EU Wildlife Trade Regulations
Reference Guide
A comprehensive reference guide on the rules governing the trade of wildlife into, out of, and within the European Union.
or download the full guide as a PDF (6.7 MB)
About
Section 1.1
Overview
The EU's implementation of CITES, the Regulations currently in force, and the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking.
Section 1.2
How do I use this guide?
Who this guide is for, how its sections and annexes are organised, and tips for finding what you need.
Reference Guide
Section 2
What species are covered by the Regulations, and in what way?
Understanding which species are covered by the three CITES Appendices and the level of trade protection each provides.
Section 3
What are the rules governing trade into and from the EU for species covered by the Regulations?
Obtaining the correct import permits, export permits, re-export certificates, and import notifications for listed species.
Section 4
Are there derogations from the normal import and export rules?
Circumstances where import and export rules are less strict, including captive-bred specimens, antiques, personal effects, and streamlined certificates.
Section 5
What rules govern internal EU trade?
Understanding which species require certificates for trade within the EU and how to obtain and use them.
Section 6
What are the rules governing transport, keeping and movement of live specimens?
Following IATA and CITES guidelines when transporting, keeping, and moving live specimens to ensure their welfare.
Section 7
What are the rules regarding marking of specimens?
Understanding which specimens must be uniquely marked and how marking prevents fraud and controls illegal trade.
Section 8
What happens to permits and certificates after they are issued?
Understanding how long permits and certificates remain valid, when they can be issued retrospectively, and how they are amended or replaced.
Section 9
How are CITES duties organised at national and EU levels between the relevant authorities?
Identifying the national and EU-level bodies responsible for CITES implementation, and how the Regulations are monitored, sanctioned, and enforced.
Section 10
What information must be provided by Member States and the Commission?
Reporting obligations for Member States, including annual trade reports and public information requirements.
Annexes
Download the full guide
EU Wildlife Trade Regulations Reference Guide
The complete guide, including all annexes, as a single PDF for offline reading and printing.