Paperwork for African Grey Parrots

African Grey Parrots (psittacus erithacus) now require special paperwork, known as a CITES Article 10 (A10) if they are to be bought, sold, displayed, or used commercially (including breeding with the intention of selling the young). Each individual must also be permanently marked, for example with a closed leg ring or a microchip. This is because African Greys were added to the CITES Appendix 1 list of species in February 2017.

What, or who, is CITES?

“CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.” – CITES (2019)

My African Grey is a pet, do I need to apply for an A10?

One of the most common questions we receive is whether or not a pet owner should apply for a CITES Article 10 for Commercial Use. The simple answer is “No”. However, as the process is simple and the cost is relatively small, it is often worth applying for an Article 10 anyway. Should there come a time when you need to rehome your pet, you can only ‘gift’ an African Grey if you do not have the relevant paperwork i.e. no money must change hands. While you may not have a problem with giving your pet away for free, many people are reluctant to take an African Grey without papers.

Breeding African Grey Parrots

If you are breeding your African Greys, or intend to, and you will be selling the young that they produce, then you will need a CITES Article 10 Certificate for Commercial Use. Breeding for sale is classed as a commercial activity, and you will need an Article 10 for each parent bird and also for each chick.

I have an African Grey, how do I get an Article 10?

Step by step guide to applying for a CITES Article 10 Certificate for Commercial Use

Buying an African Grey without paperwork

It is a criminal offence in the UK to purchase any species listed on Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations (which includes the species listed on CITES Appendix I). If you are offered the opportunity to buy an African Grey, always insist on seeing the Article 10 Certificate before agreeing your purchase. If the current owner does not have an A10 for their African Grey, then encourage them to apply for it.

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Catalina Tate

I’m Catalina and I’ve always loved birds.

Outside, inside, wild or domesticated.

There’s something about birds that makes the world seem more alive and makes my life richer.

The past

It began with bird-watching trips with my parents from the age of 4 and continued throughout my childhood with trips to zoos and nature reserves both at home and abroad. I could name over fifty species of exotic waterfowl while I was still at primary school (cinnamon teal anyone?) and my fascination never waned.

Despite the plethora of other pets at home (cat, stick insects, hissing cockroaches, gerbil, dwarf hamsters), birds never featured in the line-up. Perhaps partly because my Dad accidentally trod on his own pet budgie at the age of 11?

The present

My first pet birds were chickens. A wedding present from friends, we were given three beautiful blue-laced bantam Wyandotte pullets. These were soon followed by three friendly-but-dim light Sussex bantam pullets and two buff rock bantam pullets. Hens have been a permanent feature in our garden ever since.

My husband and I purchased our first parrot in 2011 – Jo, our blue-fronted Amazon. By this point we had established our own bird supplies shop in Boldon http://www.gardenfeathers.co.uk, so we knew she could be with us 24/7.

The flock soon expanded to include a rescue cockatiel (Paul), a yellow-thighed caique (Skippy), a donated African Grey (Jimmy), two rainbow lorikeets brothers (Bert and Ernie), several pairs of Celestial Parrotlets and most recently a pair of black-headed caiques.

The future

I don’t know where life will take me, but if there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that birds will always be a part of my past, present and future.

Catalina Tate