The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act Cap 92A (ESA) is the national legislation that effects the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES) regulations in Singapore.
Under the ESA, a CITES permit issued by NParks is required to import, export, or re-export a CITES-listed species, and their parts and derivatives. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in confiscation of the goods and enforcement actions may be taken against the importer/exporter/re-exporter.
It is also an offence to possess, sell, offer for sale, or publicly display any CITES species, as well as their parts and derivatives, if they have been imported without the necessary CITES permits.
NParks is empowered to take enforcement actions against anyone transporting CITES-listed specimens via Singapore without the relevant CITES permits.Our enforcement officers are authorised to exercise their powers under the ESA, and enter and search any premises without warrant, to seize any illegal wildlife. They can also investigate cases of CITES-listed species transiting Singapore.
Any individual or company violating the above laws face the following penalties.
- A fine of up to S$200,000 per specimen (not exceeding aggregate of S$1,000,000 or the market value of all specimens at the material time, whichever is higher); and/or
- Imprisonment for up to eight years.
In addition to the ESA, NParks also effects legislation that protects or regulates trade of live animals, and native fauna and plants. For more information, refer to our list of laws administered by NParks.
Protected Species
Certain marine species found in our waters are protected under the Wildlife Act and CITES. It is illegal to import, take, trap, keep, kill and sell protected wildlife species.
Anglers can play their part to help with the conservation of these protected species by releasing them promptly if caught. Any individual found to have violated the laws shall face the following penalties:
- A fine up to S$50,000; and/or
- Imprisonment for up to two years.
For more information, please refer to the fishing advisory.