Brussels, 24.9.2025

COM(2025) 533 final

2025/0295(NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20)

(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November - 5 December 2025)


EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.Subject matter of the proposal

This proposal concerns the decision establishing the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) related to the envisaged adoption of decisions to, among other things, amend the Appendices of the Convention.

2.Context of the proposal

2.1.The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (‘the Convention’ or ‘CITES’) aims to protect wild animals and plants from over-exploitation through international trade. The Convention entered into force on 1 July 1975.

The European Union and all its Member States are Parties to the Convention 1 .

2.2.The Conference of the Parties to the Convention

The Conference of the Parties (CoP) is the governing body of the Convention, established under Article XI. The CoP meets every two to three years to review the implementation of the Convention. In particular, it considers and adopts proposals to amend the lists of species in Appendices I and II to the Convention. The CoP also considers documents and reports from the Parties, the permanent committees, the Secretariat and the working groups, and recommends measures to implement the Convention more effectively.

As far as possible, the CoP decides on proposals to amend Appendices I and II by consensus. If it does not reach consensus, decisions are put to a vote and can be adopted by a two-thirds majority of representatives present and voting under Article XV(1)(b) of the Convention. Each Party has one vote except regional economic integration organisations, which under Article XXI(5) have the ‘right to vote with a number of votes equal to the number of their Member States which are Parties to the Convention’ in the areas of their competence. On decisions to amend the Appendices, voting rights are exercised by the Union, given that the CITES Appendices are transposed into relevant Union legislation ( 2 ).

2.3.The envisaged act of the Conference of the Parties

At its 20th meeting from 24 November to 5 December 2025, the CoP is to decide on 51 proposals to amend the CITES Appendices (‘listing proposals’). The purpose of including species or groups of species in the Appendices is to generally prohibit (Appendix I) or to monitor and regulate (Appendix II) commercial trade in those species.

As integral parts of the Convention, the Appendices are legally binding. Under Article XV(1)(c), amendments adopted by the CoP become applicable 90 days after the end of the CoP.

3.Position to be taken on the Union’s behalf

As a Party to the Convention, the Union is to take a position on each of the listing proposals and on the numerous other draft decisions on the agenda of the CoP. Experts from the Commission and the Member States have reviewed the listing proposals and the other proposed CoP decisions, including their potential impact on relevant Union rules and policies. The position proposed by the Commission is based on these expert discussions, held in the context of relevant Commission expert groups and the relevant Council working party.

The listing proposals and several of the other draft CoP decisions are liable to affect EU rules or alter their scope, mostly because they would entail amendments to Union legislation and implementing rules. Changes to the Appendices of the Convention need to be reflected in the EU acquis through corresponding changes to Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 and, where relevant, implementing regulations. This will result in the establishment or removal of restrictions on trade from, into and within the EU for the species affected by the changes.

The Commission is in regular contact with stakeholders with an interest in matters covered by the Convention such as environmental non-governmental organisations, representatives of business sectors engaged in the trade or use of wildlife products, and hunting or fishing organisations. On 22 July 2025, the Commission held a consultation meeting with stakeholders to obtain their views on the issues under discussion for CITES CoP20. The Commission has duly taken their input into consideration in developing the proposed Council Decision.

Further analyses of CoP proposals are carried out by the CITES Secretariat and by experts from specialised organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Expert Advisory Panel for the assessment of CITES species listing proposals. Most of these analyses were not available in time for the Commission’s proposal; they should all be fully considered when the proposal is discussed with Member States in the Council.

In addition, several working documents for CITES CoP20 were not available in time for the Commission to propose a Union position. The Commission therefore proposes that the positions on those issues be taken during the discussions in the Council working group pursuant to the adoption of this Decision, or otherwise during the preparations for the CoP meeting or during the CoP meeting itself for documents that become available only then.

4.Legal basis

4.1.Procedural legal basis

4.1.1.Principles

Article 218(9) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides for decisions establishing ‘the positions to be adopted on the Union’s behalf in a body set up by an agreement, when that body is called upon to adopt acts having legal effects, with the exception of acts supplementing or amending the institutional framework of the agreement.’

The concept of ‘acts having legal effects’ includes acts that have legal effects by virtue of the rules of international law governing the body in question. It also includes instruments that do not have a binding effect under international law but are ‘capable of decisively influencing the content of the legislation adopted by the EU legislature’ ( 3 ).

4.1.2.Application to the present case

The CoP is a body set up by an agreement, namely CITES.

Several of the acts that the CoP is called upon to adopt constitute acts with legal effects. The amended Appendices, being an integral part of the Convention, will be binding under international law. Some of the other CoP decisions, such as modifications to resolutions integrated in the EU legislation, will be capable of decisively influencing the content of EU legislation, namely Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 ( 4 ) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 ( 5 ). This is because both acts are closely aligned with relevant rules for implementing the Convention as decided by the CoP. 

The envisaged acts do not supplement or amend the institutional framework of the Agreement.

Therefore, the procedural legal basis for the proposed decision is Article 218(9) TFEU.

4.2.Substantive legal basis

4.2.1.Principles

The substantive legal basis for a decision under Article 218(9) TFEU depends primarily on the objective and content of the envisaged act in respect of which a position is taken on the Union’s behalf. If the envisaged act pursues two aims or has two components, and if one of those aims or components is identifiable as the main one while the other is merely incidental, the decision under Article 218(9) TFEU must be founded on a single substantive legal basis, namely that required by the main or predominant aim or component.

With regard to an envisaged act that simultaneously pursues a number of objectives or that has several components that are inseparably linked without one being incidental to the other, the substantive legal basis of a decision under Article 218(9) TFEU will have to include, exceptionally, the various corresponding legal bases.

4.2.2.Application to the present case

The envisaged CoP decisions pursue the main and predominant objective of the protection of the environment.

The environmental purpose of the Convention is clear from the preamble thereto, which states ‘that wild fauna and flora in their many beautiful and varied forms are an irreplaceable part of the natural systems of the earth which must be protected for this and the generations to come’. The proposed decision follows this aim. Restriction of trade through regulation of import, export, and re-export is the procedural mechanism used to achieve the above-mentioned objective. Thus, the objective and components of the envisaged act relating to the protection of the environment must be regarded as being the predominant one, whilst the components of the trade policy remain incidental.

