Regulation 1997/338 - Protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein - Main contents

Summary of Legislation
Legislative text

1. Summary of Legislation

Ensuring trade in wild fauna and flora does not threaten their survival

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EC) No 338/97 — regulating trade so as to protect species of wild fauna and flora

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

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The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has to be implemented uniformly in all EU countries, in view of the EU’s single market and the absence of systematic border controls.
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CITES is implemented in the EU through EU wildlife trade regulations. EU countries apply rules on the import and export of endangered species of animals and plants, and products derived from them.

KEY POINTS

Trade controls

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The import of specimens of endangered species into the EU requires a permit issued by an authority of the EU country of destination or an import notification.
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Export from the EU requires an export permit or a re-export certificate issued by an authority of the EU country in which the specimens are located.
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Categories of species are outlined in Annexes A to D of the regulation.
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Trade in species listed in Annex A, such as the cheetah, is prohibited, while movement of live animals within the EU requires prior authorisation.
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Movement of a live specimen of a species listed in Annexes B and C, such as the cobra or the mongoose, is subject to rules on certification and adequate housing and care, while Annex D covers other cases of the transit of live animals, whole skins and plant products.
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Further restrictions may be imposed in specific circumstances, and EU countries may have their own tougher rules.
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Special rules apply to specimens born and bred in captivity or that are the result of artificial reproduction, part of personal effects or destined for scientific institutions.

Organisation and communication

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EU countries must:
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  designate customs offices to carry out the checks;
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  designate the management and scientific authorities responsible for implementation;
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  monitor compliance and penalise infringements;
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  draw up reports and exchange information on implementation and any permit rejections.
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In February 2014, the European Commission issued a communication launching the debate on the EU’s approach in regard to wildlife trafficking. This was followed, in February 2016, by a Commission action plan on wildlife trafficking.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 1 June 1997.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

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The European Union and Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora (European Commission)

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein (OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, pp. 1–69)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 338/97 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

2. Legislative text

Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein

Contents

1.

Summary of Legislation

2.

Legislative text