CITES

Shipping Product with Endangered Fish or Wildlife Components (CITES)

1. What is CITES?

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is an international agreement between governments which regulates the trade of endangered species and hybrids, including parts and products, through a system of permits.

2. How does it apply to vendors?
International trade of species listed by CITES is illegal unless authorized by permit. Items prohibited by CITES include, but are not limited to, parts and derivatives made from sheesham wood, python skin, ivory, tortoise shell, reptile, fur skins, and coral. Permits to import/export items listed on CITES endangered list into/from United States are issued by the Office of Management Authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

3. To determine if you need a permit, check the CITES database:
http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/species.php

*If your product has a component that is identified on this list, you must apply for a foreign CITES export or re-export document issued by the appropriate CITES office in the country from which the product is exported from. The validated foreign CITES export document must be included in the shipping documents given to the freight forwarder/courier service that the shipment is booked with.

*If you need to check on the status of your application, please allow at least 10 days after you have submitted it before calling. Also, if applicable, have your permit file number available.

4. Failure to comply with providing a CITES permit/certificate when required will result in a seizure of goods by customs, fines, and chargebacks issued by UOI.
For further question or inquires please contact Brent Elliott – BElliott@urbn.com or (215)454-4182.