CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments that regulates international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants to ensure that such trade does not threaten their survival. CITES applies to more than 100 species found around Sint Maarten, as well as CITES-listed non-native species imported to the island.

The aim of CITES is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of species. The demand for particular animal or plant products in one part of the world can contribute to the overexploitation and decline of wild populations in another. The United Nations estimates that the illegal wildlife trade is worth between US$7 billion and US$23 billion annually. Beyond threatening individual species and ecosystems, illegal wildlife trade can negatively affect local economies, communities and social stability, and can also pose risks to human health.

In order to transport CITES-listed species across international borders, individuals may be required to obtain CITES permits or certificates from the relevant CITES Management Authority in the country of export and, depending on the species and applicable CITES Appendix, from the country of import. The specific documentation required depends on the species, its CITES Appendix, and the nature of the transaction. Transporting CITES-protected specimens without the required documentation is prohibited and may result in legal penalties.

Sint Maarten is a Party to the CITES Convention through its applicable national legislation. The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is the designated CITES Management Authority for Sint Maarten and is authorized to issue CITES import and export permits. The Nature Foundation was assigned this authority by the Minister of VROMI through Ministerial Administrative Decision 1362/2014.

Informative Resources

Don’t know if your species is CITES-listed?

Visit the CITES Checklist or Species+.

CITES Permit Application

Submitting an application to the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is completely free of charge.

To apply for a CITES permit in Sint Maarten, please follow the steps outlined below. Please allow a minimum of two (2) weeks for the processing and return of an approved permit.

Download and complete the PDF application form below. Note that the instructions and additional information are provided on the second page.
Send the completed application to the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten at director@naturefoundationsxm.org

If applicable:

For a re-export, include copies of the previous import and export permits.
For an import, include a copy of the relevant export permit.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email.

If you do not receive a response that your application has been received within two (2) business days, please send a WhatsApp message to (+1) 721-581-6365 and follow up on its status.

Anyone wishing to import a live, non-CITES animal species into Sint Maarten must obtain a Live Animal Import permit from the Government of Sint Maarten.

For CITES matters concerning the French side of Saint-Martin, please contact the relevant French authorities through the Direction de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement (DEAL) de Guadeloupe.

CITES

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some local species covered by CITES?

The following are some commonly found or traded species and groups that are listed under CITES and may be subject to CITES regulations when traded internationally. This is not a comprehensive list and does not represent the totality of CITES-listed species found around Sint Maarten. Find the CITES list here.

All coral species
All cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises)
All sea turtle species (Cheloniidae and Dermochelys)
All orchid species (Orchidaceae)
All cacti species
All parrots
Queen conch (Strombus gigas)
Green iguana (Iguana iguana)
Seahorse species (Hippocampus)
Manta ray (Manta birostris)
Great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran)
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Red footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
Green-throated Carib hummingbird (Eulampis holosericeu)
Antillean crested hummingbird (Orthohyncus cristatus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Lignum vitae (Guaiacum officinale)
All boas and pythons
All alligators, crocodiles and caimans
Some bats

Note that all CITES Appendix I species native to Sint Maarten are also protected under local law.

What does it mean when a species is listed under CITES?

A species listed under CITES is subject to international trade regulations designed to ensure that trade does not threaten its survival. Depending on the species and the CITES Appendix in which it is listed, international trade or movement may require permits, certificates, or other documentation. These rules can apply to live or dead specimens, as well as parts and derivatives such as shells, feathers, skins, and other products made from the species.

What are the different CITES Appendixes?

A CITES Appendix is a list that classifies animal and plant species according to the level of protection they need from international trade. CITES has three Appendices: Appendix I, Appendix II, and Appendix III. Each has different rules and levels of protection.

Appendix I affords the highest level of protection. It includes species threatened with extinction that are, or may be, affected by international trade. International commercial trade in these species is generally prohibited. Trade may be permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as for certain non-commercial purposes, but it requires both an export permit and an import permit and is subject to strict conditions. In Sint Maarten, Appendix I protects over a dozen sea turtles and whale species

Appendix II includes species that are not necessarily currently threatened with extinction but could become threatened if international trade is not strictly regulated. Trade is allowed but controlled. An export permit or re-export certificate is generally required, while an import permit is generally not required under CITES. Appendix II also includes certain “look-alike” species whose trade is regulated because of their similarity to species that are subject to stricter protection.

Appendix III includes species that a particular country already regulates within its own territory and for which it needs the cooperation of other CITES Parties to control international trade. Trade is allowed, but permits or certificates help verify that specimens were legally obtained and traded.

In Sint Maarten, CITES applies to numerous native and internationally traded species, including sea turtles, cetaceans, sharks, and corals. The exact number of species listed under each Appendix can change as CITES listings are updated.

Who manages and takes part in CITES internationally?

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It was signed in 1973 and entered into force in 1975. Today, CITES has 185 Parties and regulates international trade in more than 40,900 species of wild animals and plants.

Can a company or organization apply for a permit?

A company, business, research institution, conservation organization, or other legal entity may be eligible to apply for a CITES permit when the application relates to its activities.

Do I need a permit to bring a CITES-listed souvenir into the country?

Souvenirs made from or containing CITES-listed species, such as coral, shells, ivory, reptile leather, or certain plant materials, may require CITES permits or other documentation when brought across international borders. Requirements depend on the species, the applicable CITES rules, the country of origin, and the destination.

Before purchasing or travelling with a wildlife or plant product, confirm the requirements with the relevant authorities in both the exporting and importing countries.

What is the difference between an import permit, an export permit, and a re-export certificate?

Import permit: Authorizes the import of a specimen into a country when required under the applicable CITES rules.
Export permit: Authorizes the export of a specimen from the country where it is located, provided the relevant legal requirements are met.
Re-export certificate: Documents and authorizes the subsequent export of a specimen that was previously imported into the country.

Do I need a permit for a specimen that was bred in captivity or artificially propagated?

Being bred in captivity or artificially propagated does not automatically exempt a specimen from CITES requirements. The applicable rules depend on the species, the relevant CITES Appendix, the specimen’s origin, and its purpose.