CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) aims to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants is sustainable and does not endanger wild populations. It is implemented through national legislation that regulates international trade and commercial use. Most museums with natural science collections will have some CITES-listed specimens. However, the available guidance for museums on how to comply with CITES is not always clear.
A CITES Article 10 or Article 60 certificate is required by EU scientific institutions that use their collections for commercial purposes; this includes charging fees for exhibitions, research visits, and corporate filming and photography. The Powell-Cotton Museum recently successfully applied for an Article 60 certificate. This article will describe the CITES Article 60 certificate application process and the Powell-Cotton’s experience, and provide advice for other museums on preparing the application and supporting documentation, including where to find further guidance.
