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

Formally Called : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

It is also known as Washington Convention

It is a multilateral Treaty.

Participation is voluntary.

It is legally binding on the Parties, but it does not take the place of national laws.

Opened for sign : 1973

Parties : 183

Aims to protect endangered plants and animals.

Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild, and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.

It classifies plants and animals according to three categories, or appendices, based on how threatened :

Appendix I: It lists species that are in danger of extinction. It prohibits commercial trade of these plants and animals except in extraordinary situations for scientific or educational reasons.

Appendix II: They are those that are not threatened with extinction but that might suffer a serious decline in number if trade is not restricted. Their trade is regulated by permit.

Appendix III: They are protected in at least one country that is a CITES member states and that has petitioned others for help in controlling international trade in that species.

In addition CITES also restricts trade in items made from such plants and animals, such as food, clothing, medicine, and souvenirs