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CITES International Trade Controls

Concluded in Washington, D.C. on March 3, 1973 and entering into force on July 1, 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in wild animal and plant specimens.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-16

1. Treaty Structure & U.S. Implementation

In the United States, CITES is implemented under Section 8A of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. § 1537a). The President delegated statutory functions to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the designated Management Authority and Scientific Authority.

Official Sources: 16 U.S.C. § 1537a on uscode.house.gov ↗ • What is CITES on cites.org ↗

2. The Three Appendices (Article II)

Under Article II of the Convention, species are categorized into three appendices based on the degree of regulation required:

CITES Appendix I

Threat Level: Species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by trade (Article II, paragraph 1).

Rule: Commercial trade is prohibited. Non-commercial transfers require both an export permit from the exporting state and an import permit from the importing state.

CITES Appendix II

Threat Level: Species which although not necessarily now threatened with extinction may become so unless trade in specimens of such species is subject to strict regulation (Article II, paragraph 2).

Rule: Commercial trade is authorized subject to valid export permits or re-export certificates.

CITES Appendix III

Threat Level: Species which any Party identifies as being subject to regulation within its jurisdiction for the purpose of preventing or restricting exploitation, and as needing the cooperation of other Parties in the control of trade (Article II, paragraph 3).

Rule: Requires an export permit from the listing state or a certificate of origin from other states.

Official Source: CITES Convention Text (Article II) on cites.org ↗

3. Permitting & Scientific Non-Detriment Findings

Under Articles III and IV of the Convention, an export permit for an Appendix I or II species may only be granted when a Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species (a Non-Detriment Finding).

Official Sources: CITES Non-Detriment Findings on cites.org ↗ • USFWS International Affairs on fws.gov ↗