Basic information
Outline of the system
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), documentation is required for the import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species listed in its Appendices. The nature of permitting varies depending on: the Appendix in which the species is listed; the age of the specimen; and the nature of the specimen (e.g. personal effects, scientific samples, etc.). All parts and derivatives of species are included. Permits are obtained by the CITES Management Authority in each country.
Product coverage
All parts and derivatives of species listed in the CITES Appendices.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Licensing is intended to ensure that harvesting for trade does not impact the long-term survival of endangered species in the wild.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable, as New Zealand does not have restrictions on quantity of imports.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
All Parties to the CITES Treaty. Non-parties trading CITES listed species with CITES Parties are also required to use equivalent documentation.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
In New Zealand, Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for permits.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Full information about the importer and the specimen to be traded is required. Application form is available here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/cites.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
In New Zealand, we aim to process all permits within 20 working days (though it usually takes 5-10 days).
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
All CITES permits are granted by the Department of Conservation.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Permit signatories must be lodged with the CITES Secretariat to ensure a system of checking veracity of permits (for example through signatures).
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Yes, permit conditions are included with this document (general conditions for all permits, special conditions for live bird exports).
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
New Zealand fees are indicated in www.doc.govt.nz/cites. If permits are required by other countries (for example in a situation where both import and export permits are required), applicants must pay those.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Prices vary by country, so this information is not available.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Payment must be received before a permit can be issued.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
An application for a permit may be refused if criteria are not met. No applications have been declined due to other reasons.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Original permits must accompany the consignment, and are collected by the border control agency in the country of import.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
None related to CITES requirements.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
New Zealand permits cannot be extended, as they cannot be tampered with. CITES permits issued by the New Zealand CITES authorities are affixed with a holographic security stamp, so originals (not tampered with) must be used.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-utilisation of a permit.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Permits are non-transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.