By Nick Lung.    Photo：Madison Inouye

What is CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?

The full name of CITES is Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, The "Washington Convention" for short is an international convention established in accordance with a resolution passed by the meeting of member states of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1973. The Convention on International Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora aims to prevent international trade from threatening the survival of endangered wild fauna and flora. This license is to certify the country of origin of the species, not the country of manufacture of the product.

1. The importer must attach the CITES export/re-import permit issued by the exporting country to import species and their products that are regulated by CITES.

2. Import operation mode: When there is a CITES reminder on the invoice, the customs broker will obtain the original CITES on the cargo (the sender will attach the original CITES to the outer box of the cargo), and fill in the CITES Number when declaring, and the CITES The scientific name (common name) or specification, and it is necessary to apply to the customs for verification.

3. Importers need to pay special attention: when importing by express, if there is a need for re-export later, it is recommended that the consignee apply for an import certificate from the customs at the time of import for future application for a CITES re-export license. Common imported goods for express delivery: ivory products, crocodile leather straps, crocodile leather bags...etc.

4. If the importer imports and exports endangered species of animals and plants and their products in the form of postal parcels or passengers, they should take the initiative to check and present the CITES permit, and go through customs clearance verification at the post office or the designated window at the airport.

5. According to the latest announcement of the International Trade Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, if the following items are imported in the name of an individual, the scope of application of the CITES license issued by the exporting country can be exempted. (Please refer to the latest announcement of the International Trade Bureau on 2022-04-28)
 

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