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

There are more than 5 600 species of animals and 30 000 species of plants worldwide that are threatened with extinction. The purpose of CITES - also known as the Washington Convention - is to ensure that no species of wild fauna and flora becomes subject to unsustainable exploitation because of international trade. The convention on international trade in endangered species was adopted in 1973 to protect and preserve these species for the future and to ensure biological diversity.

CITES regulates international trade in specimens of the wild fauna and flora, i.e. export, re-export and import of live and dead animals and plants and of parts and derivatives thereof. The regulation is based on a system of permits and certificates which can be issued if certain conditions are met. Such documents have to be presented before consignments of specimens are allowed to leave or enter a country.

The species are listed according to degree of protection

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 in which trade must be controlled in order 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. Changes to Appendix III follow a distinct procedure from changes to Appendices I and II, as each Party’s is entitled to make unilateral amendments to it.

CITES in the EU

In the EU, CITES is enforced through special regulations, which apply for the entire union. The aim of the regulations is to “protect species of wild animals and plants and ensure their conservation through restrictions of trade.” The EU Regulations contain more species and have stricter regulations than CITES. The regulated species are listed in the annexes of Council Regulation 338/97.

UK and Brexit - this applies to CITES-listed animal and plant species during 2020

During a transitional period in effect until 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom will be treated as an EU country. This means that CITES certificates for trade within EU are still valid and CITES import- and exportpermits are not needed. As of January 1, 2021, import- and exportpermits will most likely be needed for all CITES listed items shipped between Sweden and the United Kingdom. It is not yet determined what will happen (at that time) to the CITES certificates already in circulation.

CITES in Sweden

Sweden signed the convention in August 1974 and the convention entered into force in July 1975. The Swedish Board of Agriculture has an overall responsibility for CITES legislation in Sweden and offers support and training to the other CITES authorities in Sweden. It is also responsible for issuing CITES certificates for trade within the EU as well as import and export permits for CITES-listed specimens of animals and plants. The Board also works to achieve a sustainable society; part of this effort involves adhering to CITES to ensure that wild fauna and flora are not endangered by unregulated trade.

Wildlife trade into and from the EU

Permits, certificates or notifications are required for trade to and from the EU (import, export, re-export) in animal or plant species listed in one of the four Annexes (Annex A, B, C and D) of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97. The required documents will only be issued if certain conditions are met.

Specimens of Annex A species cannot be imported to be used for primarily commercial purposes.

In the right-hand column you can find more information about import and export, the rules that apply and what you need to do. Länk till Import, export, and re-export of endangered animal and plant species between third countries and EU.

Species with an import ban

There are certain species where the introduction into the European Union is restricted. This is decided after consultation with the concerned countries of origin and after taking into account any opinion of the Scientific Review group. The most recent Suspensions Regulation is available in the right hand column.

Trade in Sweden and other EU member states

Generally, it is not allowed to use specimens of Annex A-listed species for primarily commercial purposes. This includes

• the purchase,
• offer to purchase,
• acquisition for commercial purposes,
• display to the public for commercial purposes,
• use for commercial gain and sale,
• keeping for sale,
• offering for sale,
• transporting for sale.

This applies to both live and dead specimens, including all parts or derivatives thereof. Hybrid animals, where only one of the parents is a species listed in Annex A, are also subject to these controls. Sometimes, however, commercial trade in specimens of Annex A is allowed.

It is possible to apply for an exemption to the prohibition, a so called CITES certificate. In Sweden the applications are administered by the Swedish Board of Agriculture. Apply for an exemption to the prohibition (in swedish)