Find us on...
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of some wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Certain natural cosmetic ingredients are impacted by CITES. Please see this CTPA public news item for further details.
Members may be aware that the Government has issued a Technical Notice outlining how the UK will continue to comply with CITES requirements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. See news item 6572.
The UK is a signatory to CITES in its own right. Therefore, CITES requirements will continue to apply after the UK leaves the EU. However, if no deal is achieved between the UK and EU, there will be a significant change regarding movement of cosmetic products containing CITES-listed species between the UK and the EU after Brexit.
In the EU, CITES is implemented via the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, which set requirements for trade in certain species within, to and from the EU and the rest of the world. Currently, this means that movement of CITES-controlled goods can occur between the UK and EU without the need for permits. Following the UK's exit from the EU, movement of all species controlled under CITES between the UK and the EU will no longer take place freely. Import, export and re-export permits will be required.
Trade in CITES goods between the UK and the EU can currently be done through any UK port or airport due to free movement within the EU. In the event of leaving the EU without a deal, this will not be the case and specific ports and airports of entry and exit will be designated for the import and export of CITES goods.
Currently there are just 10 ports and airports for CITES trade with countries outside the EU but this will be increased to 29 in the event of a 'no deal' scenario, including Eurotunnel, Dover and Holyhead. Further information on the new list of CITES designated ports may be found at this link.
Further advice and information may be found on the Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) webpage.
For further information, please contact Caroline Rainsford or contact DEFRA directly at euexitcites@defra.gov.uk.
