Bermuda participates in the provisions of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). You will need a CITES document for the movement of a CITES specimen into or out of Bermuda.

A CITES specimen is:

• any animal or plant (dead or alive),
• any recognizable part of an animal or plant,
• any reproductive material of an animal or plant,
• any derivative or hybrid of an animal or plant, or
• any article or product derived from an animal or plant

of a species that is included on a CITES Appendix. You may also check the species to learn whether CITES applies to your item at Checklist.cites.org or Species+.

How to apply

The Department has no special application form. In order to apply for a CITES permit, please furnish the following details in writing:

• Your name and local physical address
• Your phone number and email address
• The name and physical address of the recipient
• A complete description of the item(s) you wish to move, including the common and scientific names of the item(s), size, weight, gender and any particular identifying marks
• The quantity of items being moved
• Document the source of the item; i.e. if it was previously imported, the CITES document that accompanied the item when it was imported
• The reason that the item(s) is/are being moved
• If the specimen is a live animal or plant, present the container in which the item will be carried
• Approximate date the item(s) will be moved

Allow approximately one week for your application to be processed. A CITES permit will be valid for a maximum of six or twelve months, depending on circumstances.

Import of CITES specimens

You are responsible to ensure compliance with CITES legislation in both the country of departure and in Bermuda. You must receive a CITES document from the government in the country of departure. CITES documents are usually issued by the department that is responsible for the environment or wildlife, and details can be found here. A copy of this CITES document will form a part of your application to import your CITES specimen.
The original CITES permit must be validated on the day your item(s) is/are exported. The items will be inspected and the permit validated at the port of departure. It is your responsibility to arrange this inspection and validation ahead of time.

Export, Re-Export of CITES specimens

You are responsible to ensure compliance with CITES legislation in Bermuda, the destination country and any countries through which the item(s) will transit. Ahead of travel, you may receive a copy of the Bermuda-issued CITES document. This copy is not valid for movement of the item(s); it will merely assist you in your application to the destination country. Only the original CITES document has validity and it must accompany the items on their journey.

The original CITES permit must be validated on the day your item(s) is/are exported. The items will be inspected and the permit validated at the port of departure either by an officer of this Department or of Bermuda Customs. It is your responsibility to arrange this inspection and validation ahead of time.