#2026/627UK updates endangered species trade controls
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The regulations update the UK rules that control trade in endangered wild animals and plants. They change how import notifications work, including allowing them to be submitted before arrival and in a broader format rather than only on a prescribed form. Businesses importing wildlife specimens, animal products, plants, or related goods into Great Britain may face revised border notification and checking requirements. The changes also clarify how species are treated when Great Britain or another country has a reservation under the international endangered species convention.
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Key Changes
- Allows import notifications to be submitted before arrival and in a flexible format.
- Sets classification rules for species where Great Britain has entered a reservation under the endangered species convention.
- Requires prior import notification and border checks for certain waived species and species from countries with reservations.
Obligations
What this law requires
From 23 June 2026, importers introducing covered endangered species specimens into Great Britain may submit the required import notification either before arrival or at the time of arrival, rather than only at the time of import.
From 23 June 2026, importers must provide import notifications for relevant specimens in an accepted format, rather than only on a prescribed form.
Importers of Annex B specimens that are exempt from Article 4(2) must treat those specimens as falling within the import notification regime when introduced into Great Britain.