As the breeding season approaches, the Parrot Breeders Association of Southern Africa (PASA) wishes to remind members of Bulletin #01/09/2024 concerning the sale of eggs and the associated legal implications. Members are urged to strictly adhere to the Code of Good Conduct and to avoid any activity that may be considered illegal.
Legal Position on the Sale of Eggs:
· The sale of eggs in South Africa is not inherently illegal, but it is subject to specific regulations.
· CITES permits require unique identification markings on each specimen, which is not feasible for eggs or embryos.
· The sale of eggs from CITES-listed species is restricted and requires a valid CITES permit from the relevant national Management Authority.
· A CITES permit is mandatory for the import, export, or re-export of CITES-listed specimens, including eggs.
Key Clarifications:
· Selling eggs in South Africa is not illegal, unless they fall under CITES Appendix I regulations.
· Selling CITES Appendix I species within, into, or out of the Western Cape without the required captivity, transport, import, and export permits is illegal (as per the Cape Nature Ordinance 19 of 1974).
· Exporting CITES Appendix I species requires a CITES export permit.
· Veterinary requirements stipulated by the importing authority must be met, even for non-Appendix I species.
· Under the Cape Nature Ordinance, a “wild animal” is defined as any live vertebrate or invertebrate (including the eggs or spawn of such animals, excluding ostriches used for farming and their eggs) belonging to a non-domesticated species. This definition includes parrots and has been subject to extensive debate with authorities.
CITES Regulation of Egg Sales:
1. Permits: Issued by the CITES Management Authority (MA) for legal and sustainable trade.
2. Legal Acquisition: The MA must verify that the eggs were obtained legally and in accordance with national laws.
3. Non-Detriment Finding (NDF): For species listed under Appendices I and II, the national Scientific Authority must determine that the trade will not adversely affect the species’ survival.
4. Traceability: The permit system ensures that trade is documented and traceable.
5. National Legislation: Countries, including South Africa, enforce CITES regulations through domestic laws, such as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).
PASA’s Position:
PASA formally requests that all members refrain from engaging in questionable or unlawful activities related to the sale of eggs. PASA explicitly disassociates itself from any actions that contravene national or international legislation governing the keeping, breeding, and trading of parrots.
Disciplinary action may be taken against any member found to be involved in illegal activities. This may include revocation of membership, as provided for in the PASA Constitution (Section 4.10.1.4).
Membership may be terminated if, following investigation and an opportunity to present one’s case, a member is found guilty of:
a) Engaging in actions that are in conflict with PASA’s objectives and Code of Good Conduct;
b) Acting in a manner that undermines the reputation or objectives of PASA and its clubs;
c) Acting contrary to the interests of PASA and its clubs or endorsing such conduct;
d) Repeatedly violating the Code of Conduct.
Our guiding principles of Trust, Transparency, and Traceability remain non-negotiable and must be upheld by all members.
On behalf of the PASA Executive Committee.
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Fig 1 – uploaded by Peter Spencer
(A) An alleged trafficker wearing a purpose built body vest
containing eggs belonging to exotic birds.
(B) Seized egg with the letters ''B & G'' written in pencil
by the bird breeder (photo credit: Australian Customs and
Border Protection Service). As part of this study this egg
was genetically identified as a Blue and Gold macaw
(Ara ararauna).
(C) Photo autoclaved egg where a portion of the eggshell was
dissected to provide a sample for a DNA based species
identification.
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