Caviar

Illegal trade in caviar has become an international problem in recent years. Overfishing of sturgeon and paddlefish (caviar is the unfertilised roe, or eggs, of these fish) has increased to the extent that 25 of the 27 sturgeon and paddlefish species are now considered threatened (17 are considered critically endangered or endangered). Because of this all these species are now subject to strict trade controls under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). However trade in caviar IS not completely banned and it is still possible to buy caviar which has been imported legally and Defra has recently introduced a unique labelling system which anybody selling caviar must comply with.

Anyone importing caviar, or subsequently selling it, without the appropriate CITES permits and the correct label on the packaging is committing an offence. Companies repackaging caviar in the UK must be registered with Defra.

Defra has produced a leaflet explaining the new controls, which can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/publications/CITES/Caviar.pdf or by request to:

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service
Zone 1/17
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Bristol BS1 6EB

E-mail: wildlife.licensing@defra.gsi.gov.uk