Concepts and Terminology: Non-Detriment Findings

A non-detriment finding may be understood as a conclusion by a Scientific Authority that the export of specimens of a particular species will not impact negatively on the survival of that species in the wild.

The non-detriment finding by a Scientific Authority is required before an export permit or a certificate of introduction from the sea may be granted for a specimen of an Appendix-I species, and before an export permit or a certificate of introduction from the sea may be granted for a specimen of an Appendix-II species. A non-detriment finding on the purpose of import must be made by the Scientific Authority of the State of Import for the import of Appendix I-listed species.

There are a number of terms and concepts in the text of the Convention that relate to the impacts of trade on species:

Key concepts to remember:

  • Non-detrimental findings are at the heart of the Convention;
  • Parties are obligated under CITES to make non-detriment findings;
  • Scientific Authorities are responsible for undertaking a non-detriment finding and for advising Management Authorities of its conclusions;
  • Trade in specimens of CITES-listed species is dependent on the results of a non-detriment finding, i.e., trade should not be detrimental to the survival of that species.

  • Over-exploitation (Preamble)

  • Threatened with extinction (Article II)

  • Utilization incompatible with their survival (Article II)

  • [Export/introduction] ...not detrimental to the survival of that species (Article III (Appendix I) and (Article IV) (Appendix II)

  • Purposes ...not detrimental to the survival of the species (Article III)

  • Export of specimens - limited to maintain that species throughout its range at a level consistent with its role in the ecosystems in which it occurs (Article IV)

  • Being affected adversely by trade (Article XIII)

In this lesson, you will learn why non-detrimental findings are fundamental in ensuring the successful implementation of the Convention.

Last modified: Thursday, 13 March 2014, 6:08 PM