Do you import or export items covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)? These might be for example: vicuna yarn & other products, alligator hide or skin, certain furs or certain reptile skins.

If so, this is for you – changes are expected to CITES procedures after the UK exits from the EU. The UK is a party to CITES in its own right, and regulations governing the trade in CITES products are currently implemented through the EU via the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations (EUWTR), which also includes a number of stricter measures. Certificates are required for Annex A, no permits are required for Annex B, C or D. Details of CITES species, and on which products are in the Annexes referred to can be found on the CITES website here.

EU regulations are currently being transferred into UK law through powers in the Withdrawal Bill. After the UK exits the EU, EUWTR will be part of UK law. Permits will then be required for the transport of all specimens between the UK and the EU (import and export), unless a negotiated outcome is achieved.

BUT, if there is No Deal, from 30^th March 2019, the UK will need to report directly to the CITES secretariat. This will result in a large increase in border checks.

DEFRA is considering the need for designating specific ports of entry and exit for CITES goods. A decision will be made on these ports very soon, and UKFT would like to know urgently which UK ports are used for the import and export of your CITES products, and we would also like to receive any comments you may have on this possible change.

Please email Laurian Davies MBE at UKFT as soon as possible  Laurian.davies@ukft.org