CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments, drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 33,000 species of animals and plants.

Many exotic pets are protected by CITES. This includes most parrots, cockatoos, lories, and macaws; iguanas; box turtles; and all boas and pythons. However, the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and the peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) are not listed by CITES.

If you do not know if your pet is regulated, visit the species list page to find out its status.

Before you leave or travel to the United States, you must have a CITES permit if your pet is listed by CITES. To get a permit, you must submit an application form and meet the issuance criteria.

Import/Export Permits - Pets