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Home > Export/Import > Customs Answer(FAQ) > 1808 Outline of import restrictions in accordance with CITES (FAQ)

1808 Outline of import restrictions in accordance with CITES (FAQ)


  Various wild animals and plants on the earth are on the verge of extinction.

  For the purpose of protecting those endangered animals and plants by introducing restrictions on international trade such as exportation and importation, the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was adopted in 1973 in Washington. This Convention is called CITES. Animals and plants subject to the restrictions of the Convention are categorized into types I, II and III according to the degree of the danger of extinction, as specified in the Appendixes of the Convention, and import restrictions are prescribed for respective types of animals/plants.

  Those animals and plants subject to trade restrictions under the Convention include not only living animals and plants as pets or decorative plants but also stuffed animals, clothing, handbags, belts, shoes, and craftworks made of animal hides and skins such as fur coats as well as herbal medicines.

  For importing those goods subject to restrictions under CITES, it is necessary to obtain the export permit issued by the government authority as stipulated by the Convention, as well as the import license issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

  At the time of making import declaration of those restricted goods, it is necessary to submit the aforementioned documents to the customs and obtain their confirmation.

  Custom clearance for those goods subject to CITES may be made only at designated Customs offices. Please contact Customs for specifics.

  For details about specific restricted species, please contact the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Article 70 of the Customs Law, Article 92 of the Cabinet Order for Enforcement of the Customs Law, item 1, section 3, paragraph 70 of the General Notification of the Customs Law, Articles 4 of the Import Trade Control Ordinance)


[Inquiries]  
  Office of Trade Licensing for Wild Animals and Plants,
  Trade Control Policy Division,
  Trade Control Department,
  Trade and Economic Corporation Bureau,
  Tel: +81-3-3501-1511

(Reference)
Website of METI
(Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/external_economy/trade_control/02_exandim/06_washington/index.html
(in Japanese)

For consultations on customs procedures, please contact the nearest Customs Counselor.
Please see No. 9301 for inquiries.