The substantive legal basis of the proposed decision is therefore Article 192(1) TFEU.

4.3.Conclusion

The legal basis of the proposed decision should be Article 192(1), in conjunction with Article 218(9) TFEU.

2025/0295 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20)

(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November - 5 December 2025)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 192(1) thereof, in conjunction with Article 218(9),

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (‘the Convention’) to which the Union acceded by Council Decision (EU) 2015/451 of 6 March 2015 ( 6 ) entered into force on 1 July 1975.

(2)Pursuant to Article XI(3) of the Convention, the Conference of the Parties may, among other things, adopt decisions to amend the Appendices to the Convention.

(3)The Conference of the Parties, during its 20th meeting from 24 November to 5 December 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is to decide on 51 proposals to amend Appendices to the Convention, as well as numerous other matters related to the implementation and interpretation of the Convention.

(4)It is necessary to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf in the Conference of the Parties, as the amendments to the Appendices will be binding on the Union. Several other decisions, such as modifications to resolutions integrated in the EU legislation, will be capable of decisively influencing the content of Union law, in particular Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 ( 7 ) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 ( 8 ). 

(5)The Union’s proposed position to be taken on the different proposals before the Conference of the Parties is based on the expert analysis of their merits, taking into account the provisions of the Convention, in the light of the best available scientific evidence, as well as their consistency with relevant Union rules and policies,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is set out in the Annexes.

Article 2

Minor technical changes to the positions set out in Article 1 may be agreed upon without further decision of the Council, in particular where new scientific or technical information is presented after the adoption of this Decision and before or during the meeting of the Conference of Parties. In such cases, the Union position shall be consistent with the principles laid down in the Annexes to this Decision.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels,

   For the Council

   The President

(1) ()    Council Decision (EU) 2015/451 of 6 March 2015 concerning the accession of the European Union to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), OJ L 75, 19.3.2015, p. 1.
(2) ()    Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein, OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1, and relevant implementing acts.
(3) ()    Judgment of the Court of Justice of 7 October 2014, Germany v Council, C-399/12, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2258, paragraphs 61 to 64.
(4) ()    Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 of 4 May 2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein.
(5) ()    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 of 23 August 2012 laying down rules for the design of permits, certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006.
(6) ()    OJ L 75, 19.3.2015, p. 1.
(7) ()    Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (OJ L 166, 19.6.2006, p. 1).
(8) ()    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein, laying down rules for the design of permits, certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (OJ L 242, 7.9.2012, p. 13).

Brussels, 24.9.2025

COM(2025) 533 final

ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20)



(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025)


ANNEX I

Union Position on key issues to be discussed at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025)

A.General considerations

1.The Union considers the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) a key international convention for biodiversity conservation and against wildlife trafficking.

2.The Union should adopt an ambitious position for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20), in line with relevant Union policies and international commitments, in particular the targets relating to wildlife under Sustainable Development Goal 15, the Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the CITES Strategic Vision and UN General Assembly Resolution 79/313 on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife. The Union’s position should also serve to attain the objectives set out at Union level through the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the revised EU action plan against wildlife trafficking 1 , the Union approach to promote trade and sustainable development, and the European Green Deal.

3.The priorities for the Union at CITES CoP20 should be:

·to regulate international trade in endangered animal and plant species that are subject to unsustainable levels of trade, pursuing a science-based approach; and

·to strengthen the response by the international community to wildlife trafficking.

4.At CITES CoP20, the Union should ensure that the EU’s status and rights as a Party to the Convention remain fully respected in line with its provisions.

5.The Union’s position should take account of the contribution that CITES mechanisms can make towards improving species’ conservation status and acknowledge the work done by those countries that have implemented effective conservation measures.

6.The number of listings and the complexity of CITES procedures to implement them have increased substantially. The Union should ensure that the decisions taken at CITES CoP20 focus on the core issues of the Convention. The Union should ensure that the decisions taken maximise the efficiency of CITES, by minimising unnecessary administrative burden and by achieving practical, cost-effective and workable solutions to issues concerning implementation, enforcement and monitoring.

7.Many decisions adopted at CITES CoP20 will be implemented by the CITES Standing Committee, which is the main CoP subsidiary body. The Union’s position for CITES CoP20 should therefore also guide the Union’s approach at the 79th and 80th meetings of the Standing Committee, which take place directly before and after CoP20.

B.Specific issues

8.Fifty-one proposals for amending the CITES Appendices have been tabled for consideration at CITES CoP20. Eight of these proposals have been submitted by the Union as the main proponent or as co-proponent, and their adoption should naturally also be supported by the Union.

9.The Union’s position on all proposals should be based on the conservation status of the species concerned and on the impact that trade has or may have on the status of that species. To this end, the most relevant and robust scientific evidence should be taken into consideration in line with Resolution Conf. 9.24 on the criteria for amendment of Appendices I and II.

10.The views of the range states of the species concerned by the proposals should receive particular attention. In setting out its position, the Union should acknowledge the essential contributions of those who live in close connection with and depend on wildlife for their livelihoods, cultural practices and local economies. Their knowledge, stewardship and direct involvement in the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity are important for the effective implementation of CITES and the achievement of its objectives.

11.The Union considers that, as a general rule, support should be given to proposals to amend CITES Appendices where these are the result of work by the CITES Animals and Plants Committees and the Standing Committee. The assessment of the proposals by the CITES Secretariat and IUCN/TRAFFIC 2  and, for commercially exploited marine species, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) eighth dedicated Expert Advisory Panel should also be taken into account once available.

12.As agreed in Council Decision 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025 3 , the Union advocates the inclusion of:

–Pelophylax epeiroticus, Pelophylax shqipericus, Pelophylax ridibundus and Pelophylax lessonae (water frogs) in Appendix II (with 18 months delay in entry into force);

–Anguilla spp. (freshwater eels) in Appendix II (with 18 months delay in entry into force);

–Centrophoridae (gulper sharks) in Appendix II;

–Holothuria lessoni (golden sandfish) in Appendix II;

–Actinopyga echinites, Actinopyga lecanora, Actinopyga mauritiana, Actinopyga miliaris, Actinopyga palauensis and Actinopyga varians (sea cucumbers) in Appendix II; and

–Commiphora wightii (Indian bdellium) in Appendix II.

