European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning trade requires documentation of legal acquisition and, in many cases, export permits from the country of origin. Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is not currently CITES-listed, so species identification is critical — importers should obtain species-level documentation from suppliers to determine whether CITES compliance is required.

Mixed-species shipments must be declared accurately on the entry, with each species identified. If the species are commingled in a way that prevents separate classification, the importer should consult a licensed customs broker about the appropriate classification approach. Separate invoicing by species is the best practice to avoid classification disputes and facilitate HACCP traceability requirements.