Many species of plants or animals that are frequently found on farms or in nurseries are threatened with extinction in the wild, e.g.: tortoises, parrots (macaws, amazons, loris, etc.), orchids, cacti, etc.
Illustration : blue and yellow Ara (Ara ararauna) - Annex BII
This situation explains why conditions are imposed for the breeding, artificial reproduction and marketing of these species.
The aim is to demonstrate that specimens of animals or plants are actually a product of captive breeding or artificial reproduction.
You require a CITES certificate for each young specimen of an Annex A species.
For each “nest”, you have to submit a breeding certificate in support of your application via the CITES database.
When your parental pair has young for the first time, you also have to enclose the two original certificates, in order for it to be registered as a breeding couple.
If you practise breeding with Annex A or B species, you also have to keep a register of arrivals (births and purchases) and departures (deaths and sales).
This register must be kept in the location where your animals are kept and for up to five years after having made the last entry in it.
This procedure applies both to hobby breeders (private) and to professional breeders or traders who practise breeding, provided that their specimens are the subject of commercial activities.
Practice commercial activities with CITES specimens
If you engage in the breeding of endangered animals and you happen to sell young specimens or use them in the context of commercial activities, you have to meet several requirements, which depend on the CITES Annex to which the species belongs.
The legislation provides a very broad definition of what is meant by commercial activities conducted with CITES specimens (animal and plant species, derivatives or objects covered by the Convention).
It is not just a question of purchasing and selling.
You fall within the scope of commercial activities when you:
• purchase and sell,
• offer to purchase,
• acquire for commercial purposes,
• display for commercial purposes,
• use for profit (e.g.: falconry, etc.),
• keep for sale (even in the case of occasional sale),
• offer for sale,
• transport for sale,
• directly or indirectly advertise for sale,
• solicit offers,
• lease, trade or exchange,
• give to a person engaging in a commercial activity.
These activities practised via the INTERNET are also included!
Remember: Plants and animals included in Annex A and coming from the wild may not be marketed!