§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the minimum controls established or required by Her Majesty's Government in regard to the importation of wild life specimens and products from countries which are not party to the convention on international trade in endangered species.
§ Mr. MonroIn the United Kingdom, the convention is implemented under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976, but this controls more species than are listed on the convention. Animals, plants or parts to which the 485W Act applies can be imported only under licence issued by the Department.
For species which are listed by the convention, we demand from the country of export documentation equivalent to a convention export permit. If the specimens are being imported from a country other than the country of origin, we ensure that an export permit or equivalent 486W documentation to a convention export permit was issued by the country of origin. For all imports we verify to the best of our ability that the specimens actually originated from the stated country of origin, that the specimens have been obtained in accordance with the laws of that country, and that the export of the specimens will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.