The following alphabetical index is to help you
quickly find the answer to general permit questions. The keywords
lead you to frequently asked questions and their answer, as well
as links to fact sheets and specific web pages.
What is the role of the Division
of Scientific Authority? The mission of the Division
of Scientific Authority (DSA) is the science-based conservation
and enhancement of species in the wild on a global basis, with
a focus on plants and animals subject to international trade.
DSA reviews applications for CITES, ESA, and WBCA permits and
issues findings related to the biological effects of activities
to be conducted under permits. DSA also determines whether
recipients of live specimens of CITES Appendix-I species are suitably
equipped to house and care for them.
Scientific Name
I am not familiar
with the scientific name as shown in the CITES Appendices (lists).
How can I find a species by its common name? Click here to
access a CITES species database that allows you to search by common
name. Please be aware that searching by common name may
result in an incomplete or inaccurate result. For example,
some problems that occur when a search is done by common name
are: (a) some species have more than one common name; thus,
you may not know if the scientific name you get from your query
is the correct scientific name for the species you have; (b) some
species have no common names or not all common names are in the
database; and your query may not give you a result even when your
species is listed; and (c) CITES lists a number of species by
larger groups of related animals or plants; not all of the species
are individually listed in the database, especially all the common
names. If you have any questions or are unsure if your species
is listed, please contact us.
Seeds
Does the import or export of seeds
need permits? Under CITES, seeds of Appendix-II plants
(except seeds from Mexican cacti originating in Mexico) and seeds
of Appendix-I artificially propagated hybrids are exempt from
CITES controls. Plants grown from exempt seeds, however,
are protected and require CITES permits to be imported or exported.
Under the ESA, seeds of endangered plants require permits to be
imported or exported. Seeds of threatened plants require
permits if the seeds came from wild plants, but do not require
permits if the seeds are from artificially propagated plants.
A label stating that the seeds are of cultivated origin must accompany
the shipment of such seeds. To find out how a species is
protected, click here to access the CITES
list and the ESA
list. Check with APHIS
and the State
to meet their requirements.
Shipping/Transport
What about shipping live animals
and plants? Permits for the shipment of CITES-listed
live animals or plants may be issued only when the applicant demonstrates
that the specimen will be humanely shipped. Live animal
shipments must meet the International
Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations
or the CITES guidelines for transport. In addition, the
import of live mammals and birds must meet the humane
shipment regulations at 50CFR14 sections 101-172.
CITES: Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species BGEPA: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ESA: Endangered Species Act
MBTA: Migratory Bird Treaty Act MMPA: Marine Mammal Protection Act WBCA: Wild Bird Conservation Act