The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is a treaty to regulate the international trade of endangered plants and animals that may be threatened with extinction. CITES was adapted in Washington D.C in 1973, and was issued in 1975. Now, 172 countries have ratified this international agreement and abide by its standards.
Wildlife trade is one of the largest money-making businesses worldwide. Wild animals and plants have been plunged into the threatened and endangered species category by over-hunting and increased collection for trade; such trade generates billions of dollars every year, making it a serious threat to endangered wildlife.
Unregulated trade needs to be controlled by international regulations to prevent threatened species from becoming extinct.
In CITES, Animal and Plants have been listed in the 3 groups of regulation levels called Appendices.
Appendix I： Species listed under this Appendix are the most highly endangered fauna and flora, which are threatened with extinction. International trade of these species is forbidden commercially; however trade for scientific purposes is allowed if permission for such trade is issued by the Management Authority in both importing and exporting countries.
Appendix II： Species listed under this Appendix are not yet endangered, but may face the possibility of becoming threatened with extinction by the impact of uncontrolled international trade. These species can be traded with permission issued by the Management Authority of the exporting country.
Appendix III： This Appendix includes native species that are selected by individual CITES member countries to be protected from international trade through cooperation of other member’s countries. Export of those species requires appropriate permits and certificates from authorized issuing parties.
Specimen’s subject to CITES regulations are living and non-living specimens, parts and derivatives of the species (products from species).