The conditions for the issuance of IFS certificates are slightly different depending on whether the species is listed in Appendix I or Appendix II.
IFS for species in Appendix I
According to Article III, paragraph 5 of the Convention, the introduction from the sea of any specimen of a species included in Appendix I requires the prior grant of a certificate from a Management Authority of the State of introduction. The introduction from the sea certificate is subject to the following conditions:
- a Scientific Authority of the State of introduction advises that the introduction will not be detrimental to the survival of the species involved (NDF);
- a Management Authority (or a Scientific Authority) of the State of introduction is satisfied that the proposed recipient of a living specimen is suitably equipped to house and care for it; and
- a Management Authority of the State of introduction is satisfied that the specimen is not to be used for primarily commercial purposes.
IFS for species in Appendix II
According to Article IV, paragraphs 6 and 7 of the Convention, the introduction from the sea of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II requires the prior grant of a certificate from a Management Authority of the State of introduction. The Introduction from the sea certificate is subject to the following conditions:
- a Scientific Authority of the State of introduction advises that the introduction will not be detrimental to the survival of the species involved (NDF); and
- a Management Authority of the State of introduction is satisfied that any living specimen will be so handled as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.
The standard CITES form contained in Annex 2 of Resolution Conf. 12.3 can be used for the Introduction from the sea certificate.