The CITES Convention and trade in animals and plants
Appendix I of the CITES
The Convention contains four appendices: Appendix I lists fauna and flora species threatened with extinction which may be affected by trade. Commercial trade in specimens of such species is illegal and is only allowed in exceptional circumstances. In order to export a specimen of Appendix I, an export permit is needed. According to Article III of the Convention, this export permit may only be granted, when:
- a scientific authority of the exporting state has ruled that such an export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species;
- a management authority of the exporting state has ruled that export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species;
- a management authority of the exporting state is satisfied that any living animal or plant will be so prepared and shipped as to minimise the risk of injury, damage to health and cruel treatment;
- an import permit for the specimen has been granted and submitted to the management authority of the exporting state. An import permit shall only be granted, when (1) a scientific authority of the importing state has ruled that the import will be for purposes which are not detrimental to the survival of the species involved, (2) a scientific authority of the importing state is satisfied that the proposed recipient of a living animal or plant is suitably equipped to house and care for it, (3) a management authority of the importing state is satisfied that the animal or plant is not to be used for primarily commercial purposes.