Convention on Internation Trade of Endangered Species

Vanuatu is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora commonly known as CITES. Signatory countries prohibit trade in an agreed list of endangered species and regulate and monitor trade in species that may become endangered.
CITES signatories require government issued permits for traffic in these species. In addition, countries may enforce even stricter control that required by the Convention if they wish to give special protection to a particular species.
The Environment Unit is the sole agency responsible for issue of CITES permits by the Vanuatu Government. Permits can only be issued from the Unit's Port Vila Office. As staff are often committed to other duties the Unit requires 2 working days to process permit applications. A service fee applies to the issue of all permits. A surcharge may be placed on any permit required in less than 2 working days.
CITES provisions apply to both live and dead specimens, or parts and derivatives of listed species.

The most endangered species are listed in Appendix I of the Convention. No permits are issued for trade in these species. Where wildlife or wildlife products are allowed to be trafficked for specific purposes such as scientific research or captive breeding the recipient country must firstly issue an import permit BEFORE the Vanuatu Government will issue an export permit. Conversely if specimens are to be brought to Vanuatu an import permit must be issued by the Vanuatu Government BEFORE the source country issues an export permit. Species or their products brought into Vanuatu without due permit will be confiscated.
Other species at risk are included in Appendix II of the Convention. International trade in Appendix II species is allowed at the discretion of the government of the exporting country, but only with a government permit.
CITES provisions apply to a number of species, and products made from these species, that are available for purchase by visitors to Vanuatu. This includes the tree ferns that are used by Ambrym islanders to carve statues; some shells; and all corals and turtles. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand are strict in enforcing CITES restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to obtain permits prior to leaving Vanuatu.

CITES provisions apply to the following species present in Vanuatu:

APPENDIX I - no trade:
· The four species of Flying Fox and Fruit Bat present in Vanuatu.
· The Peregrine Falcon
· All species of Sea Turtle
· Saltwater Crocodile
· Fire corals

APPENDIX II - export by permit:
· Marine mammals, including dugong, whales and dolphins
· A number of bird species including Pigeons and Fruit Doves, the Rainbow and Green Palm Lorikeets, Megapodes, Parrot-Finches and common Birds of Prey.
· Snakes and Lizards
· Giant Clam shells (Tridacna sp. and Hippopus sp.).
· All coral species of familes Coenothecalia, Stolonifera, Antipatharia and Scleratinia.
· All species of tree fern.
· All species of orchids.
· All species of palms.
· All species of Cordyline (Nagaria).

Appendix III.
· Charonia tritonis (Conch Shell or Bubu Shell).
· Nautilus pompilius (Nautilus shell).
· Cypraea species (Cowrie Shells).

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