Permit to import specimens (CITES import permit)

Main information

If you intend to import a specimen from a third country (outside the EU) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you must have a permit for this import. For details of intra-community trade (within the EU) in CITES specimens, please visit the Ministry of the Environment's website regarding CITES. 

A CITES import permit can be issued by the Ministry of the Environment upon application.

This applies to you if

You are a natural or legal person intending to import a CITES specimen from a non-EU country.

When to use this service

If you plan to import CITES specimens from third countries, you must arrange a permit in advance by applying to the Ministry of the Environment.

Service settlement

What you need if you are using this service

To obtain an import permit, you must first obtain a CITES export permit from the exporting country.

You must then submit a CITES permit application, which must include: 

• completed Application forms and Record Cards - see Document Request Forms (Annexes 1 and 2);
• proof of origin of the imported specimen (a legible copy of the export permit of the exporting country);
• proof of payment of the administrative fee or application for exemption from this fee - see Information on payment of CITES application fees.

Where and how to solve this service

Applications for CITES permits (with all supporting documents) can be submitted in person at the filing office of the Ministry of the Environment or sent by post to:

Ministerstvo životního prostředí, oddělení mezinárodních smluv

The filing office is located at the same address.

Applications are dealt with in an administrative procedure and a decision is issued within 30 days from initiation of the procedure. (The procedure shall be initiated on the date of receipt of the application.)

How much will you pay

You must pay a fee of CZK 1 000for the application for a permit to import specimens . 

This fee is in accordance with item 61(1)(d) of the ‘Tariff’ to Act No 634/2004 Coll., on Administrative Fees.

The Ministry of the Environment accepts only applications accompanied by a receipt for payment of this fee.

You can demonstrate proof of payment of the fee by: 

• a copy of the proof of payment by bank transfer
• a postal order stub showing proof of payment by post

For both forms of payment, please use the account of the Ministry of the Environment No:

19-7628001/0710, variable symbol 631.

If you are re-applying for an import permit, the CITES Division of the Ministry will assign you a distinguishing number in addition to the variable symbol 631.

If you are not reapplying for an import permit, please fill in the variable symbol 631 and indicate your name on the postal or bank order.

You do not have to pay the fee if you apply in writing for an exemption from the fee with justification under item 61 of the ‘Tariff’.

Exemption
1. The receipt of an application for an import permit for a specimen of a personal or family nature, including hunting trophies of animals personally hunted by the exporter, shall be exempt from the fee referred to in item 61(1)(d).
2. The receipt of an application for the issue of an import permit for specimens intended for rescue breeding or for scientific or educational purposes, for specimens intended for breeding or cultivation purposes within the framework of a rescue programme and for specimens originating from or intended for breeding or for the collections of zoological and botanical gardens, departments of universities, the Academy of Sciences of Czechia and other scientific departments registered by the Ministry of the Environment shall be exempt from the fee under item 61(1)(d).
3. The receipt of an application for an import permit for herbarium, museum, dried or otherwise preserved specimens and living plants for the purpose of non-commercial loan, donation or exchange between scientists or scientific institutions registered on the list maintained by the Ministry of the Environment shall be exempt from the fee under item 61(1)(d).

4. The receipt of an application for an import permit for a live specimen with which the owner travels for less than 3 months and the specimen remains in his possession for the duration of the journey is exempt from the fee referred to in item 61(1)(d).

Additional information

What is the benefit of this service

CITES import permits allow the import of CITES specimens from third countries (outside the European Union).

Appeal options

An appeal against the decision to issue/not to issue a CITES permit may be lodged within 15 days of its delivery, in accordance with § 152 of Act No 500/2004 Coll., Administrative Code, to the Minister of the Environment via the Ministry at:

Ministerstvo životního prostředí, oddělení mezinárodních smluv

 An exception is when the addressee has waived the right to file an appeal.