CITES Appendices and Trade Controls

The CITES Appendices classify species according to the level and form of protection they require from international trade. They regulate import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea through a permit and certificate system. Listing does not automatically prohibit every transaction, because the applicable control depends on the appendix, the specimen's source and the purpose of trade.

Appendix I: strictest control

Appendix I covers species threatened with extinction that are or may be affected by trade. International trade in wild-sourced specimens for primarily commercial purposes is generally prohibited, while exceptional non-commercial trade may be allowed under strict conditions.

• Both an import permit and an export permit or re-export certificate are normally required.
• Permits require findings concerning non-detriment, lawful acquisition, suitable care for living specimens and the non-commercial purpose of import.

Appendix II: regulated trade

Appendix II includes species that may become threatened unless trade is strictly regulated. It can also include look-alike species whose regulation is necessary to control trade effectively.

• Export requires an export permit, based on findings that the specimen was legally acquired and that export will not be detrimental to the species' survival.
• A CITES import permit is not normally required, although importing countries may impose stricter domestic controls.
• Re-export requires a re-export certificate from the relevant Management Authority.

Appendix III: cooperation with a listing country

Appendix III contains species protected within at least one Party that seeks assistance from other Parties in controlling trade.

• Export from the country that listed the species requires an export permit confirming lawful acquisition.
• Export from another country generally requires a certificate of origin, while re-export requires a re-export certificate.
• This system helps identify the specimen's origin and supports enforcement of the listing country's conservation measures.

Common legal framework

National Management Authorities issue documents, while Scientific Authorities make required non-detriment findings. Under Article XIV, Parties may adopt stricter domestic measures, so CITES establishes minimum international controls rather than uniform national rules.