Hirudo medicinalis is listed under CITES Appendix II. For a buyer, that single fact shapes how — and whether — leeches can legally cross a border.
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, regulates cross-border movement of listed species. Appendix II covers species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction now but may become so without controlled trade. Medicinal leeches sit here.
What it means in practice
- An export permit is required from the exporting country
- The permit must name the correct species and quantities
- Some destinations expect matching import documentation
Who handles it
A competent supplier manages the export-permit process so the buyer is not left navigating CITES paperwork alone. Ask for sample documentation before you commit to an order.