The Union has also decided to co-sponsor and will advocate for the proposal by Panama to transfer Carcharhinus longimanus (oceanic whitetip shark) from Appendix II to Appendix I, and the proposal by Brazil to list Galeorhinus galeus (tope shark) and Mustelus spp. (smoothhounds) in Appendix II.

13.On the proposal concerning the listing of Anguilla spp., the position of the Union should be to support the adoption of the strongest possible measures aimed at safeguarding Anguilla anguilla (European eel) and other species of the genus Anguilla from further decline due to unsustainable trade, taking into account complementarities and synergies between the different measures under consideration by the CoP.

14.The Union notes that a significant number of listing proposals submitted by Parties concern endemic species, which are particularly vulnerable due to their limited geographic distribution and often small population sizes. Recognising the heightened conservation challenges these species face, the Union supports the inclusion of such species in the CITES Appendices as far as possible, where the proposals are in line with the CITES listing criteria and the precautionary approach.

15.The Union’s position on proposals related to wildlife trafficking should reflect the Union’s comprehensive approach to preventing wildlife trafficking by addressing its root causes, strengthening legal and policy frameworks to address wildlife trafficking, enforcing existing rules effectively, and fostering global partnerships to address wildlife trafficking, as outlined in the revised EU action plan against wildlife trafficking.

16.The Union should also encourage initiatives that help to increase the capacities of relevant authorities and share information and best practices, in order to better implement CITES and improve cooperation between source, transit and destination countries.

17.The Union notes that several proposals have been tabled by Parties in relation to trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn. The Union considers that the conditions for reauthorising this trade are not met and does not support proposals for CoP20 to re-open it. For domestic markets, the Union should continue to support proportionate and effective measures based on the best available evidence, within the scope of the Convention.

18.The Union notes that the expansion of CITES to include additional species has significantly increased the volume and complexity of activities under the Convention, placing growing demands on the CITES Secretariat, committees and Parties. At the same time, funding has not kept pace with this increased workload. These developments should be duly taken into account by the Union when determining its priorities for CoP20 and in discussions on the future budget of the CITES Secretariat.

(1)     Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Revision of the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking .
(2)    The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and TRAFFIC specialise in wildlife trade issues and provide a thorough assessment of proposals to amend CITES Appendices before each CoP.
(3)     Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025 on the submission, on behalf of the European Union, of proposals for amendments to the appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to that Convention .

Brussels, 24.9.2025

COM(2025) 533 final

ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20)














(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November - 5 December 2025)


ANNEX 2

Union position on certain proposals submitted to the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025)

“+”

indicates support

“–“

indicates no support

“0”

indicates an open position due to a lack of sufficient information to establish a position

“(+)”

indicates support conditional on the availability of additional information and/or amendments to the proposal

“(-)”

indicates no support, to be reconsidered if further supporting evidence is provided and/or the proposal is significantly amended

1.Working Documents

No

Agenda item

Proponent 1

Comments

Position

Opening ceremony

No document

Welcoming addresses

No document

Administrative and financial matters

1.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair of the meeting and of Chairs of Committees I and II

No document

2.

Adoption of the agenda

CoP20 Doc. 2

 Sec.

 

3.

Adoption of the working programme

 

 

4.

Rules of Procedure of the Conference of the Parties

 

Support recommended

amendments to Rule 25.6 and the draft decision to continue to discuss the stepwise approach.

+

5.

Credentials Committee

 

 

5.1

Establishment of the Credentials Committee

No document

 

5.2

Report of the Credentials Committee

No document

6.

Admission of observers

 

7.

Administration, finance and budget of the Secretariat and of meetings of the Conference of the Parties

 

 

7.1

Administration of the Secretariat

Sec.

 

7.2

Report of the Executive Director of UNEP on administrative and other matters

UNEP

 

 

7.3

Financial reports for 2023-2025

 

7.4

Budget and work programme for 2026 to 2028

 

7.5

Arrangements for meetings of the Conference of Parties

8.

Terms of reference of the Finance and Budget Subcommittee
CoP20 Doc.8

SC

9.

Emerging operational issues of the Committees CoP20 Doc. 9

SC

Support the amendments to Res. Conf. 18.2 and the deletion of Decisions 19.1 to 19.3.

+

10.

Access to funding

11.

Sponsored delegates project

CoP20 Doc. 11

Sec. in consultation with SC

Support the draft decisions related to selection criteria for the programme and financial support to developing country Parties subject to Article XIII process.

+

Strategic matters

12.

Committee reports and recommendations

 

 

 

12.1

Standing Committee

 

 

 

 

12.1.1

Report of the Chair
CoP20 Doc. 12.1.1

SC

No decision required

 

 

12.1.2

Election of new regional and alternate regional members

No document

 

12.2

Animals Committee

 

 

 

12.2.1

Report of the Chair

CoP20 Doc. 12.2.1

AC

No decision required

 

 

12.2.2

Election of new regional and alternate regional members

No document

 

12.3

Plants Committee

 

 

 

12.3.1

Report of the Chair
CoP20 Doc. 12.3.1

PC

No decision required

 

 

12.3.2

Election of new regional and alternate regional members

No document

13.

CITES Strategic Vision 
CoP20 Doc. 13

SC

Support the amendments to Res. Conf. 16.4 and 18.3 and deletion of Decisions 19.11-19.13.

Request to prolong decision 19.14 to identify a more meaningful additional indicator. Add consistent references to the BBNJ agreement.

(+)

14.

Enhancing the work and efficiency of the Convention through the permanent committees CoP20 Doc. 14

SC, AC, PC

Support the establishment of an inter-sessional working group to prioritise work of the committees.

+

15.

Role of CITES in reducing risk of future zoonotic disease emergence associated with international wildlife trade

 

15.1

Report of the Standing Committee CoP 20 Doc. 15.1

SC

Support the draft decisions while suggesting some modifications to Decision 20.BB to alleviate the work of the AC.

