C 135/8
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
18.4.2023
ANNEX
Evidence to substantiate legitimacy of purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species pursued by licensed zoological institutions and breeding and conservation programmes Sections 3(a) and (b) of this guidance outline instances where the Member State CITES management authority may issue an export and re-export permits, or intra-EU certificate provided they are satisfied that the permit or certificate will be used for legitimate purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species.
To ensure a harmonised approach across the EU in determining the legitimacy of purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species, pursued by licensed zoos (1) and breeding and conservation programmes, further details are provided.
As applications for export permits, re-export permits or intra-EU certificates may differ, Member States will generally need to assess the evidence furnished by the applicant on a case-by-case basis.
As a minimum requirement, all applicants need to provide evidence to substantiate the following: — In the EU, a zoological institution must be registered in line with Council Directive 1999/22/EC (2) (the ‘EU Zoos Directive’). — For third countries, the zoological institution must be part of a recognised breeding programme.
Examples of recognised breeding and conservation programmes of zoological institutions include the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), American Species Survival Plan (SSP), Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) or Global Species Management Plans (GSMP). — The sanctuary/rescue centre must be registered with and monitored by the competent authorities of the destination country.
Where the information provided in the application is unclear, or there are doubts/concerns as to the legitimacy of the goal pursued by the institution or the breeding and conservation programme, the management authority should request more detailed information.
(1) See footnote 25.
(2) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:31999L0022