the date you acquired it. Please contact us, as we may be able to suggest ways in which its acquisition date can be determined. For example, it is possible for experts to give an approximate date which will be good enough for us to be able to determine if it pre-dates its listing on CITES, or whether it meets the antiques derogation.
What do I need to do if I see a specimen advertised on the internet which I wish to purchase ?
First you need to check whether the specimen is listed under CITES. If it is listed you should check carefully where the seller is based as this is not always obvious on internet sites.
- If the seller is based outside the EU then import/(re)export permits may have to be arranged before the specimen is moved.
- If the seller is within the EU you need to check whether he/she has the correct paperwork to allow the sale (if annex A).
- If the specimen originated outside the EU can the seller prove legal import?
- If it is a specimen bred in captivity within the EU – can this be proved ?
Be very careful when buying CITES listed specimens on auction sites as they may not be legal and unwittingly you could be encouraging illegal and unsustainable trade and you could be committing an offence yourself. Be very careful and ensure you buy only from sites you can trust and can prove the legality of their trade. If you are in any doubt about the requirements, please contact this office.
What should I do if I become aware of someone selling CITES specimens without paperwork ?
Illegal trade in endangered species is a serious offence and if you suspect someone is selling CITES specimens without the necessary documents you should contact your local police or the following contact point wildlife.enforce@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk Your name will not be passed on to the enforcement authorities without your permission.
Page last modified: 13 March 2008
Page published: 13 March 2008