(+)

 

15.2

One Health and CITES: Reducing risks to human and animal health associated with trade in CITES-listed species CoP 20 Doc. 15.2

Senegal

Do not support the draft resolution, which goes beyond the CITES mandate.

-

16.

Cooperation

 

16.1

Cooperation with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other international organisations
CoP20 Doc.16.1

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 16.4 and draft decisions. However, suggest a new recital referring to the BBNJ agreement.

(+)

 

16.2

Cooperation with the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation
CoP20 Doc. 16.2

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 16.5 and the deletion of Decisions 19.22 and 19.23.

+

16.3

Joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative
CoP20 Doc. 16.3

AC in consultation with SC

Support the proposed amendments to the relevant decisions and adoption of new decisions.

+

16.4

International Consortium on
Combating Wildlife Crime
CoP20 Doc. 16.4

Sec.

Support the proposed decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.26 and 19.27.

+

16.5

Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
CoP20 Doc. 16.5

SC

Support the proposed draft decisions and deletion of Decisions 19.28 and 19.29.

+

17.

World Wildlife Trade Report
CoP20 Doc. 17

SC

Support the draft decisions while suggesting some minor changes for clarity.

+

18.

CITES and forests
CoP20 Doc. 18

Sec. in consultation with SC

Document not available on time for analysis

19.

Language strategy for the Convention 
CoP20 Doc.19

SC

Support the proposed way forward and amendments to Decisions 19.38 and 19.39.

+

Capacity-building

20.

Capacity-building framework

CoP20 Doc. 20

SC

Support the amendments to the relevant decisions.

+

21.

Compliance Assistance Programme
CoP20 Doc. 21

SC

Support the proposed decisions and delete Decisions 19.44 to 19.46.

+

22.

Country-wide Review of Significant Trade
CoP20 Doc. 22

SC

Support the proposed decisions and delete Decisions 19.47 and 19.48.

+

23.

CITES Tree species programme

CoP20 Doc. 23

Sec.

Support the proposed decisions and delete Decisions 19.49 and 19.50.

+

CITES and people

24.

United Nations World Wildlife Day 

CoP20 Doc. 24

Sec.

No decision required

25.

CITES gender action plan
CoP20 Doc. 25

SC

Support the renewal of the decisions and the proposed amendment to Decision 19.52.

+

26.

CITES Global Youth Network 
CoP20 Doc. 26

China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Kuwait, Philippines, Singapore, South

Africa, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 17.5.

+

27.

Engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities
CoP20 Doc. 27

SC

Support recommendations b)–d)

On recommendation a), terminology considerations are complex and merit further deliberation and the need to reflect CITES’ specific mandate.

Welcome the non-binding guidance as a good basis for further discussion, emphasising that such engagement is best addressed at national level.

(+)

28.

Draft resolution on the creation of an advisory Subcommittee of the Standing Committee of People Living alongside Fauna and Flora species included in the CITES Appendices (PLFF), a related Voluntary Fund, and their procedures
CoP20 Doc. 28

Zimbabwe

Do not support establishment of the proposed subcommittee.

-

29.

Livelihoods

29.1

Report of the Standing Committee
CoP20 Doc. 29.1

SC

Support the proposed deletions in Res. Conf. 16.6; do not support the reference to the six strategies; conditionally support selected elements of certain draft decisions with amendments to align with CITES mandate; support deletion of the relevant implemented decisions.

(-)

29.2

Document by Zambia
CoP20 Doc. 29.2

Zambia

Do not support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 16.6; possibly support dissemination of the guidance without reopening the Resolution.

(-)

30.

Integrating human rights, livelihoods, and food security into the implementation of CITES
CoP20 Doc. 30

Zimbabwe

Do not support the proposed resolution, which goes beyond CITES’ mandate.

-

31.

Demand reduction to combat illegal trade
CoP20 Doc. 31

SC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of Decisions 19.55 to 19.57.

+

Existing Resolutions and Decisions

32.

Review of Resolutions
CoP20 Doc. 32

Sec.

Support the amendments to the relevant Resolutions and the draft decision.

+

33.

Review of Decisions
CoP20 Doc. 33

Sec.

Support the proposed amendments to the relevant Resolution, delete the implemented decisions and maintain Decision 17.256.

+

Compliance

34.

National laws for implementation of the Convention

CoP20 Doc. 34

Sec.

Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.58 to 19.62.

Support the request to the Secretariat to make the draft guidance on exceptional circumstances available on the CITES website.

+

35.

Compliance matters

35.1

Implementation of Article XIII and Resolution Conf. 14.3 (Rev. CoP19) on CITES compliance procedures
CoP20 Doc. 35.2

Document not available on time for analysis

35.2

Review of the National Ivory Action Plans Process
CoP20 Doc. 35.2

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 10.10 and the proposed new decision. Support deletion of Decisions 19.68 to 19.70.

+

35.3

Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi)
CoP20 Doc. 35.3

Sec.

Support the proposed decisions and the deletion of the implemented ones. Suggest adding a recommendation to conduct annual visual vaquita survey.

(+)

36.

Review of the provisions of Resolution Conf. 17.7 (Rev. CoP19) on Review of trade in animal specimens reported as produced in captivity
CoP20 Doc. 36

SC

Support the proposed decision and amendments to Res. Conf. 17.7. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.63 to 19.65.

+

37.

Possession of specimens of species included in Appendix I
CoP20 Doc. 37

SC.

Do not support recommendations a) and b) as they are contrary to Article VIII of the Convention.

Support recommendations c) (amendments to Res. Conf. 8.4) and d) (deletion of the implemented decisions).

(+)

Illegal trade and enforcement

38.

Review of Resolution Conf. 11.3 (Rev. CoP19) on Compliance and enforcement
CoP 20 Doc. 38

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 11.13 and deletion of the implemented decision.

+

39.

Enforcement matters

CoP20 Doc. 39

Sec.

Generally support the recommendations. However, further assessment is necessary given the wide variety of topics covered by the document.

(+)

40.

Wildlife crime enforcement support in West and Central Africa

CoP20 Doc. 40

SC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

41.

CITES Big Cats Task Force 
CoP20 Doc. 41

SC

Support the proposed decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.92 and 19.93.

+

42.

