A surprising amount of trade, from timber and guitars, to leather jackets, flowers, and more falls under the purview of CITES - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This international treaty exists to regulate and restrict trade in endangered species.
The species protected by CITES are listed in three separate appendices, each with a different level of restrictions on trade. Appendix 1 and 2 species are usually protected worldwide and have permit requirements for trade while those listed in appendix 3 have requirements which vary by country.
To find out if the goods you want to import are subject to restrictions under CITES, you can search the appendices or use the online database. The agency responsible for CITES compliance in your country is also a useful resource. In the USA the relevant agency is the Fish and Wildlife Service. You will need to know the scientific name of the exact species being used, including subspecies if applicable. Common names are not always listed in the CITES appendices as they can apply to multiple species. For example: the common term 'buffalo' could mean American bison (Bison bison), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), or water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
Determining beforehand if the items you want to import are subject to CITES will save you time, and potentially a lot of money. Attempting to import restricted items without proper permits can result in fines and confiscation of your shipment.
No comments:
Post a Comment