Well Gordon, that is a hairy problem. The answer is yes AND no. If
the plants have been LEGALLY imported into the territory of one
member of the European Union (as it is now called), you can tranfer
them within Europe without further documents. That is Generally the
case as there are no more controls. However, whether that is in fact
the correct implementation of the law, I do not know.
I know that the interpretation of 'Trade' by German Cites Officials
is 'a transport across a border'. Now, the borders still exist of
course, the 'only' change is that at most of the borders, no-one
looks anyomore..... However, if the plant is on Annex 1, you need (at
least that is my understanding) a transport permit. And that again is
nothing else as a CITES document.
Again, no-one really knows all the details and loopholes. I guess,
the best thing to do is to play it safe and carry the pertinent
documents with you (which should be no problem if the plants have
been imported into the EU legally in the first place).
Happy CPing
Guido
(Ardently Anti-Cites)
Dr. Guido J. Braem ---- Plant Taxonomist
Naunheimer Str. 17
D-35633 Lahnau
Germany
Tel. [+49](6441]65333
Fax [+49](6441)65334