Implementation of the priority recommendations from the review of the ETIS Programme
CoP20 Doc. 42

SC

Support the renewal of the relevant decisions and adoption of the proposed one. However, some modification might be necessary to ensure a coherent approach to all ETIS-related documents, including regarding the impact of not including unresolved data.

(+)

43.

ETIS categorisation of Parties
CoP20 Doc. 43

SC

Support the adoption of the criteria to be used in Step 1 paragraph a) of the Guidelines to the NIAP Process. However, some further refinement to the criteria and clarifications might be necessary. Moreover, clarify that contextual information should also be used as part of the categorisation process.

(+)

44.

Ivory seizures and domestic ivory markets
CoP20 Doc. 44

SC

Support the deletion of the relevant decisions.

 +

45.

Illegal trade in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

CoP20 Doc. 45

SC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

46.

Marine turtles (Cheloniidae spp. and Dermochelyidae spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 46

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 19.5, but some modifications might be necessary.

Support the deletion of the implemented decision.

(+)

47.

Tortoises and freshwater turtles (Testudines spp.)

47.1

Report of the Standing Committee and of the Secretariat
CoP20 Doc. 47.1

Document not available on time for analysis

47.2

Trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles from Madagascar
CoP20 Doc. 47.2

EU

Document submitted by the EU

+

Regulation of trade

48.

Proposal to amend Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP19)
CoP20 Doc. 48

Do not support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 12.3. The proposed amendments would create additional burdensome procedures and affect the rights of parties to establish stricter domestic measures.

-

49.

Legal acquisition findings
CoP20 Doc. 49

Sec. at the request of SC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and amendments to Annexes 1 and 3 to Res. Conf. 18.7. Support deletion of the implemented decisions. The draft guidance requires changes.

(+)

50.

Non-detriment findings
CoP20 Doc. 50

AC, PC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and the deletion of the implemented ones.

+

51.

Non-detriment findings for specimens of Appendix-II species taken from areas beyond national jurisdiction
CoP20 Doc. 51

SC

Support the adoption of the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

52.

Introduction from the sea
CoP20 Doc. 52

SC

Support the adoption of the proposed decisions apart from 20BB (changes to Res. Conf. 14.6), which require additional analysis.

Support the deletion of the implemented decisions.

(+)

53.

Materials for the identification of specimens of CITES-listed species
CoP20 Doc. 53

AC, PC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

54.

Identification of timber and other wood products
CoP20 Doc. 54

SC

Support the proposed amendments to the relevant decisions.

+

55.

Purpose-of-transaction-codes
CoP20 Doc. 55

SC

Support the proposed mandate but do not support the proposed definition of code ‘P’.

(-)

56.

Electronic systems and information technologies and authentication and control of permits

56.1

Report of the Standing Committee

CoP20 Doc. 56.1

SC

Support the proposed decisions and the deletion of the implemented ones.

+

56.2

A hub model for the exchange of CITES permits
CoP20 Doc. 56.2

United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Switzerland

Support the proposed amendments to the decisions. Ensure that the assessment of feasibility and options using a hub model takes into account existing regional hubs or such hubs as will exist before the CITES global hub could be operational.

+

57.

Review of Resolution Conf. 8.13 (Rev. CoP17) on Use of coded-microchip implants for marking live animals in trade
CoP20 Doc. 57

SC

Support the proposed decisions.

+

58.

Risk assessment and analysis for border control of CITES-listed species
CoP20 Doc. 58

SC

Support renewal of the relevant decisions.

+

59.

Stocks and stockpiles
CoP20 Doc. 59

SC

Support the proposed decisions and amendments to the relevant Resolutions.

Do not support the draft definition of ‘stockpiles’ unless the reference to ‘legally stored’ is removed.

(-)

60.

Transport of live specimens
CoP20 Doc. 60

SC

Support adoption of the proposed decision and deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

61.

Rapid movement of wildlife diagnostic samples and musical instruments
CoP20 Doc. 61

SC

Support the proposed decisions but ensure that their implementation is conditional on the availability of resources. Support deletion of Decision 19.160.

(+)

62.

Specimens produced through biotechnology
CoP20 Doc. 62

 SC

Support the renewal of the relevant decisions.

+

63.

Definition of the term 'appropriate and acceptable destinations'
CoP20 Doc. 63

SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC

Support the renewal of the relevant decisions.

+

64.

Disposal of confiscated specimens

 

 

 

64.1

Report of the Standing Committee

CoP20 Doc. 64.1

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 17.8 and the maintenance of the relevant decisions as well as deletion of the implemented ones.

+

64.2

Review of Resolution Conf. 17.8 (Rev. CoP19)
CoP20 Doc. 64.2

Kenya

The proposal in its current form should not be supported. The proposal with regard to both terminology and transfer of animals to research institutions requires careful analysis and discussion, which is unlikely to be possible at CoP20.

(-)

64.3

Voluntary register of placement facilities for confiscated live specimens
CoP20 Doc. 64.3

Nigeria and United States of America

The proposal requires further analysis regarding added value and costs of the proposed voluntary register (including resources needed for maintaining it).

0

65.

Labelling system for trade in caviar
CoP20 Doc. 65

SC

Support the deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

66.

 Trade in stony corals

 

66.1

Report of the Standing Committee

CoP20 Doc. 66.1

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 11.10 and Res. Conf. 9.6.

Regarding Decision 19.178 directed to SC, suggest involvement of AC.

Suggest that including an additional reporting unit to capture not only the number but also the size of individual live corals should be considered at CoP20.

(+)

66.2

Trade in asexually produced stony corals
CoP20 Doc. 66.2

Australia

Support the proposed amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.10 (Rev. CoP15), including new definitions for asexually produced coral born and bred in captivity.

+

Exemptions and special trade provisions

67.

Review of CITES provisions related to trade in specimens of animals and plants not of wild source

67.1

Report of the Standing Committee
CoP20 Doc. 67.1

SC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

67.2

Considerations and recommendations for ranching of aquatic species
CoP 20 Doc. 67.2

Mexico, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America

Support the proposed decisions. However, the scope of the work on this issue should be widened beyond aquatic species.

(+)

68.

