CITES and Appendix III
General Overview
U.S. Appendix-III Turtles
U.S. Appendix-III Turtle Import/Export Procedures
Related Sites

Map turtles and alligator snapping turtles are exported from the U.S. by the tens of thousands every year–impacts on wild populations are unknown

The Division of Management Authority has established a two-tiered approach to permit issuance for the export of Appendix-III native turtle specimens. Specimens derived from State-registered or recognized production facilities (i.e., “farms”) that are being exported after hatching (2 inches or less for map turtles and 3 inches or less for alligator snapping turtles, measuring the straight line of their carapace) can be handled in an expedited manner. This consists of establishing a “Master file”, with multiple single-use permits issued off of that file. Other specimens that are either removed directly from the wild or are being exported some time after hatching will be handled on a permit-by-permit basis. If after reading the following discussion you are unclear about which approach applies to you or your operation, please feel free to contact the Division of Management Authority at 1-800-358-2104.

“Farm” Production

Based on information obtained from State agencies and public information on how farms produce and export turtles, the Division of Management Authority has established a permitting process to facilitate quick turnaround time between the hatching of specimens and their export. Given that farms are exporting turtles within days of hatching, the Division of Management Authority recognizes the typical permit process of applying for an export permit after the specimens have been born does not meet the circumstance of export for Appendix-III turtles coming from these farm operations. Therefore, we recommend that these types of production facilities establish an annual “Master file.” The facility, following the directions provided, first submits an application to establish a Master file. Once the Master file is established, the Division of Management Authority issues a number of partially completed export permits that allow the farm to export specimens within days of the turtles hatching.

Commercial Dealers, Zoological and Other Exports

As stated above, the Division of Management Authority has established a two-tiered approach to handling the issuance of export permits for Appendix-III turtles. Facilities that are exporting turtles directly from their farms can use the expedited process described above. All other exports must use the procedure provided. Upon completion of your application and approval by the Division of Management Authority, a single permit will be issued authorizing the export of specifically identified specimens. This is the same procedure that the Division of Management Authority follows for the export of wild-caught and captive-bred specimens of other reptile species. [NOTE: individuals wishing to export a personal pet should use application form 3-200-64, “Certificate of Ownership for Personal Owned Wildlife.”]

Import

If you plan to import Appendix-III turtles, you must follow the general CITES permit requirements for import/export and any applicable USFWS Law Enforcement requirements.