A Certificate of Scientific Exchange (COSE) authorizes the non-commercial loan, donation, or exchange of museum, herbarium, diagnostic, and forensic research specimens as outline in CITES Conference Resolution 11.15 (Rev. CoP18) between scientific institutions currently registered by a CITES Management Authority of their country, of preserved, dried or embedded specimens, herbarium specimens and live plant material which includes a label issued or approved by a Management Authority. All registered institutions are listed on the CITES website. If the specimens in your application are also listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), you will also need to apply for an ESA Museum permit (form 3-200-40).
If the species of specimens are protected by other U.S. laws and/or treaties, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, you are required to obtain additional authorizations prior to any export or re-import of those specimens.
Please note, permit holders of Certificates of Scientific Exchange (COSE) must annually provide a report of their activities to the U.S. CITES Division of Management Authority by using form 3-200-39a.
To Complete This Form You Will Need the Following:
- Depending on your requested activity, you might be required to attach a variety of supporting documentation that demonstrates prior authorization to conduct certain genres of activity (for example, a Marine Mammal Act Authorization).
Process
Submit an Application
To submit an application online or through the mail, follow the instructions on our ePermits site.
Need to submit your annual report?
Download 3-200-39a form to mail in.