Animal Plant Health Agency
Before you apply
Before you start, check if you need to:
- apply for a permit or certificate to import, export or re-export CITES listed species
- apply for an Article 10 certificate for commercial use of CITES listed species
- register your item or apply for an exemption certificate to deal in ivory
If you do not have a valid permit or certificate for moving or trading CITES-listed species you could be liable to a prison sentence of up to 7 years, an unlimited fine, or both.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) issues CITES documentation. It is the UK CITES Management Authority.
Permits are valid for one consignment only.
In certain situations, APHA can issue multiple permits to allow individuals to import or export a number of consignments of the same species from or to the same country within a 6 month period.
You must check:
- you have the correct scientific name for the species - do an internet search using the common name or check the Species+ website if youre unsure
- the requirements of the import or export country by contacting the CITES authority in that country
- if your specimen (a living or dead animal or plant or any of its parts - or an item made from these) is subject to an import suspension (negative opinion)
If you intend to move items that you cannot identify, you should check with the CITES management authority of the country of import or export before you go ahead.
If you have a permit to export a specimen of a CITES species issued by another country, this does not guarantee that APHA will issue an import permit for it.
You can only import specimens of annex A species in exceptional circumstances. This is to avoid endangering the species further. Contact the APHA team for endangered plant and animal species for more detailed advice if you want to import a specimen of an annex A species.
How to apply
Use these forms to apply for a permit or certificate to:
- import, export or re-export annex A or B specimens - FED0172 form
- export or re-export annex C specimens - FED0172 form
- record accommodation and care arrangements when importing or moving to new premises - accommodation and care forms
- use an annex A specimen for commercial purposes - FED1012: Article 10 certificate
- move a travelling exhibition that includes CITES specimens that will cross multiple borders - travelling exhibition certificate form
- move a single CITES specimen that will cross multiple borders, like a pet or musical instrument. Use this form for each musical instrument in a touring orchestra - FED0172 form
To import annex C specimens, you need to contact APHA to get an import notification form.
In most cases, UK import permits are only valid when supported by a valid export permit issued by the country the specimens were exported from.
You must have the relevant permit before you import, export, or re-export a CITES specimen. You can only apply for a retrospective permit under very specific and exceptional circumstances.
Before you apply for a retrospective permit, you must contact the APHA team for endangered plant and animal species (CITES).
Applications for annex A captive born and bred birds
If you submit an application for annex A captive born and bred birds, you must provide full details of the unique number on the birds leg ring. You should include all numbers, letters and characters.
The ring number must be unique as the permit or certificate issued can only be used for that specific bird.
Your application may be delayed if you do not supply a unique ring number for each bird, or you use duplicate ring numbers.
For further advice about marking specimens, contact APHA by:
- email: wildlife.licensing@apha.gov.uk
- telephone: 03000 200 301
Apply for someone else
If youre making an application on behalf of a UK resident or business, you must complete the CITES application with the full name and address of the actual exporter or importer, not your own.
The application must include written confirmation of this arrangement, signed by the person who youre making the application for.
Send your application
You must include the correct fee and scans or copies of supporting documents with your application.
You can submit your application by email: CITESapplication@apha.gov.uk or post to:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Horizon House
Deanery Road
Bristol
BS1 5AH
If you want to email your application and cannot electronically sign the application form, you must add a declaration in the remarks field on the form. Do this by putting your email address in the signature or remarks box and add:
I, [insert your name], am the owner of the email address below and also the applicant.
Fees
You must pay a fee to cover the cost of processing your application. If youre importing or exporting endangered species for conservation, you can apply for a waiver so you may not need to pay CITES fees.
You will not get a refund if your application is refused or you cancel it after processing has started.
Most common charges
| Permit, certificate, registration | Fees for animals () | Fees for plants () |
|---|---|---|
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