Information About A10 Certificates

 

CITES A10 Certificates for your tortoise can seem very complicated, we hope this helps you understand what you need to do in your situation.

 

There are 40-50 breeds of tortoise in the world and not all of them are Annex A species requiring a CITES Article 10 certificate. The following breeds do:

 

• Galapagos Giant Tortoise  (Geochelone nigra)
•  Angonoka (Geochelone yniphora)
•  Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus)
•  Berger’s cape tortoise (Homopus bergeri)
•  Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
•  Geometric tortoise  (Psammobates geometricus)
•  Madagascar flat-shelled tortoise (Pyxis planicauda)
•  Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides)
•  Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
•  Negev tortoise (Testudo wernei)

 

The more common tortoises available in the UK that do need the certificate:

• Radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata)
• Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)
• Hermann’s tortoise  (Testudo hermanni)
• Marginated tortoise  (Testudo marginata)

 

   A Horsefield tortoise does not require an A10 certificate, and is one of the reasons they are becoming more popular in this country. Sulcata and Aldabra tortoises do not need an A10 either.

 

If You Already Have A Tortoise

   If you have an Annex A species tortoise, that you have had since before 1980 and you don’t have a certificate for it, don’t panic. If you are continuing to keep it yourself as a pet, you don’t need a certificate. If you want to leave it to someone in your will or give it away to someone, you don’t need a certificate. However, the new owner would appreciate a letter with your details on it, stating how, when and from where you acquired this animal. A future A10 application would be looked at more favourably with these details enclosed.

 

   If, in the future, you want to sell it to someone, or someone is going to give you a donation for it, then you will need a certificate for it in your name, prior to the sale or transfer of ownership, as these are considered a commercial transaction. Before you apply for the A10 certificate, you will also need to get the tortoise microchipped and include than number with your application

 

If You Have Hatched The Annex A Species Tortoise Yourself, And Are Keeping It.

   You don't need a certificate if you are keeping the tortoise yourself or if you give it away but if someone gives you a donation in exchange for it, or you sell it, in the future, then you will need a certificate. If you are giving the animal away (and you bred it) then we suggest you also give the new owner a breeders certificate to say:

 

• When The Hatchling Tortoise Was Born
• Its Microchip Number (if It Has Been Done)
• Who The Parents Were
• The Microchip Number Of The Parents
• The Age Or Birth Date Of The Parents
• How You Acquired The Parents
• Your Name And Address, As The Breeder Of This Tortoise
• Who You Are Giving It To, Clearly Stating It Was A Gift
• The Date That You Gave It Away.

 

   If you are leaving it to someone in your will, they would probably also appreciate a breeders certificate with the tortoises details, in case they have to apply for an A10 at a later date. After all they won’t be able to ask you about it in the future, if they need to know this information!

 

   There is no legal requirement, at the moment, to have the tortoise chipped, if you are just keeping it yourselves as a pet but you may want to get it done in case it escapes or someone steals it, so you have a clear legal claim on the animal if it is registered to you. When the animal reaches or exceeds the minimum size requirements, 100mm, the breed standard is for the vet to inject the chip into the front of the back left leg cavity, permanently marking them, and it does not particularly hurt them.

 

 

If You Have Hatched The Tortoise Yourself And You Are Selling It Or Giving It Away For A Donation.

   In these circumstances you will need to have an A10 certificate in your name before you can sell it. Getting the paperwork all sorted is not something that always happens quickly so be prepared for it all to take a while, particularly if this is a first application, as they could request additional information.

 

   To successfully get that A10 for the hatchling, you will also need to have a valid A10 for the hatchlings parents too and they will both need to have been microchipped. You can apply for a Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC) A10 for the parents, at the same time as the hatchling, if necessary. It might be a case that you have never needed one before, if this is the first time you have bred.

 

   If the parents do not have A10’s e.g. they are pre 1980 animals, and you cannot provide enough information about their origin, then CITES will closely review your application, and give you their decision, on a case by case basis.

