Trade in endangered animals and plants (CITES)

These rules also apply in the Caribbean Netherlands and require that a permit is applied for to import or export the animals and plants that are listed in Appendix I or II of the CITES Convention. This also applies to transport between the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. Applications for import or export can be submitted to cites@rijksdienstCN.com, using an application form available here. 

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) decides whether a permit is granted. Only after a positive opinion from the Scientific Authority for the Caribbean Netherlands designated by EA can a permit be issued for the import or export of endangered species. 

Caribbean Research & Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI), located in Curaçao, has been appointed as the Scientific Authority. In case of doubt whether or not an animal or plant falls under the protection of the CITES Convention, RCN can contact CARMABI on Bonaire. CARMABI advises whether the export of an animal or plant poses a threat to the species on the island of origin.

Plant or animal species listed in Appendix I of CITES are the most endangered and are only given a permit for non-commercial purposes, such as for scientific research. In addition to an export permit from the country of origin, an import permit from the country of destination is also required for these species.

Species on Appendix II are not necessarily directly endangered but could become so if trade in these species is not strictly controlled. An export permit is required for these species, but no import permit for the Caribbean Netherlands. However, the countries of the European Union (therefore also the Netherlands) and other countries such as the US often also require an import permit for Appendix II species. It is therefore advisable to inquire in the country of destination about the rules for CITES species.

The appended document contains the species listed in Appendix I or II of CITES and which are native to the Caribbean Netherlands.