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Introduction

Are you involved in wildlife trade?

Do you seek information on EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and your obligations concerning CITES?

If so, you have found the right website!

eu-wildlifetrade.org has been designed to provide up-to-date and tailor-made information to commercial EU wildlife trade sectors as well as travellers. Webpages and documents are in the 11 official languages of the EU. They clearly outline legal obligations with regard to trade in species of wild fauna and flora as well as conservation-related reasons that prompted the adoption of these regulatory measures.

Important aspects of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and EU Wildlife Trade Regulations are highlighted and links with other sources of information are offered. These links will lead you to awareness materials, national laws and contacts that are relevant to the regulation of wildlife trade into, from and inside the EU. Although this website is primarily intended to provide information on conservation-related wildlife trade legislation, it also provides an introduction to other relevant laws relating to animal welfare, human health etc.

This website was prepared by TRAFFIC Europe for the European Commission with the kind advice of the CITES Management Authorities of the 15 EU Member States. It was created for traders, travellers and other people that have an interest in wildlife trade and seek information that enables them to comply with EU Regulations. [Ref. Important legal notice]

Whether you are a wildlife trader, a potential traveller or just a person interested in learning more about the trade in wild animals and plants, this website has been designed for you to find all relevant information with regard to the regulation of Wildlife Trade and the application of CITES in the EU.

Background

Millions of live animals and plants are imported into the European Union (EU) each year, including parrots from South America, chameleons from Africa and orchids from South East Asia. In addition, a large variety of wildlife products such as shoes or bags made of reptile skin, timber products (such as furniture) or dried plants used as medicines constantly supply the high demand for these commodities by EU consumers. Some species of fauna and flora involved in wildlife trade are subject to strict legal measures that were adopted to monitor and control all commercial transactions. CITES, EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and national laws constitute a comprehensive set of legal texts that regulate trade in wildlife around the world and related issues extending to live animal and plant welfare, as well as the introduction of invasive alien species into the wild in the EU, and human, veterinary and plant health issues relating to of exotic organisms introduced in the EU.

People involved in wildlife trade, such as importers and exporters or retailers, need to be kept informed of up-to-date provisions of EU Wildlife Trade Regulations. They need to be aware of their legal obligations and must be able to access information relevant to their business in an easy and simple way.

Being aware and informed of legal requirements applicable to wildlife trade is the first step towards

  • sustainable wildlife trade that helps to ensure the conservation of nature also protect your business,
  • customers that are satisfied with your products and services, and are reassured that the wildlife species they purchase have been legally obtained, and
  • a legal business that complies with EU and national wildlife trade provisions and prevents you from being fined, having shipments seized and becoming a threat to biodiversity.

    To become an informed and responsible wildlife trader, please enter webpages of your choice.

 

 The LEGISLATION webpage covers:

  • International legislation (e.g. EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, CITES and other relevant agreements) that is applicable to trade in and use of wild animals and plants, especially the keeping of live specimens;

  • National laws adopted by the 15 EU Member States to implement and enforce CITES as well as EU Wildlife Trade Regulations or deal with other related issues such as species conservation, the protection and welfare of animals and plants, hunting of birds, control of zoos and botanical gardens, and Customs rules.

    These texts are available in PDF format and can be downloaded by using Acrobat Reader, the free viewer for PDF files available from Adobe Systems.

 The TOPICS webpage presents more specific and technical issues such as:

  • Permits, Certificates and Notifications needed for trade into, from and inside the EU;

  • Welfare, Health Issues and Invasive Species applicable to wild animals and plants in trade;

  • Captive Breeding and Artificial Propagation: definitions and regulations;

  • Marking and Labelling of EU and CITES regulated wildlife specimens;

  • Trade in Personal Effects and Household Goods;

  • Trade in and introduction of Wildlife Souvenirs.
 The LINKS AND RESOURCES webpage


The LINKS AND RESOURCES webpage provides you with a list of links to international, European and national websites and resources (materials, contacts, etc.) related to wildlife trade and nature conservation.
Through CONTACT AND EDITORIAL

You can contact us to request specific advice and give us your feedback on the website, including gaps you identified or improvements to make.