Review of Resolution Conf. 12.10 (Rev. CoP15) on Registration of operations that breed Appendix I animal species in captivity for commercial purposes
CoP20 Doc. 68

 SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 12.10 while proposing some amendments for clarity and to better reflect the discussions at the SC and AC. Support the deletion of the implemented decision.

(+)

69.

Guidance on the term ‘artificially propagated
CoP20 Doc.69

PC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

70.

Use of phytosanitary certificates as certificates of artificial propagation
CoP20 Doc. 70

Chair of the SC in consultation with the Chair of the PC and Sec.

Support the draft decision.

+

Species conservation and trade

71.

Assessment of Appendix-I listed species
CoP20 Doc. 71

AC, PC

Support deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

72.

Identifying information on species at risk of extinction affected by international trade
CoP20 Doc. 72

SC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

73.

Trade in endemic species
CoP20 Doc. 73

Brazil and Ecuador

The document cannot be supported unless substantially changed. An in-depth analysis of the need for, the added value of and the ability of the Parties to implement the measures is required.

(-)

Fauna

74.

West African vultures (Accipitridae spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 74

SC

Support adoption of the revised decisions.

+

75.

Conservation of amphibians (Amphibia spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 75

AC in consultation with the Chair of the SC

Support the proposed decisions, while possibly excluding Decision 20.BB (b) (development of table of conversion factors) as not absolutely necessary.

(+)

76.

Elephants (Elephantidae spp.)

76.1

Implementation of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP19) on Trade in elephant specimens

CoP20 Doc. 76.1

SC

Support the majority of the recommendations in the document. However, ensure that there is a call to ensure consistent funding for ETIS.

(+)

76.2

Implementing aspects of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP19) on the closure of domestic ivory markets
CoP20 Doc. 76.2

Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Niger and Senegal

Some of the proposals could be supported, in particular the revisions to the decisions on closure of domestic ivory markets. However, the decisions directed to the Parties seem to only take into account Parties that responded to the relevant Notification. Position to be considered in relation to other relevant agenda points. Furthermore, the methodology used to interpret the ETIS data needs to be evaluated.

(-)

76.3

Ivory stocks and stockpiles

Cop20 Doc. 76.3

Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 10.10.

Regarding Decision 18.184, consider the impact on the workload of the Secretariat.

Regarding Decision 18.156, consider that range states and parties that have ivory seizures should not be the only ones to step up their efforts.

Ensure consistency with the decisions to be adopted under agenda point 76.1.

(-)

76.4

Report on Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE)

CoP20 Doc. 76.4

Sec.

No decision required

76.5

Report on the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS)
CoP20 Doc. 76.5

Assessment was not possible at this stage due to late publication and the complexity of the document

76.6

Results of the African elephant dialogue meeting

CoP20 Doc. 76.6

SC

Support deletion of Decisions 19.167 and 19.168 and welcome the outcome of the Dialogue Meeting.

Support the proposed decisions that have been agreed by the majority of range states. Ensure that decisions on agenda points 44, 76.6 and 76.7 are aligned.

(+)

76.7

Sustainable financing for the African elephant conservation and management

CoP20 Doc. 76.7

Zimbabwe

Position will depend on the views of other range states. Ensure that position is aligned with the one on point 76.6.

0

77.

Asian big cats (Felidae spp.)

77.1

Implementation of Resolution Conf. 12.5 (Rev. CoP19) on Conservation of and trade in tigers and other Appendix-I Asian big cat species
CoP20 Doc. 77.1

Sec.

Support deletion of the relevant implemented decisions.

+

77.2

Asian big cats in captivity

CoP20 Doc. 77. 2

SC

Support in general the draft decisions and the deletion of the relevant implemented decisions. However, propose amendments to Decision 22.AA (f) to include at the end a reference to the destruction of carcasses.

Consider adding reference to the newly proposed decision on illegal trade in big cats (20.AA under doc. 41) to fully implement CITES Big Cats Task Force outcome document. Consider ways to clarify what is meant by ‘large’ numbers in the context of the decisions.

Ensure that recommendations from SC77 are reflected in the draft decisions (or outcome documents of the Big Cats TF - see agenda point 41).

(+)

78.

Great apes (Hominidae spp.)

78.1

Report of the Standing
Committee

CoP20 Doc. 78.1

SC

No decision required

78.2

Conservation of and trade in live great apes
CoP20 Doc. 78.2

Uganda

Support the proposed decisions.

+

79.

Pangolins (Manis spp.)

79.1

Implementation of Resolution Conf. 17.10 (Rev. CoP19) on Conservation of and trade in pangolins

CoP20 Doc. 79.1

Document not available on time for analysis

79.2

Report on Decisions 18.238, 18.239 & 19.200 to 19.204
CoP20 Doc. 79.2

SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC and Sec.

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

80.

African lions (Panthera leo)

CoP20 Doc. 80

SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC

Support the proposed revised decisions.

+ 

81.

Jaguars (Panthera onca)
CoP20 Doc. 81

Document not available on time for analysis

82.

Guidance on non-detriment findings for trade in leopard (Panthera pardus) hunting trophies

CoP20 Doc. 82

AC

Support the proposed revised decisions. Propose additional wording to support sharing of information with importing countries.

(+)

83.

Songbird trade and conservation management (Passeriformes spp.)

CoP20 Doc. 83

SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC

Support the deletion of the relevant implemented decisions.

+

84.

Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae spp.)

CoP20 Doc. 84

Document not available on time for analysis

85.

Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.)

85.1

Report of the Secretariat

CoP20 Doc. 85.1

Sec.

Support the proposed decisions. Suggest adding a request to range states and importing Parties to provide information on number of stockpiles, volume of stockpiles, and provenance of saiga specimens held in stockpiles.

(+)

85.2

Documents by Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation
CoP20 Doc. 85.2

Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation

Further assessment is required.

0

Aquatic species

86.

Aquatic species listed in the CITES Appendices

CoP20 Doc. 86

SC

Support deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

87.

Eels (Anguilla spp.)

CoP20 Doc. 87

SC

Support the proposed text of the resolution, while seeking to further strengthen it, especially regarding the enforcement measures.

+

88.

Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.)

88.1

Report of the Standing
Committee 

CoP20 Doc. 88.1

SC

Support the proposed decisions and the amendments to Res. Conf. 18.7.

