Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Permit Requirements
On November 25, 2023, new Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requirements became effective concerning the international trade of requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae spp.). Since that date, requiem sharks were included with other CITES Appendix II listed shark and ray species that include mako sharks, devil rays, thresher sharks, silky sharks, the basking shark, whale shark, great white shark, oceanic whitetip shark, hammerhead sharks, porbeagle shark, and manta rays.
The international trade of sharks and rays (export and introduction from the sea) of species listed in CITES Appendix II is subject to regulation. Introduction from the sea refers to transport into a country of the listed species taken in the marine environment not under the jurisdiction of any country or “high seas.”
Any person or entity that plans to engage in the international trade in specimens of CITES-listed Appendix II species must apply for and obtain appropriate CITES documents. An Appendix II listing is not a prohibition or ban on trade and these species can be traded with the proper CITES documents.
Permits are issued based on the two following analyses. If both of these analyses are positive (i.e., the proposed activity is legal and sustainable), a permit would be issued to conduct international trade.
- A non-detriment finding: data or expert scientific opinion on the biological status of the species indicating that international trade is not detrimental to species survival.
- A legal acquisition finding: evidence that specimens to be traded were not obtained in violation of any state, federal, or other jurisdictional law.
To determine the specific CITES documentation requirements for these shark and ray species, please read the questions and answers below.
Do I need a CITES Permit?
To determine the specific CITES documentation requirements for these shark and ray species:
- First, determine the scientific name (genus and species) since wildlife protections are designated at the species or sometimes the subspecies level. This can be searched in the list of CITES Species.
- Next, determine whether the species is protected under U.S. or international law. (Keep in mind that a species may be listed under multiple laws, so multiple authorizations may be required.) If more than one type of permit for an activity is required by multiple regulations, we may be able to issue one consolidated permit authorizing the activity, provided certain criteria are met. Species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) can be found at NOAA Fisheries' Endangered Species program website.
If you plan to engage in international trade (e.g., fishing on the high seas and landing in the United States or in a foreign country, importing, exporting, or re-exporting) of a listed species (including the parts and products of these species), you need to apply for and obtain appropriate CITES documents. The type of permit or certificate depends on when the specimens were harvested and whether harvest occurred within U.S. waters or on the high seas.
Exporters:
- Export from the United States of specimens of requiem sharks harvested on or after November 25, 2023 (including fins, meat, live animals, etc.) requires a CITES export permitissued by our office.
- Export from the United States of specimens of requiem sharks harvested prior to November 25, 2023 requires a CITES pre-convention certificate issued by our office.
- If you plan to acquire requiem sharks from a fisher, but you are not harvesting them, then please reach out for a copy of the fisher's valid state or federal collection permit.
Fishers: (These documents should be applied for and obtained prior to embarking on the fishing trip.)
- Species taken by a U.S.-flagged vessel within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- If you are harvesting a CITES-listed species, but you do not intend to export it, then no CITES documentation is required. If you sell those specimens to a dealer who will export them, please provide the dealer with a copy of your valid collection permit and when the harvest will occur.
- If you are harvesting a CITES-listed species within the U.S. EEZ, or state waters, on a U.S.-flagged vessel, and intend to internationally trade those specimens, then a CITES export permit issued by our office is required.
- Species taken by a U.S. vessel on the high seas
- If specimens of these sharks are taken on the high seas by a U.S.-flagged vessel and landed in the United States on or after November 25, 2023, a CITES introduction from the sea certificate issued by our office is required.
- If specimens of these sharks are taken on the high seas by a U.S.-flagged vessel and landed in a foreign port on or after November 25, 2023, a CITES export permitissued by our office is required.
This graphic flowchart can help illustrate the process.
Office of Law Enforcment
CITES Management Authorities (foreign)
We encourage importers and exporters of wildlife to contact the foreign country's CITES Management Authority for information on their domestic requirements regarding trade in these species.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)
For protected species under NOAA's jurisdiction, documentation such as federal or state collection and dealer permits are necessary to harvest specimens in U.S. waters. It's necessary that you have valid versions of any required permits and provide copies of those permits when applying for a CITES or ESA permit. The permit specialist processing your application will not be able to issue a permit for international trade without seeing those documents because they are essential for the determination of a positive legal acquisition and non-detriment finding.
Please contact National Marine Fisheries Service to verify if there are any additional requirements.
