CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CITES is an international treaty that regulates trade in wild animals and plants to prevent species over-exploitation. It uses permit systems and appendices to control imports, exports and re-exports.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), commonly called the Washington Convention, is a global agreement that seeks to ensure international trade does not threaten the survival of wild animals and plants. The treaty establishes rules and a permit system for cross-border movement of species and their parts, and it is implemented by countries through national laws and customs controls. For the official text and further background see the Convention.

History and membership

The idea for CITES was promoted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the 1960s in response to growing concerns about commercial trade driving species toward extinction. The Convention was opened for signature on 3 March 1973 (signing date) and entered into force on 1 July 1975 (entry into force). It has since been adopted by the vast majority of nations, which cooperate through meetings of the Conference of the Parties and a permanent secretariat to revise listings and advise on implementation.

How CITES works

CITES works by listing species in three appendices according to the level of protection they need. Appendix I covers species threatened with extinction for which commercial international trade is generally prohibited; Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction but that require trade controls; Appendix III contains species protected in at least one country that has asked other parties for assistance in controlling trade. The system relies on export permits, and in some cases import permits or certificates, issued by national management and scientific authorities to ensure shipments comply with the Convention. The treaty covers both wild animals and plants, including timber and horticultural specimens (animals, plants).

Significance and examples

CITES has played a central role in reducing legal international trade that would otherwise drive over-exploitation. Notable examples of species and commodities regulated under the Convention include elephants and ivory, rhinoceros horn, big cats, certain orchid and cacti species, and high-value timber. By controlling international commerce, CITES complements in‑country conservation measures such as habitat protection, captive-breeding programs and anti-poaching efforts.

Challenges and notable facts

Despite successes, CITES faces practical challenges: illegal wildlife trafficking remains lucrative and difficult to enforce; scientific assessments and national reporting vary in quality; and differences in domestic laws or resources can hamper implementation. Parties meet periodically to update listings and address trade trends. Key features to remember include:

A treaty based on cooperation among states and implemented through national authorities.
Three appendices that set different levels of control and permit requirements.
Regular meetings (Conference of the Parties) and technical committees that guide decisions.
Ongoing need for improved enforcement, monitoring and international assistance to combat illegal trade — see the Convention and technical guidance (implementation materials).

For further reading on species lists, amendments and party obligations consult official resources and summaries provided by conservation organizations and national authorities (treaty history, IUCN, case examples, plant listings).