Support deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

88.2

Draft decisions on trade, conservation and management of deep-water elasmobranchs
CoP20 Doc. 89.2

EU, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Document submitted by the EU

+

89.

Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.)
CoP20 Doc.89

SC in consultation with the Chair of AC

Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented ones. However, further assessment is required once the costing is available.

(+)

90.

Conservation of and trade in sea cucumbers (Holothuridae and Stichopodidae)
CoP20 Doc. 90

United States of America

Support the draft decisions while considering the wider approach to aquatic species.

(+)

91.

Queen conch (Strombus gigas)
CoP20 Doc. 91

AC in consultation with the Chair of SC

Support the renewal of the decisions.

+

92.

Marine ornamental fishes
CoP20 Doc. 92

AC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

Flora

93.

Agarwood-producing taxa (Aquilaria spp. and Gyrinops spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 93

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 16.10 and deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

94.

Boswellia trees (Boswellia spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 94

PC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

95.

Rosewood tree species [Leguminosae (Fabaceae)]
CoP20 Doc. 95

PC in consultation with the Chair of the SC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

96.

Products containing specimens of Appendix-II orchids (Orchidaceae spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 96 

SC

Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented ones. However, some refinement to the text of the new decisions could be proposed.

+

97.

Brazil wood (Paubrasilia echinata)
CoP20 Doc. 97

Sec. in consultation with the Chair of the SC

Support the adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones. The text might need to be adapted depending on the CoP decision on listing proposal 46.

(+)

98.

African tree species
CoP20 Doc. 98

PC

Support deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

99.

Neotropical tree species
CoP20 Doc. 99

PC

Support deletion of the implemented decisions.

+

100.

Trade in medicinal and aromatic plant species
CoP20 Doc. 100

SC

Support adoption of the proposed decisions and deletion of the implemented ones.

+

Fungi

101.

Resolving the implementation of the CoP12 decision that the Convention applies to fungi (correction of the cross-references in the draft decisions)
CoP20 Doc. 101 (Rev. 1) 

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Support the adoption of the proposed decisions, while suggesting some editorial and clarifying modifications.

+

Appendices of the Convention

102.

Considering the 'look-alike' criterion Annex 2B A of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) on Criteria for amendment of Appendices I and II
CoP10 Doc. 102

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Support the proposed decisions but consider the impact on the resources of the Secretariat. Consider prioritising marine species.

(+)

Annotations

103.

Annotations
CoP20 Doc. 103 

SC

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 10.13, the Interpretation section of the Appendices. Support adoption of the proposed decision and deletion of the implemented one.

+

104.

Annotation #15
CoP20 Doc. 104
A3: Report on the impact of CITES exemptions for Dalbergia and Guibourtia

Sec. in consultation with the Vice-Chair of the SC

Given the late publication of the document, additional expert analysis is required.

0

105.

Implications of the transfer of a species from one Appendix to another

105.1.

Report of the Secretariat at the request of the Standing Committee
CoP20 Doc. 105.1

Sec. at the request of the SC

A more in-depth analysis and discussion with other Parties is necessary to identify effective solutions.

0

105.2.

Facilitating legal trade and sustainable use during periods of transition
CoP20 Doc. 105.2 

United States of America

Consult with the US to identify alternatives to their proposed approach.

0

106.

Information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species
CoP20 Doc. 106

SC

Support the deletion of the relevant implemented decisions.

+

107.

Informal review mechanism of existing and proposed annotations
CoP20 Doc. 107

SC

Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented ones.

+

108.

Orchids specimens exempted through annotation #4g)
CoP20 Doc. 108

SC

Support the draft decisions while insisting on clear labelling.

+

109.

Annotation of Cape aloe (Aloe ferox)
CoP20 Doc. 109

PC

Support the deletion of the relevant implemented decisions.

+

Nomenclature matters

110.

Standard nomenclature
CoP20 Doc. 110

AC, PC

Support most of the proposed changes; some modifications necessary for aloe and ‘bulb genera’ and to align with other decisions taken by the CoP.

(+)

111.

Nomenclature of Appendix-III listings
CoP20 Doc. 111

SC

Support the proposed amendments to the relevant resolutions and the deletion of the relevant decisions.

Add explicit request for the Secretariat to inform the Parties affected by the changes.

(+)

112.

Higher taxon listings in the Appendices
CoP20 Doc. 112

Sec.

Support the proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 12.11 and the deletion of the relevant implemented decisions.

+

113.

Taxonomy and nomenclature of African elephants (Loxodonta spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 113

Sec. at the request of the SC

Support the proposed decisions in recommendation b) and amendments to Res. Conf. 10.10 (recommendation c)) as well as the deletion of implemented decisions (recommendation d)).

Regarding recommendation a) – more information is necessary; the views of the range states should be sought.

(+)

Proposals to amend the Appendices

114.

 Proposals to amend Appendices I and II

114.1

Secretariat’s assessment of the proposals to amend Appendices I and II

114.2

Comments from Parties

114.3

Comments from statutory consultees



2.Listing Proposals

No.

Taxon / Detail

Proposal

Proponent

Comments

Position

FAUNA - MAMMALIA

1.

Damaliscus pygargus pygargus

(Bontebok)

II – 0

Delete from Appendix II

South Africa

Further analysis is necessary.

0

2.

Gazella dorcas

(Dorcas Gazelle)

0 – II

Include in Appendix II

Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia

There appear to be no up-to-date global or regional population estimates, but severe population declines are inferred following uncontrolled hunting and habitat loss and degradation based on historic population data. However, more information should be sought to determine that the species is actually or potentially threatened by international trade.

(+)

3.

Saiga tatarica

(Saiga, Saiga Antelope, Steppe saiga)

Amend the annotation by adding the wording "except for specimens from the population Saiga tatarica of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Further information necessary to make the assessment, in particular views from other range states and potential impact on populations from other range states.

0

4.

Giraffa camelopardalis

(Giraffe)

Delete the populations of Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe from Appendix II

Namibia, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zimbabwe

The populations in the range states relevant to the proposal show a positive trend and are not considered to be threatened by trade. However, further information and analysis is needed, especially with regard to the impact of the proposal on enforcement of the listing for other populations.

