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Coral: Northern Ireland

Asked by Jim AllisterTraditional Unionist VoiceDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 19 September 2025UIN 74007

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether a CITES permit is required to move live coral from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

Live coral is not eligible for movement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (the “Green Lane”), as the scheme applies only to retail goods intended for final consumption in Northern Ireland. Movements of live animals and live aquatic invertebrates, such as coral, must therefore follow the standard procedures via Official Controls Regulations, including the standard SPS Requirements. Where a species of coral is protected under CITES, it will require a CITES permit for movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which are issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

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