The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), also known as the Washington Convention, is an international agreement signed in Washington, USA, on 3 March 1973, to which States (countries) adhere voluntarily, bringing together 175 countries currently. It entered into force on 1 July 1975.
Partner
Convention on International Trade in Endangered of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Main objective:
“To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”
The species covered by CITES are listed in Three Appendices (I, II and III), according to the degree of protection they need.
Appendix I
Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. An import or an export permit or re-export certificate issued by the Management Authority of the State of import or export, or re-export is required.
Appendix II
Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. An export permit or re-export certificate issued by the Management Authority of the State of export or re-export is required.
Appendix III
Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade. In the case of trade from a State that included the species in Appendix III, an export permit issued by the Management Authority of that State is required.