Before a permanent ban was established in 2007, the EU used to be the biggest importer of wild-caught exotic birds for the pet trade. Nearly 750,000 wild birds protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) were imported annually and many more unprotected species were also traded.

Since 1st July 2007, the import of wild-caught birds into the EU is banned. The new health rules for the import of wild birds were agreed in January 2007. This measure is based on the European Food Safety Authority's recommendations on animal health and welfare risks of wild birds imports, published in October 2006.

Eurogroup will monitor the application of the new EU requirements. There is concern that wild-caught birds might still be imported illegally under false declaration of being captive bred. There are also concerns related to the approval of captive breeding establishments in authorised third countries.

European Union

EU ban on wild birds imports (Mar. 07)

EFSA Opinion on animal health and welfare risks of bird trade (Oct. 06)

Eurogroup documents

Briefing on the Regulation (Jan. 07)

Briefing on the EFSA Opinion (Nov. 06)

Report "It's time to stop winging it" (Jun. 06)

Briefing on wild bird trade impact on human health

(Aug. 05)

Brief on shortcomings in EU quarantine rules (Mar. 05)