Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)

About CITES

The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. It aims to ensure that international trade of some wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Jersey is a signatory to CITES through the UK government.

CITES website

International trade of some selected species of wild animals and plants is subject to certain controls. This is because the levels of exploitation is bringing some species close to extinction. In Jersey these controls are covered by the Endangered Species (CITES) (Jersey) Law 2012.

The trade ranges from live animals and plants to many wildlife products derived from them including:

food products
exotic leather goods
wooden musical instruments
timber
rare and unusual items for tourists (often derived from protected or endangered species)
medicines

You need to have a permit for any species covered by CITES that you want to:

import
export
re-export
introduce from the sea

In Jersey the permit system is administered by the Department of the Environment.

Apply for a permit or certificate

You must apply for the correct permit or certificate if you want to import or export wild animals or plants listed under CITES. This includes a species, a part or derivative of an animal or plant. Contact us if you would like us to check the list for you.

You need a permit for CITES listed specimens moving:

between the Channel Islands
to and from the UK
to and from the EU or the rest of the world

If you move a specimen without the correct permit, even by mistake, the receiving country may seize it.

Application form

Complete the application form and email it Natural Environment Group. Allow 3 weeks for your application to be processed.

Application for a Permit under the Endangered Species (CITES) (Jersey) Law 2012

Fees

The fees below include GST and apply to all types of permit or certificate:

import or export permit
re-export certificate
introduction from the sea certificate
certificate of origin
certificate of captive breeding
certificate of artificial propagation
pre-convention certificate
travelling exhibition certificate

Issuance	Replacement, alteration or condition revocation
£41.25	£23.60

You need to pay the issuance fee for each application for either a single specimen or any number of specimens as long as they:

are of the same species (in the case of animals other than corals) or genus (in the case of plants and corals)
have the same source code and purpose code
are to be transported between the same importer and exporter
form part of 1 travelling exhibition (only for travelling exhibitions)

CITES guidance notes on fees

Waiving the fees

You can apply for the fees to be waived for your permit or certificate. You'll need to demonstrate that the purpose of your animal or plant move is likely to bring conservation benefits to the species.

You'll need to apply for your fees to be waived before applying for your permit or certificate. Complete the application form and email it to Natural Environment Group.

Application form for fees to be waived in relation to applications for a CITES certificate or permit