Purpose: To provide a detailed understanding of the types of CITES permits, certificates, and approvals required for the legal trade of agarwood and other listed plant species, and how to secure them correctly.
A. CITES Permits
Export Permit:
- Required for all exports of Appendix I and II species
- Confirms that the specimen was legally obtained and that the export is non-detrimental
Import Permit:
- Required for Appendix I species and any stricter national measures
- Ensures the importing country agrees to accept the shipment under CITES compliance
Re-export Certificate:
- Required when a specimen previously imported is being exported again
- Confirms legality and documentation of original import
B. Certificates
Pre-Convention Certificate:
- For specimens acquired before the species was listed on CITES
- Confirms eligibility for trade under pre-listing rules
Artificially Propagated/Plantation Certificate:
- Confirms that the specimen was artificially propagated
- May allow simplified procedures and faster processing
Phytosanitary Certificate (optional):
- Required in some countries to ensure plant health compliance
C. Approvals and Documentation
- Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs): Required for Appendix II exports
- Source code verification: Confirms W, A, D, or other relevant codes
- Traceability documentation: Plantation records, harvest logs, and inventory
Professional Insight: Approvals are not just formalities; they are critical for demonstrating compliance and ensuring international trade legitimacy.
D. Process Flow
- Exporter Preparation: Gather documentation, plantation verification, and NDF data
- Management Authority Review: Verify legality, source, and compliance
- Permit Issuance: Export permit, re-export certificate, or pre-Convention certificate issued
- Border Clearance: Customs verifies permits and source codes before shipment
- Record-Keeping: Maintain copies of permits, certificates, and NDFs for audits
E. Implications for Traders and Exporters
- Permits and certificates are mandatory for legal trade; absence results in seizure
- Compliance reduces risk of fines, trade suspension, and reputational damage
- Early engagement with MA and SA expedites permit approvals and ensures smoother operations
Learning Outputs
- Understanding of the types of permits, certificates, and approvals required for agarwood trade
- Ability to follow the permit application process and maintain compliance documentation
- Awareness of the critical role of NDFs and source verification in obtaining approvals