Import and export of CITES species and products and related activities within Finland and the EU

Permits and certificates must be valid before starting operations. Without proper documentation, transport across EU borders and trade is illegal. It is the responsibility of a company, community, authority or private person transporting, buying or selling a CITES species to determine whether a permit is required. Information in English on the need for permits and permit procedures is available from the CITES office.

Determine the need for a permit

The determination of whether a permit is needed begins by checking if the species is listed in the Annexes of the EU CITES legislation. The need for a permit and the application process depend on e.g. which Annex of the EU CITES legislation the species is listed in, what kind of activity is in question, and what purpose the specimen of the species, a part of it or a product containing it is used for (commercial or non-commercial). Permits may not be granted for certain species or certain activities. E.g. you may not necessarily engage in commercial activities with more strictly regulated species, and you cannot bring at all some CITES species from certain countries.

Apply for a permit at the CITES e-permit service

If you need a CITES import or export permit, a re-export certificate or an EU certificate, apply for a permit at the CITES e-permit service. You can log in to the service with your Suomi.fi ID. If you are unable to use the service, you can ask for a PDF application form from the CITES office, fill it and send to the Syke.

The permit requirements apply not only to companies dealing with species and products covered by the Convention, but also to private individuals (for example pet owners, online retailers, hunters and tourists).