Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), in coordination with the General Authority of Customs, announced the implementation of new procedures to regulate permits for the export and re-export of wildlife samples, effective November 15.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry clarified that no shipment destined for export or re-export will be cleared without an on-site inspection by an administration inspector at the customs port and the approval of the electronic permit issued by the Wildlife Development Department. The Ministry explained that the new procedure applies only to wildlife samples bearing the registration codes of the Wildlife Development Department.

The Ministry urged individuals and traders to obtain the necessary permits in advance to avoid delays or disruptions in the release of shipments. It noted that this decision comes within the framework of the Ministry's efforts to regulate the movement and trade of wildlife species and to ensure the State of Qatar's compliance with relevant national and international agreements, most notably the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

For its part, the Wildlife Development Department called on all stakeholders to cooperate and adhere to the new instructions, in order to contribute to protecting biodiversity and preserving wildlife in the State of Qatar.