The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was formally adopted in 1973 and entered into force in July 1975. The Convention aims to regulate and make international trade in endangered animals and plants more sustainable. The list of plants and animals which are considered “endangered” can be found in the Annex of the Convention and is independent from the more commonly known IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. International trade in the listed plants and animals requires specific import and export licenses. The CITES does not intervene with a state’s sovereignty which implies that states themselves are responsible for implementing and monitoring the principles of the Convention. The CITES Secretariat publishes recommendations, e.g. recommends trade bans for specific species, coordinates and advises State Parties. Furthermore, the Secretariat receives the annual reports and the annual illegal trade reports by the State Parties. The CITES is part of the eight conventions on environmental protection which are included under the GSP+ regulation.

CITES Standing Committee / UN