Bringing plants and wood into Great Britain
Bringing in endangered species
You’ll need to apply for a permit or certificate if you’re bringing any plants or plant based products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) into Great Britain.
This includes various species of orchids, succulents, carnivorous plants and cycads, as well as woods such as Bulnesia, Dalbergia and agarwoods.
Check if you need a CITES permit.
How to get a CITES permit
You need to download and complete a CITES permit application form. Send it to the address on the form.
If you’re bringing the items into Great Britain, you’ll need to arrive at one of the ports or airports that handles CITES items.
Border Force can seize your items if you do not have a CITES permit and they think you’ve brought them into the country illegally.
Sending items by post
If you’re sending the items by post, make sure you fill in and attach both of the following:
- customs declaration form CN22 or CN23 - you can get these from any Post Office
- the CITES permit or certificate