Endangered species CITES

This section provides an overview of legislation regulating imports of specimens of certain endangered species of animals and plants, whether dead or alive and including their parts or derivatives. The system implements the licensing obligations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Documentation is required for the import into and (re-)export from United Kingdom (UK) of endangered species listed in Appendices I, II and III of CITES and of certain non-CITES species which are covered by relevant legislation.

Based on CITES, a licensing system is in place for specified endangered species of animals and plants, which comprises a double-checking system involving export and import controls by both the country of export and by the UK as the country of import. Under CITES "trade" refers to all cross-border movements including non-commercial movements. The licensing system applies to all cross-border movements of specimens of the listed species (whether dead or alive and including their parts and derivatives) and covers not only commercial trade but also, for example, imports or (re )exports for personal use.

The species of plants and animals that are subjected to licensing are listed in Annexes A to D of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 as it applies in Great Britain (retained EU law), and Annexes A to D of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97, which applies in Northern Ireland. The Wildlife Trade Regulations (WTR) described in section 5 below detail different licensing requirements for the species listed in each Annex.

Species listed in Annex A: In general, specimens of the species listed in this Annex cannot be imported for primarily commercial purposes. There are limited exceptions.

Species listed in Annex B, i.e. most species concerned by the WTR: transactions with commercial purposes involving specimens of these species listed in this Annex are possible under a number of strict conditions. Exemptions from this permit requirement can be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Species listed in Annexes C and D need also to meet a number of documentary requirements.

Prohibitions can also be put in place on the importation of certain specimens or species, either globally or originating from specific countries. The restrictions may be found in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2019/1587 as it applies in Great Britain as retained EU law and as it applies in Northern Ireland directly (see section 5 for information on the legislation).

The purpose of this licensing is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Rather, the aim is to protect certain species of animals and plants from over-exploitation through trade, in accordance with CITES and pursuant to relevant domestic policies on the conservation of endangered animal and plant species. As a Party to CITES, the UK is obliged to implement the Convention through a licensing system comprising of import and export controls.

Not applicable.

In the case of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), the licensing requirement applies to all traders and individuals importing listed specimens from all countries and territories outside of Great Britain. In the case of Northern Ireland, the import licensing requirement applies to all traders and individuals importing listed specimens from all countries and territories outside of the European Union. Documentation is required for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Ongoing