Moving or trading CITES-listed species

​​​​​​About CITES

International movement and trade of some species of animals and plants is controlled so it does not threaten their survival. This includes:

• their derivatives
• antiques and clothing made or containing CITES-listed species
• pets

Species are listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES)​.

You may need a CITES permit or certificate to import, export or re-export any living or dead plant or animal or any of its parts which is listed by CITES.

This includes the movement of specimens to and from:

• the Channel Islands
• the UK
• EU
• the rest of the world
  

• the receiving country may seize it
• you could be subject to criminal offences
  

For more information email the CITES team.

Endangered Species (CITES) (Jersey) Law 2012

Import permits

You must apply for an import permit if you’re moving into Jersey a specimen listed in CITES Appendix I.

You’ll need both import and export permits:

• import permit from Jersey CITES Management Authority
• export permit from the exporting country

The export permit must be shown to the country of import before an import permit can be requested.

If you’re importing Appendix II or III species, you’ll only need a valid export or re-export permit from the exporting country.

Export and re-export permits

You must apply for an export permit if you’re moving a specimen out of Jersey for the first time. 

If the species has previously been imported into Jersey and you’re moving it out you must apply for a re-export permit. You’ll need to provide evidence of the legal import.

This includes any items subsequently converted to manufactured goods.

Before you apply for a permit

CITES species are listed in 3 appendices. Appendix I includes species most threatened with extinction and has the strictest protection. Appendix III has the least.

Before you apply for a permit you must check:

• if the specimen is listed on 1 of the appendices using Species+
• if the specimen is subject to an import suspension. To find this:
• go to Species+
• enter the specimen in the search
• select the correct specimen
• under the Legal tab go to EU Decision to find information on suspensions
• the CITES controls for the importing and exporting countries. You can do this by contacting the CITES Management authority of the relevant country. Find a list of country profiles on CITES

If you cannot find your specimen on Species+:

• check you’re spelling the specimen correctly
• complete a wider browser search to see if it’s CITES-listed
• contact us

Live CITES-listed animals or animal products are subject to welfare, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls and need extra documents or checks. Find more information on import, export or travel with small pets.

Customs requirements

All CITES permits and certificates must be endorsed by Jersey Customs and Immigration when the species enters or exits Jersey.

Once your permit application has been approved you need to: 

• declare the CITES movement to customs. You'll need to login into your customs account or create an account if you don't have one already
• book an appointment to have your permit endorsed by emailing RGC@gov.je​
  

Find more information on bringing restricted items to Jersey.

If you’re moving specimens to the UK, you must do this through a CITES designated port. Find a list on trading or moving CITES-listed specimens through UK ports and airports on GOV.UK.

Apply for a permit or certificate

To apply you must give details of your proposed shipment and pay the relevant fee.

You may also need to provide supporting documents such as:

• evidence of microchip number
• proof of purchase
• travel or trade history, including relevant CITES permits or certificates

It can take up to 3 weeks for us to process your application.​

Apply for a CITES permit

​Permit fees and validity period

You need to pay a fee for each application.