What is CITES?

CITES stands for the Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species.

Trade in certain tortoise species is controlled under this convention, which is an international agreement which came into force in 1975. Over 128 countries are now party to this Convention, which helps to protect the world's endangered species by restricting and monitoring international trade.

Each country has its own Regulations for implementing CITES. In EC countries it is implemented by EC Regulation 3626/82.

Generally speaking, for the importation, sale, exchange or bartering of certain tortoise species, a licence or exemption certificate is required from the relevant Authority. In UK this is the Department of The Environment.

Certain species of tortoise are listed in Annex C1 to EC Regulation 3626/82, which means that they are treated within the EC as if they are listed in Appendix 1 of CITES. This means that they are considered to be threatened with extinction in the wild and trade is strictly controlled.

The species concerned are Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), Mediterranean Spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) and Marginated tortoises (Testudo marginata)

If in doubt, consult either the relevant Authority or one of the organisations dealing with tortoises.

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