Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Published: August 6, 2026    Legislation and Regulations, Wiki Home

Contents

Statement of Purpose

This page is for information on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). See also Overview of Permitting for Natural History Collections.

Contributors

Major editor: Breda Zimkus

Introduction

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

How CITES Works

CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system. Each Party to the Convention must designate one or more Management Authorities in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more Scientific Authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species. The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need:

  • Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
  • Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
  • Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

For additional information on the number and type of species covered by the Convention, see [How CITES Works].

Certificate of Scientific Exchange (COSE)

A Certificate of Scientific Exchange (COSE) authorizes the non-commercial loan, donation or exchange of CITES-listed specimens (i.e., preserved, dried or embedded specimens, herbarium specimens, live plant material) between scientists or scientific institutions. Registered scientific institutions can be found on the CITES website. If specimens are protected by other laws and/or treaties, you are required to obtain additional authorizations prior to any export or re-import of those specimens. Note: a COSE cannot be used with specimens collected by field researchers unless such specimens are first accessioned into the collection of a registered facility in the state of origin. For the import or export of specimens that are not part of your museum collection, have not yet been collected, or accessioned into your collection, a separate CITES collection permit is likely needed.

For the EU: CITES-listed specimens may be exchanged between registered scientific institutions for non-commercial purposes using the appropriate CITES labels. If one or both of the institutions are not registered, new CITES permits are required. Although shipments between EU Member States are considered domestic and do not require CITES import or export permits, implementation of CITES regulations may vary among Member States.

Imports of Specimens Not Accessioned into Museum Collections

For Appendix-I specimens, an import permit issued by the Management Authority of the State of import is required. This may be issued only if the specimen is not to be used primarily for commercial purposes and if the import will be for purposes that are not detrimental to the survival of the species.

For Appendix II specimens, no import permit is needed unless required by national law.

Exports of Specimens Not Accessioned into Museum Collections

For Appendix I and II specimens, an export permit or re-export certificate issued by the Management Authority of the State of export or re-export is also required. An export permit may be issued only if the specimen was legally obtained; the trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and for Appendix I specimens, an import permit has already been issued. A re-export certificate may be issued only if the specimen was imported in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

In the case of trade from a State that included the species in Appendix III, an export permit issued by the Management Authority of that State is required. This may be issued only if the specimen was legally obtained and, in the case of a live animal or plant, if it will be prepared and shipped to minimize any risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.