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Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)


 

The Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989 allows New Zealand to fulfil its international obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

This world-wide agreement (the CITES agreement) is designed to prevent trade in endangered, threatened or exploited species. It covers both the live plants and animals themselves, and products made from them such as those listed below, which cannot be imported into New Zealand, or can only be imported with a special permit. There are also corresponding restrictions on similar goods exported from New Zealand.

For further information see the CITES convention information at www.cites.org.nz.

Goods you cannot import into New Zealand under the CITES convention

  • ivory in any form, including jewellery and carvings
  • tortoise or sea turtle shell jewellery and ornaments
  • meat or other food made from whales, dolphins, rare cranes and pheasants, or sea turtles
  • medicines made from endangered species of wild fauna and flora; for example Po Chai, musk, rhinoceros or tiger derivatives such as ground horn or bone
  • carvings or other things made from whalebone or bone from many other marine mammals
  • cat skins or coats
  • trophies of: sea turtles, snakes, all big cats, rare reptiles, cranes, pheasants, bears, antelope, and deer
  • live species including: pet eagles, hawks, owls and parrots, many cacti, orchids, cycads, cyclamens, and carnivorous plants.
Goods you need a CITES export permit for

  • all clam shells and bits of coral – even those you just pick up on the beach
  • bird of paradise feathers
  • many big game trophies
  • some live cranes, pheasants, quail, and many small cage birds such as finches
  • many goods such as belts, bags, watchstraps or shoes made from skins or crocodiles, lizards, large snakes, or other reptiles
  • many butterfly collections
  • some ferns and any carnivorous plants, cycads, orchids, cyclamens and cacti not completely prohibited
  • anything made from any of these species or which incorporates some part of them.
Remember – if in doubt, do not import

Further information can be obtained by viewing the Department of Conservation website at www.doc.govt.nz  or by phoning +64 4 472 5821.