 

   If either of the parents was a re homed tortoise, then ask the previous owner, if possible, if they will provide a letter stating where the animal came from. However, if your animal came from a rescue centre then they are unlikely to be willing to provide this to you, it will be part of your agreement with them that your animal does not breed.

 

   After reviewing your application CITES will probably decide that you can have an A10 certificate for each of the parents, so that the hatchlings paperwork will be valid but it will not allow you to sell those parents in the future, you could only give them away.

 

   If the tortoise is under 100mm, at the time of sale then you, as the seller, will need to apply for a Transaction Specific certificate (TSC), in your name, which will only valid for this sale, whilst the tortoise is under 100mm. You need to show this certificate to the new owner and either allow them to take the details down from it or take a photo, or give them a stated copy of it. However, you need to retain the original certificate and send it back to CITES at Horizon House in Bristol once the sale is completed, with details of who bought the animal.

 

   If the new owner is going to sell the tortoise again, whilst it is still under 100mm, then they need to apply for another Transaction Specific certificate (TSC), in their name, and include the details you had provided on your TSC. This is one of the reasons why it is important that they see a copy of it.

 

IMPORTANT: The current sellers name, and not a previous owners name, must be on all TSC A10’s at the time of sale. If it isn't then the sale will not be legal.

 

   If necessary, Tortoises can be microchipped when they reach 60mm but if you are doing this then the vet, or person carrying out the procedurem,  must use the mini type of microchips and not the standard ones.

   If the tortoise is over 100mm then the seller must have it microchipped before selling it and have the A10 in their own name with the tortoises microchip details on it. You can either write them on or fix one of the little stickers that you get when it is done to the paperwork. If it isn't then the sale will not be legal.

 

   This Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC) will remain with the animal for the rest of its life. It will be passed on to each new owner rather than being returned to CITES at Horizon House in Bristol after each sale or transfer for a new certificate to be issued. The name on it will remain the person who applied for its first certificate and not any future owners names. Don’t worry they block out your address, so your details remain private from any future owners.

 

 

If You Plan To Breed Your Tortoises For Money

   If you are specifically planning to breed your adults and any babies over 100mm, in the future then it is best to get your paperwork sorted first. The animals will all need to have been microchipped, that includes the father and not just the mother. It is best that you have the right legal paperwork before you begin, in case there is an issue which prevents a successful A10 application. Or you might find you are left with animals that you can only give away. If they receive a Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC) for it from APHA CITES in Bristol then it will remain with the animal for the rest of its life, being passed on to each new owner in turn and does not need updating, no matter how many future owners it has during its lifetime.

 

 

If You Are Buying A Tortoise Hatchling Under 100mm

You must:

1. Make sure that you see a Transaction Specific Certificate A10 for the animal, from CITES in Bristol, it is usually a yellow A4 paper. The easiest way to tell is that you need to look at the bottom of the page between box 19 and 20. There is a thin box which says ’ Certificate only valid for holder named in box 1’ if the ‘yes’ box is ticked then it is the correct paperwork and you can proceed with the purchase.

 

2. The certificate should have been issued by Animal and plant health Agency ( CITES), Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol and show their contact info.

 

3. Verify that it is the sellers name and address that is on the paperwork and not a previous owner.

 

4. Make sure that the species is correct for the type of tortoise you are buying- box 17

 

5. Either copy down the information off this A10 or take a picture of it, as it will help you to fill in your own future A10 applications. The seller may give you a stated copy of this form but they will not give you the original as they have to return it to CITES at Horizon House in Bristol, along with your details as the new owner.

 

6. These details on this Transaction Specific Certificate, are only valid for this sale, you will need to apply for certificates in your own name in the future.

 

If You Are Going To Sell This Tortoise Again Whilst It Is Under 100mm

• You will need to apply to CITES Bristol for a Transaction Specific Certificate, in your own name before you can sell it on.
• The details you took down from the certificate, when you bought the animal will help you to fill in your new application.
• If it is still under 100mm it does not need to be microchipped yet.
• You will need to let the new owner either copy down the information off this A10 or take a picture of it, like you did. You can give the new owner a stated copy of this form, if you prefer but do not give them the original as you have to return it to CITES at Horizon House in Bristol, along with the details of the new owner.

