CITES

Common Alaskan CITES listed species used in Alaskan Native Arts include: Bears (Polar, Brown, and Black), Lynx, Wolf, River Otter, Sea Otter, Whale and Walrus. The Bears, Lynx, Wolf, Whales (species specific), and River and Sea Otter are listed as CITES Appendix II. Some whale species, including all that produce Baleen, are listed as CITES Appendix I. Walrus is listed as CITES Appendix III.

CITES Appendix I species are prohibited for import or export, with limited exemptions. Since most whales are listed as CITES Appendix I, baleen and bone from these whales cannot be exported from the U.S., even as authentic Alaska Native handicraft.

CITES Appendix II species are allowed in the trade, but require permits. Exceptions: Canada (with restrictions), and the United States allow species listed as CITES Appendix II to be imported or exported as personal accompanied baggage without a CTIES permits for non-commercial purposes.

CITES Appendix III species are allowed for import or export with either a CITES permit or country of origin certificate. Exception: Canada specifically requires Canadians residents to acquire a CITES permit for importation of walrus ivory handicrafts, but allows United States citizens to transit Canada with a wildlife declaration (Form 3-177).

Note: The Polar Bear, Sea Otter, Whales, Seals, and Walrus (inclusive of their products) are also protected, in the U.S., by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Permit applications are available at http://permits.fws.gov