Guidance

CITES UK import suspensions

Updated 19 January 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cites-uk-import-suspensions-negative-opinions/cites-uk-import-suspensions

The UK can restrict the import of endangered species from countries, for example where their trade is considered unsustainable.

The Species+ tool lists the restricted specimens where the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is unlikely to issue an import permit.

The UK has also formed import suspensions (which are also known as negative opinions).

Before you apply for a CITES import permit you should check if it’s:

  • listed on Species+ as being restricted
  • subject to a UK import suspension

Search Species+ for restricted species

  1. Open the Species+ tool.

  2. Search for a species, higher taxon, synonym or common name.

  3. Check the EU decisions section for any current suspensions or opinions.

Our baseline position is made up from:

  • EU decisions made before 1 February 2020
  • the UK list of import suspensions

UK list of import suspensions

Species: Corals
Source code: W
Specimens covered: All corals (except Blastomussa wellsi, Catalaphyllia jardinei, Cycloseris (Fungia) cyclolites, Homophyllia (Acanthastrea) bowerbanki)
Countries of origin: Australia (specimens derived from Queensland Fishery only)
Application type: Import
Basis for opinion: Article4(2)(a)
Date of decision: 1 January 2023

Species: Bulnesia sarmentoi
Source code: W
Specimens covered: All
Countries of origin: Paraguay
Application type: Import
Basis for opinion: Article4(1)(a)
Date of decision: 14 March 2022

Species: Isurus oxyrinchus
Source code: X
Sources covered: High seas
Specimens covered: All
Countries of origin: Indian Ocean, North and South Atlantic Oceans, and Mediterranean Sea
Application type: Introduction from the sea
Basis for opinion: Article4(2)(a)
Date of decision: 1 August 2021

Species: Isurus oxyrinchus
Source code: X
Sources covered: High seas
Specimens covered: All
Countries of origin: Indian Ocean, North and South Atlantic Oceans, and Mediterranean Sea
Application type: Import
Basis for opinion: Article4(2)(a)
Date of decision: 1 August 2021

Species: Isurus oxyrinchus
Source code: X
Sources covered: High seas
Specimens covered: All
Countries of origin: Indian Ocean, North and South Atlantic Oceans and Mediterranean Sea
Application type: Export
Basis for opinion: Article4(2)(a)
Date of decision: 1 August 2021

Get help

Contact APHA if you have checked Species+ and the UK’s import suspensions and are still unsure whether your specimen is restricted. You can also contact APHA for advice on whether you should apply for a permit.

Back to top