2.3 How CITES Regulates Trade
How CITES Regulates Trade
There are thousands of plant and animal species protected under CITES. They are listed in one of three Appendices to the Convention, according to the level of protection required.
Trade in these species is regulated by a permit system, whose requirements depend on the Appendix concerned. Those for the most endangered ones (Appendix I species) are the most strict. This regulation ensures the conservation of species whose trade is permitted, with full protection given to the most endangered species.
The How CITES Regulates Trade Chart provides a summary of the requirements for each appendix along with examples of protected animals and plants.
Only CITES specimens accompanied by valid permits, and meeting all other legislative requirements, are allowed to enter or leave your country.
Species that are subject to CITES regulation can be found in the document named CITES Appendices.