Wildlife Import and Export Management

To support the global objective of ensuring that the survival of protected wildlife species and their products is not threatened by trade, import and export activities are regulated under Article 24 of the Act on Wildlife Conservation and Articles 25 to 29 of its Enforcement Rules. These regulations govern the review of import and export applications, including live specimens and products, as well as the handling of protected wildlife and products confiscated or seized due to violations of import and export laws. To strengthen control over the trade of live wildlife, prevent the introduction of invasive alien species, and align with regulations on the import and export of marine mammals, the “Guidelines for Reviewing the Import and Export of Live Wildlife and Products” were revised on July 29, 2019, and renamed the “Guidelines for Reviewing the Import and Export of Live Terrestrial Wildlife and Products.” The highest priority is the protection of ecological integrity, while also improving administrative efficiency, simplifying import procedures, and accommodating the global trend toward trade liberalization.

According to the Guidelines, applications for the import or export of live terrestrial wildlife and products of terrestrial protected wildlife must be submitted through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Joint Review and Clearance Platform and can proceed only after approval is granted.

In accordance with CITES Secretariat policies, applications for importing tortoises listed in the CITES Appendices must include relevant documents and images of breeding facilities for review.

Applications for the import or export of marine wildlife must be submitted through the Marine Wildlife Review and Clearance Platform established by the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council.