How does CITES work?
CITES regulates international trade in species by including species on one of three Appendices. • Appendix I – species cannot be traded internationally for primarily commercial purposes. • Appendix II – species can be traded internationally for commercial purposes, but within strict regulations, requiring determinations of sustainability and legality. • Appendix III – a species included at the request of a country which then needs the cooperation of other countries to help prevent illegal exploitation. Since the Convention entered into force, more than 30,000 species of animals and plants have been listed on its Appendices, from tigers and elephants to mahogany and orchids.
