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⚠️This page provides a legal overview. Please verify with official government sources for accurate information.

Trade & Regulations Guide

A plain-language guide to regulations affecting the trade, import, and collection of corals and marine life, including CITES. Information for 1 category.

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Corals & Marine Life Regulations

An overview of the main Japanese rules affecting the trade, import, and collection of corals and marine life. Reef-building corals (order Scleractinia) are listed in their entirety on Appendix II of the Washington Convention (CITES), so international trade requires permits and procedures. This page is not legal advice.

3 regulations →

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

The Washington Convention (CITES) regulates international trade in wild fauna and flora at risk of extinction; Japan joined in 1980. Stony corals (order Scleractinia) are listed in their entirety on Appendix II.

Appendix Categories

Appendix I (Strictest)
Commercial international trade is generally prohibited. Among corals, Appendix I listings are limited, but some (e.g. certain precious corals) may apply.
Appendix II (Permit Required)
Trade is allowed with an export permit. This covers all stony corals (Scleractinia), giant clams (Tridacnidae), organ-pipe coral, blue coral, and fire corals.
Appendix III (Notification)
Listed by specific countries to protect their species. Certificate of origin required.

Trading frags propagated and traded domestically generally falls outside CITES international-trade rules. Imported corals typically require an export permit, import approval, and customs clearance. Treatment varies by species.

Invasive Alien Species Act

The Invasive Alien Species Act designates and regulates alien species that harm ecosystems, human health, or agriculture as "Designated Invasive Alien Species."

When Designated as Invasive

  • Prohibition of keeping and release (permit required)
  • Import prohibited
  • Sale/transfer prohibited
  • Release into the wild prohibited
  • Violations: up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to 3 million yen

Do not release kept corals, marine life, or tank water into the sea or rivers, to protect ecosystems. Keeping, transporting, transferring, or releasing designated invasive species is restricted under the Invasive Alien Species Act.

For the latest designated species list, visit the Ministry of the Environment's official page.

FAQ

Do I need a special license or registration to handle corals?
Keeping corals or posting information generally requires no special registration. However, international trade of CITES-listed species and handling of designated invasive species are regulated. Please check official government sources.
Can CITES-listed species be traded?
Appendix II species can be traded internationally with proper permits. Appendix I species are generally prohibited from commercial trade. Captive-bred individuals may have separate provisions.
What is prohibited when a species is designated as invasive?
Keeping, importing, transferring (including sale), and releasing are generally prohibited. If you kept them before designation, you must obtain the Minister of the Environment's permission within six months.
Is a permit required to trade corals internationally?
Stony corals (Scleractinia) are on Appendix II, so international trade requires an export permit and related documents. Domestic trade of locally propagated frags is generally out of scope.
What legal compliance measures does ReefBook take?
Species collected or traded illegally, and handling that violates regulations, are prohibited under our terms and addressed upon discovery.

* The information on this page is for general reference. Please verify with official government websites for the latest regulations.

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