Government publishes advice in the event of a ‘no deal’

The government has published advice on the trade of protected animals in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

The advice, which also covers protected plants, states that a permit would be needed for protected animals to travel between the UK and the EU, and that travel is only permitted through designated ports.

In order to meet demand, the government will expand the number of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) points of entry and exit for goods.

CITES is an international agreement between governments. It aims to safeguard the welfare of specimens of wild animals and plants during international trade.

Varying levels of protection is granted to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.

The UK will continue to be a member of CITES even in the event of ‘no deal’. However, all CITES species would require a permit or import/export notification. In effect, this would mean that all CITES species would follow the same process as those currently in place for movement between the UK and non-EU countries.

Thérèse Coffey, Environment Minister, stated:

“The CITES convention plays a key role in protecting endangered species and we will continue to uphold it after we leave the EU, as part of our pledge to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than that in which we found it.”

The government has stressed that achieving a Brexit deal is still their top priority and that the guidance issued is part of the preparation for any eventuality.

Further information on this advice can be found here.