How to get CITES Certified
To obtain authorization to trade internationally in specimens of species (such as sturgeon for caviar) that are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you must follow a series of steps to comply with national and international regulations. Here’s how to get the required certification:
1. Identify the Species
•Determine if your product involves a CITES-listed species. In the case of sturgeon caviar, most sturgeon species are listed under CITES Appendix I or II, which requires special permits for international trade.
•You can check the CITES Appendices for species listings on the official CITES website.
2. Contact Your National CITES Management Authority
•Each country has a CITES Management Authority responsible for issuing permits and certificates. This authority regulates international trade, ensures compliance with CITES rules, and maintains oversight of species conservation.
•You can find your country's CITES Management Authority using the directory on the CITES website.
3. Apply for a CITES Permit
•For export from the country of origin of species included in CITES Appendix I or II, a CITES export permit is required - or a certificate for one of the special cases, for example where the specimens to be exported were bred in captivity. For specimens that were already imported and are being re-exported to another country, a re-export certificate is required.
•In the case of wild-taken specimens of species included in CITES Appendix I, an import permit is also required. Some countries require this also for specimens of Appendix II species.
•An application for a permit or certificate typically requires detailed documentation about:
The species being traded; the scientific name is needed. In the case of caviar, this is obtained from several different species of sturgeon, so it is important to specify the right one.
Proof of legal acquisition. Details about the trade volume, the destination, and the intended use.
•There may be additional permits required or restrictions, depending on the country of origin and destination.
4. Fulfil Requirements for Sustainability and Legal Compliance
•Sustainable practices: Obtaining a CITES export permit is contingent on demonstrating that the trade or harvesting method is sustainable and does not threaten the survival of the species.
•Legal compliance: You will need to provide documentation proving that the trade is legal under both national and international law, including conservation regulations and quotas.
5. CITES Labelling
•In the case of caviar from sturgeon species, CITES requires that all primary containers (the container that is in direct contact with the caviar) be properly labelled with a CITES-approved label. This label will include codes with key information including the species, country of origin, the registration code of the processing plant, and the batch number to ensure traceability.
6. Pay Fees
•Many countries charge fees for processing CITES permit applications. The amount varies by country, species and type of permit or certificate.
7. Receive and Use Your CITES Certificate or Permit
•After your application is approved, you will receive a CITES permit or certificate. This document is crucial for any international trade involving the species.
•Keep in mind that CITES permits are typically valid for a limited time (not more than 6 months), so it’s essential to complete the trade within the permitted timeframe.
8. Reapply as Necessary
•If you need to export or import additional products, you'll need to apply for new CITES permits for each transaction or shipment.
9. Additional Considerations for Import/Export
•Customs and Border Controls: Customs officials may inspect CITES permits upon the entry or exit of the product from your country, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.
By following these steps, you can obtain CITES certification for trading caviar or other regulated products, ensuring both legal compliance and contribution to species conservation.
For more detailed country-specific steps, you should contact your national CITES authority or refer to the official CITES website.