CITES
CITES, which stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is a global agreement between governments to regulate or prohibit international trade in endangered species. Its aim is to ensure that the international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
Working of Cites
CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All imports, exports, re-exports and releases from the sea of species covered by the Convention must be authorized through a licensing system. Each party to the convention must designate one or more executive authorities responsible for administering this licensing system and one or more scientific authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species.
CITES permit system The CITES permit system is the backbone of the regulation of trade in specimens of species, which is part of the convention's three annexes. Such trade should usually be accompanied by a CITES permit or certificate. The document is a confirmation from the issuing authority that the conditions for a trade permit have been met; this means that the trade is legal, sustainable and traceable. The CITES National Management Authority or Authorities of each Contracting Party are CITES permit issuing authorities based on the recommendation of the CITES National Scientific Authority. The Parties agreed on a standard format for CITES permits and certificates and on key recommendations regarding the CITES permit system contained in Resolution Conf. 1
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