CITES species or not

Step 1: Check whether the species is a CITES species

Look up the scientific name of the species and enter it into the Species+ search engine. Species can have multiple names. Always use the accepted scientific name. Did you find the species? Then go to Step 2 to see how strictly it is protected.

If you did not find the species in the search engine, it may not fall under CITES protection. You can confirm this with the CITES Permit Office at cites@rvo.nl. If you do not know the scientific name, you can also ask about that there.

Is your species not a CITES species? Then you should check whether it is protected in the Netherlands under the Environmental Permitting Act (Omgevingswet, in Dutch).

Step 2: Determine how strictly the species is protected

In the search results from Species+, you will find the species’ protection level. The listing will indicate in which Appendix of CITES (or which EU annex) the species is included.

CITES Appendices

There are three levels of international protection: Appendix I, II, and III. Appendix I has the strictest rules. Appendix III has the least strict rules.

You can find the protection level in Species+ under Legal > CITES Listing > Appendix. There you will see a coloured dot with a Roman numeral: I, II or III. These refer to the Appendix in which the species is listed.

European Annex (EU annexes)

The European Union has divided CITES species into annexes A, B, C, and D. These annexes together are called the Species List. Species in Annex A are most strictly protected. Species in Annex D are less strictly regulated. Annex D applies only within the EU. The documentation you need to buy or sell a CITES species depends on the annex the species is listed under.

You can find the European protection level in Species+ under Legal > EU Listing > Annex. There you will see a coloured dot with a letter A, B, C or D.

Changes in protection levels

Parties participating in CITES regularly meet at the Conference of the Parties (CoP). Here, they propose and discuss changes to species listings, budgets, administration and enforcement. The most recent CoP was held in December 2025. The changes will soon be implemented in the EU Species list (Soortenlijst). Until t hen, the international CITES rules apply to the species.

You can review all changes in Appendices and annotations in the document below.

Demonstrating legal origin of newly listed or more strictly protected CITES species

Did you already possess a species before it received a new or stricter level of protection? If so, you must be able to demonstrate this. You can do this, for example, with an invoice, proof of purchase or a veterinary bill. The supporting document must include the following information:

• The date. This date must be earlier than the moment the species received its new or stricter protection status.
• Your first and last name.

The supporting documents must also be traceable to the animal, plant or product. This can be done, for example, through markings or a microchip.

Do you not have supporting documents? Then take a photograph of the animal, plant or product. Make sure the date is clearly visible in the photograph.

Do you have an unmarked animal or product, such as an unmarked skull? In that case, ensure that both the date and your first and last name are visible in the photograph. This shows that you already owned the specimen before the CITES status of the species changed. Keep this photograph carefully.

Your species moves from Annex B to Annex A

Was your species uplisted from Annex B to Annex A? In that case, you must also be able to demonstrate that you already possessed the specimen before it was included in Annex A. You must also show the legal origin of the specimen.

Do you wish to transfer the specimen or product? Once the species is included in Annex A of the EU Species List, you will need an EU certificate. Include supporting documents with your application for an EU certificate.

Due to the change in listing, marking and record-keeping requirements may also apply to your species.

Annotations

For some species, there are exceptions: parts or products of those species may be protected more or less strictly. Sometimes species are protected only in certain countries. These exceptions are called annotations.

If you want to see whether a species has an annotation, check in Species+ under Notes.

Prohibition on trade

For certain species you can never obtain an import permit into the EU. They could threaten native species or they die frequently during transport. In the Suspension Regulation, you can find which species are prohibited from being brought into the EU. Also, CITES may impose a trade suspension on a particular country. This could happen if a country does not comply with CITES obligations. The EU can also impose trade bans itself. 

These trade bans are also included in the Suspension Regulation. Whether a species is subject to the Suspension Regulation or a trade suspension is indicated in Species+. A trade suspension means you may not trade in the species or its parts or products.

Step 3: Check whether the species is highlighted

Some CITES species receive special attention, for example because they are frequently imported or strictly protected. Check whether your plant or animal species is listed among:

• Ivory (in Dutch)
• African grey parrot (in Dutch)
• Antiques (in Dutch)
• Dalbergia (in Dutch)
• Caviar (in Dutch)
• Hunting trophies (in Dutch)
• Tiger bone and rhino horn (in Dutch)

Even as a tourist you may be subject to CITES rules. More information can be found at CITES information for tourists (in Dutch).

Step 4: Prepare your CITES application

If you are transporting or keeping a CITES species, you must apply for a CITES document. For example, an import permit or EU certificate. You will need information about the species in order to complete the application. Make sure you have all the necessary information about the CITES species. This helps us process your application more quickly.

If you are unsure what information you need, refer to Which CITES document do you need? (in Dutch). There you can also request the required document.

Step 5: Submit the application

Once you have gathered all necessary information, you can submit your application via My application for CITES documents (in Dutch).

If you want to know what to expect during the application process, see What does the application process look like? (in Dutch).