The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

• About CITES
• Exports of goods related to the CITES
• Imports of goods related to the CITES
• Do you know CITES?
• CITES and Souvenirs - What You Need to Do to Bring Them Back to Japan

Topics

• “You May Not Be Able to Give That Souvenir to Your Family or Friends in Japan” A product you purchased in an overseas country may be controlled under CITES (released on December 7, 2023) News Release

Upon Receipt of a Postcard from the Customs Bureau

• To recipients of “Notice of Customs Clearance for International Mail” delivered from overseas countries (in Japanese)

FAQ

• FAQ (in Japanese)

Related Ministries and Agencies

Management authority

Responsibilities	Responsible Ministries	Responsible Office
Issuance of a certificate of import/export permission	Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry	Office of Trade Licensing for Wild Animal and Plants, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau
Listed species brought by ship	Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	Ecosystem Conservation Office, Resources and Environmental Research Division, Resources Enhancement Promotion Department, Fisheries Agency

Scientific authority

Responsibilities	Responsible Ministry or organization	Contact counters and other information
Herbaceous species of plants	Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	Horticultural Crop Division, Crop Production Department, Agricultural Production Bureau
Arboreous Plant species	Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	Forest Multiple Use and Conservation Research and Management Division, Private Forest Department, Forestry Agency
Animals	Ministry of the Environment	Wildlife Division, Nature Conservation Bureau
	Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	Ecosystem Conservation Office, Resources and Environment Research Division, Resources Enhancement Promotion Department, Fisheries Agency

• Note: For details of authorities responsible for specific CITES classes (in Japanese)(PDF:136KB)

Links to Related Information

• CITES secretariat
• Japan Customs website
• Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Website concerning Notification System for the Importation of Animals

Division in Charge

Office of Trade Licensing for Wild Animal and Plants, Trade Licensing Division, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Security Bureau