Reference Guide European Union Wildlife Trade Regulations February 2013 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/cites/home_en.htm This is a revised and updated version, based on the previous edition of the Reference Guide to the European Union Wildlife Trade Regulations originally produced in 1998 by the European Commission, TRAFFIC Europe and WWF. This document does not necessarily represent the opinion of the European Commission andT is NO a legal interpretation of European Union legislation. The contents of this document may be freely reproduced provided that the source is adequately recorded: European Commission and TRAFFIC (2013). Reference Guide to the European Union Wildlife Trade Regulations. Brussels, Belgium. For an in depth reference to CITES, consulte th 9th edition of “The Evolution of CITES” published by the CITES Secretariat in 2011 that can be downloaded from the CITES website at www.cites.org. For more details and information relating to the implementation and enforcement of CITES and the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, see the website of the European Commission (top of page) or, alternatively, contact the relevant authorities in EU Member States. Reference Guide to the European Union Wildlife Trade Regulations 1 Contents CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................... 2 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES ............................................................................................ 7 1. HOW DO I USE THIS GUIDE? ........................................................................................... 9 2. WHAT SPECIES ARE COVERED BY THE REGULATIONS, AND IN WHAT WAY? ............................................................................................................... 14 2.1 The CITES Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 14 2.2 The Annexes to Regulation (EC) No 338/97 .......................................................................................... 15 2.2.1 Annex A .................................................................................................................................................. 15 2.2.2 Annex B .................................................................................................................................................. 17 2.2.3 Annex C .................................................................................................................................................. 18 2.2.4 Annex D .................................................................................................................................................. 19 2.2.5 Annotations ............................................................................................................................................ 19 2.2.6 Hybrids ................................................................................................................................................... 20 3. WHAT ARE THE RULES GOVERNING TRADE INTO AND FROM THE EU FOR SPECIES COVERED BY THE REGULATIONS? ...................................................... 21 3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 21 3.2 What document for what purpose? ..................................................................................................... 23 3.2.1 Documents for the import of specimens of species listed in Annex A, B, C or D into the EU ................ 23 3.2.2 Documents for the export or re‐export of specimens listed in Annex A, B, C or D from the EU .......................................................................................................................................................... 24 3.3 What are the rules for the issuance of import permits for specimens of Annex A‐ or B‐listed species? ....................................................................................................................................... 25 3.3.1 How do I apply to import a specimen? .................................................................................................. 25 3.3.2 What documentary evidence is required by the Management Authority for imports? ........................ 31 3.3.3 What other conditions or requirements apply to imports into the EU under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations? .................................................................................................................. 32 3.3.4 What happens if an import application is rejected? .............................................................................. 33 3.3.5 Are there other requirements that can apply? ...................................................................................... 34 3.3.6 How long do import documents remain valid? ...................................................................................... 34 3.3.7 What happens at the point of introduction into the EU? ...................................................................... 35 3.3.8 Use of import documents as proof of legal importation ........................................................................ 36 3.3.9 Can the European Commission suspend imports of species listed in Annexes A and B? What is the significance of Negative Opinions of the Scientific Review Group? .................................. 37 3.3.10 Summary of conditions that must be fulfilled for the issue of import permits for specimens of species listed in Annexes A or B ...................................................................................... 44 3.4 How are import notifications for specimens of Annex C‐ or D‐listed species obtained? ......................... 45 3.5 What documents are required for (re‐)export of specimens of species listed in Annex A, B or C? .................................................................................................................................................. 50 3.5.1 How do I apply to export or re‐export a specimen? .............................................................................. 50 Reference Guide to the European Union Wildlife Trade Regulations 2 3.5.2 What documentary evidence is required by the Management Authority for (re‐) exports? ................. 52 3.5.3 What other requirements apply for (re‐)export under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations? ................. 56 3.5.4 What happens when (re‐)export applications are rejected? ................................................................. 57 3.5.5 Are there any other requirements than can apply? ............................................................................... 57 3.5.6 How long do (re‐)export documents remain valid? ............................................................................... 57 3.5.7 What happens at the point of (re‐)export? ............................................................................................ 58 3.5.8 Summary of the conditions that must be fulfilled for the issue of export permits and re‐ export certificates for species listed in Annex A, B or C ........................................................................ 60 3.6 Are there derogations from the normal import and export rules? ........................................................ 62 3.6.1 What procedures apply to import and (re‐)export of captive‐bred animals/artificially‐ propagated plants? ............................................................................................................................... 62 3.6.2 What rules apply to specimens in transit through the EU? .................................................................... 66 3.6.3 What rules apply to trade in wildlife “antiques”? .................................................................................. 66 3.6.4 What about trade in “pre‐Convention”/”pre‐Regulation” specimens? ................................................. 69 3.6.5 What is the situation regarding personal effects and household goods (including hunting trophies)? .............................................................................................................................................. 72 3.6.6 How is exchange between scientific institutions facilitated? ................................................................ 79 3.6.7 Can permits and certificates be pre‐issued for trade in biological samples? ........................................ 81 3.6.8 What about the use of pre‐issued documents for the (re‐)export of dead specimens of species listed in Annexes B and C? ........................................................................................................ 81 3.6.9 Are there streamlined procedures for travelling exhibitions? ............................................................... 82 3.6.9 Are there simpler procedures for personally owned live animals (e.g. pets, etc.)? .............................. 88 3.6.10 Can travelling sample collections make use of simpler procedures? .................................................. 92 3.7 Trade involving EU dependent and other territories ............................................................................ 95 4. WHAT RULES GOVERN INTERNAL EU TRADE? .............................................................. 96 4.1 What are the general principles? ........................................................................................................