Editorial note

The Convention to Regulate International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is premised on the view that control or elimination of international markets will contribute to the preservation of endangered species. It classifies species by reference to their endangered status: those in Appendix I are the most endangered and subject to the strictest trade regulation; those in Appendix II are not currently endangered, but are at risk of becoming so if unregulated trade continues; and those in Appendix III are subject to control by national authorities so as to prevent and restrict their exploitation.

Trade in listed species is subject to a system of import and export permits that is linked to input from scientific authorities and is supervised by national management authorities. Trade in species listed in Annex I is highly restricted and will only be permitted if, inter alia, (a) the Scientific Authority in the exporting country has determined that the export is not detrimental to the survival of the species and (b) the Management Authority of the importing State is satisfied that the import is not primarily for commercial purposes (Article III). The rules are less strict for trade in species listed in Appendices II and III (Articles IV and V). Trade with non-Parties is permissible so long as documentation comparable to the Convention's requirements is produced (Article X). The Convention's restrictions on trade in listed species do not interfere with a Party's right to take stricter domestic measures, or the right of Parties to comply with international agreements that regulate other aspects of trade (Article XIV).