Introduction

Trade in relation to Wildlife is largely restricted to the extent that exportation and importation of wildlife for commercial purposes is rarely possible. Cross border movement of wild life is often for either educational or ecological purposes. There are however circumstances that may necessitate a traveler to move wildlife or wildlife products into or outside Malawi. The National Parks and Wildlife Act (2004) has specific provisions that regulate the importation and exportation of Wildlife in that regard. At the international level, Malawi is also a member of CITES and as such has obligations therein in relation to Wildlife[1].

Requirements for Import and Export Permits for Flora and Fauna under the National Parks and Wildlife ACT (2004).

• An applicant who either wishes to import or export a protected or listed species is required to obtain an import or export permit respectively.

Please see the procedure for obtaining an import and export permit below

• Requirements for an Export and Re-Export Certificate to export or re-export species threatened with extinction respectively follow the same procedures.

In all the processes the applicant is required to pay prescribed fees.

Please see the fee schedule attached below.

For reference please See National Parks and Wild life Act (2004). Import, Export or Re-export Permits. Section 97

Obligations Under CITES

According to CITES a permit is required in order to import species threatened with extinction and such permit is allowed only in exceptional circumstances.  The permit is issued by the Management Authority of the State of import. The specimen however must not be used for primarily commercial purposes and the import must be for purposes that are not detrimental to the survival of the species.

An export permit and a re-export certificate is required in order to export and re-export species threatened with extinction respectively. The permit or certificate is issued by the Management Authority of the State of the export or re-export only in exceptional circumstances. The specimen must have been legally obtained, the trade must not be detrimental to the survival of the species, and an import permit must have already been issued. In the case of a re-export certificate, the certificate should only be issued if the specimen was imported in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.  In the case of a live animal or plant, a re-export certificate is issued only where an import permit has been issued.

For reference please see: CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA (CITES), Appendix I

There is equally a need for an Export permit or re-export certificate to export species not necessarily threatened with extinction. However such permits and certificates are more readily issued. The procedure is almost the same as above.

For reference please see: CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA (CITES), Appendix II

CITES also requires that member countries ensure that there be a need for Export permit or re-export certificate to export species that are protected in at least one country. In this regard, the export permit issued by the Management Authority of that State that requires it and in the case of export from any other State, a certificate of origin issued by its Management Authority is required.

 For reference please see: CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA (CITES), Appendix III

Also see CITES website linked below:

https://www.cites.org/