Reptile Legal Guide for Japan — Specified Animals, CITES & Animal Welfare Law Basics

When raising reptiles, it is necessary to correctly understand the regulations under laws and treaties. If you violate them without knowing, you may be subject to penalties, so be sure to check before bringing one home. Here we explain the main laws and regulations related to keeping and purchasing reptiles in Japan.

About the Specified Animal System

A "specified animal" under the Animal Welfare and Management Law is a species designated by government ordinance as one that may cause harm to human life or body. For reptiles, all crocodilians, some large species of boas and pythons, Gila monsters, Komodo dragons, and others are designated. Following a legal amendment in June 2020, keeping a specified animal for pet purposes is in principle prohibited. Individuals that were kept with permission before the legal amendment may continue to be kept, but new permits for keeping are limited to academic research or exhibition purposes. If violated, imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to 1 million yen may be imposed. Before purchasing, it is important to check with the Ministry of the Environment's list whether the species you wish to keep is not a specified animal.

CITES (Washington Convention) and Import Regulations

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is a treaty that regulates international wildlife trade. Species listed in Appendix I are in principle prohibited from international trade for commercial purposes, and include Galápagos iguanas and Indian pythons. Species listed in Appendix II may be traded if there is an export permit from the country of export, and many chameleons, ball pythons, tortoises, and others fall under this category. Appendix III includes species for which specific countries have requested protection. When purchasing CITES-listed species within Japan, there is no problem if they are domestic-bred individuals (CB individuals), but it is recommended to keep documents that can prove the legal acquisition route of the individual.

The Animal Welfare and Management Law and Owners' Obligations

The Animal Welfare and Management Law is a law that applies to all pet owners. Reptile owners also have the following obligations: to provide proper care, that is, to provide an appropriate rearing environment suited to the species and habits of the animal. To thoroughly ensure cage locking and management to prevent escape. In particular, large snakes and lizards have been reported to escape, and strict management is required due to the significant impact on neighboring residents. Furthermore, carelessly abandoning an animal when keeping it becomes difficult is a crime, and may result in imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of up to 1 million yen. It is necessary to understand the principle of lifelong care and have the resolve to responsibly keep long-lived reptiles to the end.

Municipal Ordinances and Notifications

Separate from the Animal Welfare and Management Law, municipal ordinances may impose regulations on keeping reptiles. Particularly in apartment buildings, there are cases where reptiles are not included in the pet care regulations, and confirmation with the management association is necessary. Some municipalities require notification for keeping certain species. Additionally, if you breed and sell reptiles, registration as a Class 1 animal handler is required. Even if within the scope of hobbies, if you repeatedly and continuously transfer animals for a fee, it may be subject to business registration, so care is necessary. Before starting to keep reptiles, contact your local animal welfare center to confirm any necessary notifications and restrictions under local ordinances.

To Legally Welcome Reptiles

To welcome reptiles while complying with regulations, choosing a trustworthy source of acquisition is most important. Breeders registered with br-choku are legitimate breeders with registration as animal handlers. Since they mainly handle domestic-bred individuals, CITES-related issues are unlikely to arise, and the origin of the animals is clear. When purchasing, check the scientific name of the animal, the acquisition route, and CITES documents if necessary, and keep them carefully. Complying with the law is an important action that also contributes to reptile conservation.