 

If You Are Buying A Tortoise Over 100mm

You must:

1. Make sure that the animal has a valid Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC) A10, from CITES at Horizon House in Bristol, it is usually a yellow A4 paper. The easiest way to tell is that you need to look at the bottom of the page between box 19 and 20. There is a thin box which says ’ Certificate only valid for holder named in box 1’ if the ‘No’ box is ticked then it is the correct paperwork and you can proceed with the purchase. If it is ‘yes’ ticked then the owner needs to apply for a new certificate before they can legally sell it, as this one is a Transaction Specific Certificate and only valid for when they bought the animal.

 

2. Make sure that the owner actually gives you this form at the time of sale. It is not OK for them to show you a picture of it on their phone and tell you they will post it, or e-mail it, to you. You need the actual original paper form when you take possession of the animal.

 

3. If they make excuses as to why you cannot have the form now- they spilt coffee on it, the dog ate it etc, then either walk away from the sale or tell them that you will come back when they have had CITES send out a replacement. If you don’t have this form you could be charged with trafficking illegal animals! If they are the real deal then they will get themselves sorted, if they aren’t, then you don’t want to get involved.

 

4. Make sure that there is a microchip number shown on the paperwork- it should be in box number 4 along with the sex of the animal and when it was hatched.

 

5. If possible check that the microchip number on the paperwork and the chip in the animal register the same number, using a scanner. It may not always be possible to do this, so use your judgement to trust that this is the legal animal that the paperwork refers to.

 

6. Make sure that the sex and species are correct for the type of tortoise you are buying- box 4 and 17

 

7. The certificate should have been issued by Animal and plant health Agency ( CITES), Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol and show their contact info.

 

8. The owners name and details may not be the same as the seller who you are buying it off but that is OK. Once the animal has been given its Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC) A10, like this one should be, it remains with the animal for life and does not need updating no matter how many owners it has during its lifetime. It will say something like Mr A Smith followed by an ID number instead of their address.

 

9. It is very important that you keep this form safe, it is like the tortoises passport. If you sell the tortoise again, or give it away, in the future, you will pass this A10 on to the new owner, with the animal. It does not need updating with your details first and it does not need to be sent back to CITES.

  

   2022/23 Current price of certificates is £31 each and £1.50 to upgrade from a TSC to an SSC, if the details are all correct. See www.gov.uk for more details, search for Apply for CITES permits and certificates to trade endangered species. FED1012 Article 10 Certificate. If in doubt about any of the above, contact APHA CITES in Bristol for clarification and updated pricing.

 

How To Tell The Differences Between TSC And SSC A10’s

   Unfortunately it does not state on the form which type it is and both are exactly the same layout on yellow paper.

 

For A Transaction Specific Certificate (TSC)- Animals Under 100mm

Box 1 will give the holders full name and address- this should be the same as the person you are buying the tortoise from

Box 4 will say the tortoise is under 100mm and the hatch date

For the easiest way to tell which certificate it is, you need to look at the bottom of the page between box 19 and 20. There is a thin box which says ’ Certificate only valid for holder named in box 1’ if the ‘yes’ box is ticked then it is a Transaction Specific certificate and it is only valid for that sale. The original certificate will be returned to CITES along with the your details as the new owner.

 

For A Specimen Specific Certificate (SSC)- Animals Over 100mm

Box 1 may not have the same owners name as the person selling it but that is OK. It will just have a name like Mrs R Jones and an ID number instead of an address.

Box 4 will say the sex of the animal and its unique microchip number and when it was hatched.

For the easiest way to tell which certificate it is ,you need to look at the bottom of the page between box 19 and 20. There is a thin box which says ’ Certificate only valid for holder named in box 1’ if the ‘No’ box is ticked then it is a Specimen Specific certificate and it is valid for that sale and any future transfers of ownership. This type of certificate remains with the animal throughout its life and does not need to be returned to CITES to be updated, so you need to keep it safe- it’s like the tortoises passport.

 

 

We hope this all helps!