The test turns on the species, not the product type. A wallet, an oil, a carving or a medicine may need a permit if it contains or is made from a listed species. You need the correct scientific name and then check the CITES appendices, any reservations and Bangladesh's domestic lists. Products labelled only with trade names often cause confusion, and similar-looking species can have different listings. We work with qualified scientific advisers to confirm identification and give a written view on permit requirements before any wildlife trade transaction proceeds. Written opinions also reassure buyers and banks.

There is no fixed statutory timeframe that applicants can rely on, and processing depends on the species, the documents provided and whether inspection or scientific advice is needed. Straightforward applications with complete evidence of legal acquisition tend to move faster. Applications for Appendix II wild-sourced specimens can take longer because the authorities must be satisfied the trade is not harmful. We advise clients not to commit to shipping dates until the permit position is clear, and we prepare complete applications to avoid back-and-forth. Wildlife trade contracts should allow for permit delays rather than treating them as the exporter's breach.

Yes, subject to CITES and national requirements. Aquilaria species, the main source of agarwood, are listed in Appendix II, so exports need CITES permits showing that the material was legally obtained and that trade is sustainable. Plantation-grown agarwood may be treated as artificially propagated where the relevant criteria are met, which can simplify the process. Exporters should keep careful records of plantations, harvesting, processing and stock. We advise agarwood businesses on permits, record keeping and buyer contracts, and on how wildlife trade rules interact with other export requirements and with Bangladesh's geographical indication for agarwood.

Many popular exotic pets, including some parrots, reptiles and primates, are CITES-listed, and some are in Appendix I. Importing them requires valid export documents from the country of origin and, where required, a Bangladeshi import permit, as well as animal quarantine and welfare compliance. Captive-bred status must be genuine and documented. Animals arriving without proper papers can be seized, and owners or traders can face prosecution. We advise importers and individuals on lawful routes and on what to do if an animal has been acquired without the correct paperwork, which is a common wildlife trade problem.

CITES includes a limited exemption for personal and household effects, but it does not cover everything, and countries apply it differently. Items made from Appendix I species usually need permits even when carried as personal belongings, and some countries require permits for certain Appendix II items too. Travellers returning to Bangladesh with ivory, coral, reptile skin or similar products, or relocating household goods abroad, should check before travelling. We advise individuals and relocation companies on whether the exemption applies and, where it does not, on obtaining the necessary wildlife trade documents in advance of the move.

Customs or forest officials may detain goods where permits are missing, incomplete or inconsistent with the shipment, or where the species is suspected to be different from that declared. The first step is to obtain the detention papers and establish exactly what is alleged. Some issues, such as clerical errors in a permit, may be resolved by obtaining a corrected document. Others can lead to seizure and criminal proceedings under the 2012 Act. We act quickly to review the documents, engage with officials and, where needed, defend the client. Prompt legal advice often shapes how a wildlife trade case develops.

Research institutions moving biological samples, herbarium specimens or tissue across borders may need CITES documents if the species is listed, and some countries offer simplified procedures for registered scientific institutions. Bangladesh's biodiversity laws on access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing may also apply where samples are collected locally. Material transfer agreements should address permits, ownership and use restrictions. We advise universities, hospitals and research organisations on structuring legitimate scientific exchanges so that wildlife trade rules, biodiversity approvals and export requirements are handled together rather than separately.

Potentially, yes. Possession of protected specimens without lawful authority can expose the business holding them, even if a supplier provided false documents. Buyers, exporters and logistics companies should therefore carry out proportionate due diligence on suppliers, check permits for authenticity and keep records of what they checked. Wildlife trade contracts should include warranties of legality, cooperation duties and indemnities, though these do not remove regulatory exposure. We help businesses design checks that fit their risk, and, if a problem emerges, we advise on reporting, cooperation with authorities and recovering losses through our dispute resolution team.