Gov’t Amends Regulations on Endangered Species Trade
The government has introduced amendments to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species and Registration of Traders and Goods regulation, tightening penalties for the unpermitted import, export, and re-export of endangered species.
The changes, which were publicised in the government gazette on Thursday, impose a fine of MVR 30,000 for each offence.
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Under the updated regulation, importing endangered species without the necessary permit is strictly prohibited. The same fine applies to the illegal trade of products made from endangered species or their parts, with violators facing fines of MVR 10,000 per product.
To legally import endangered species, individuals and businesses are required to obtain a permit, which costs MVR 150. Fines for violating the terms of the permit are also specified in the amendment, as follows:
- First violation: MVR 5,000
- Second violation: MVR 10,000
- Third violation: MVR 20,000
- More than three violations: a fine not exceeding MVR 50,000
Previously, fines were significantly higher, with penalties ranging from MVR 10,000 for a first offence to up to MVR 1 million for repeated violations.
The regulation grants the Environment Ministry the authority to seize any animals imported in violation of the rules, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting endangered species.