0

5.

Okapia johnstoni

(Okapi)

0 – I

Include in Appendix I

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Endemic species. The proposal does not demonstrate that the species is affected by international trade. Further information should be sought from the proponent, including as to why Appendix III would not be sufficient.

0

6.

Hyaena hyaena

(Striped Hyaena, Striped hyena)

0 – I

Include in Appendix I

Israel, Tajikistan

The proposal does not demonstrate that the species meets Appendix I listing criteria.

-

7.

Arctocephalus townsendi

(Guadalupe Fur Seal, Lower Californian Fur Seal)

I – II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

Mexico, United States of America

The proposal demonstrates that the species no longer meets Appendix I criteria.

+

8.

Monachus tropicalis

(Caribbean Monk seal, West Indian Monk Seal)

I – 0

Delete from Appendix I

Mexico, United States of America

The proposal demonstrates that the species no longer meets CITES listing criteria. The species is extinct.

+

9.

Ceratotherium simum simum

(Southern Square-lipped Rhinoceros, Southern White Rhinoceros)

Amend the annotation of the population of Ceratotherium simum simum of Namibia listed in Appendix II For the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in: 

a) live animals for in-situ conservation only;

 b) hunting trophies; and 

c) trade in rhino horn stocks owned by the Government and the Private Landowners originating in the State (excluding seized rhinoceros horn and rhinoceros horns of unknown origin); subject to the following: 

i) only stocks registered with the Government; 

ii) only horns with RHODIS certificates; 

iii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing; Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestics trade controls; and 

iv) not before the Secretariat has verified prospective importing countries and the registered stocks. 

All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I, and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.

Namibia

The proposal should not be supported unless the scope is significantly reduced, in particular by excluding the trade in rhino horn, and additional safeguards are added for trade in live animals.

(-)

10.

Diceros bicornis

(Black Rhinoceros, Hook-lipped Rhinoceros)

Transfer the population of Diceros bicornis bicornis of Namibia from Appendix I to Appendix II with the following annotation: 

For the exclusive purpose of allowing trade in registered rhinoceros horn, whole or pieces subject to the following: 

i) only registered Government-owned stock, originating in the State (excluding seized rhinoceros horn and rhinoceros horns of unknown origin); 

ii) only horns with RHODIS certificates; 

iii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls; 

iv) not before the Secretariat has verified prospective importing countries and the registered stocks; and 

v) the proceeds of this trade are used exclusively for rhinoceros conservation and community development programmes within or adjacent to the rhinoceros range. 

All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.

Namibia

Do not support the proposal as it would result in the opening of the international trade in rhino horns.

-

11.

Choloepus didactylus

Choloepus hoffmanni

(Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth, Hoffmann’s Two-fingered Sloth)

0 – II

Include in Appendix II

Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama

Further information should be sought from the proponents, including as to why Appendix III would not be sufficient.

0

12.

Cercocebus chrysogaster

(Golden-bellied Mangabey)

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Endemic species. The proposal demonstrates that the species meets Appendix I criteria.

+

13.

Loxodonta africana

(African Elephant, African Savannah Elephant)

To allow Namibia to trade in registered stocks of raw ivory (whole tusks and pieces) of Namibian origin, owned by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, for commercial purposes with trading partners that have been verified by the CITES Secretariat as having sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls. This ensures that ivory imported from Namibia will not be re-exported and will be managed following all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 concerning domestic manufacturing and trade. Furthermore, to enable Namibia to achieve full Appendix II status for its elephants, as provided for in Article IV of the Convention, thereby permitting the regulated and legal trade in Namibian elephant products, including ivory.

Namibia

Do not support the proposal as it would result in the opening of the international trade in ivory.

-

14.

Loxodonta africana

(African Elephant, African Savannah Elephant)

Amend annotation A10 pertaining to the elephant populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe to harmonize the conditions of trade in live African elephants (deleted text reflected as strike through and text inserted underlined): 

For the exclusive purpose of allowing: 

a) trade in hunting trophies for non-commercial purposes; 

b) trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations, as defined in Resolution Conf. 11.20 (Rev. CoP18), for Botswana and Zimbabwe and for in situ conservation programmes for Namibia and South Africa;

c) trade in hides; 

d) trade in hair; 

e) trade in leather goods for commercial or non-commercial purposes for Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and for non-commercial purposes for Zimbabwe; 

f) trade for non-commercial purposes in individually marked and certified ekipas incorporated in finished jewellery for non-commercial purposes for Namibia and ivory carvings for non-commercial purposes for Zimbabwe; 

g) trade in registered raw ivory (for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, whole tusks and pieces) subject to the following: 

i) only registered government-owned stocks, originating in the State (excluding seized ivory and ivory of unknown origin); 

ii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls to ensure that the imported ivory will not be re-exported and will be managed in accordance with all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) concerning domestic manufacturing and trade; 

iii) not before the Secretariat has verified the prospective importing countries and the registered government-owned stocks; 

iv) raw ivory pursuant to the conditional sale of registered government-owned ivory stocks agreed at CoP12, which are 20,000 kg (Botswana), 10,000 kg (Namibia) and 30,000 kg (South Africa); 

v) in addition to the quantities agreed at CoP12, government-owned ivory from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe registered by 31 January 2007 and verified by the Secretariat may be traded and dispatched, with the ivory in paragraph g) iv) above, in a single sale per destination under strict supervision of the Secretariat; 

vi) the proceeds of the trade are used exclusively for elephant conservation and community conservation and development Programmes within or adjacent to the elephant range; and 

vii) the additional quantities specified in paragraph g) v) above shall be traded only after the Standing Committee has agreed that the above conditions have been met; and 

h) no further proposals to allow trade in elephant ivory from populations already in Appendix II shall be submitted to the Conference of the Parties for the period from CoP14 and ending nine years from the date of the single sale of ivory that is to take place in accordance with provisions in paragraphs g) i), g) ii), g) iii), g) vi) and g) vii). In addition, such further proposals shall be dealt with in accordance with Decisions 16.55 and 14.78 (Rev. CoP16). 

On a proposal from the Secretariat, tThe Standing Committee can decide to cause this trade to cease partially or completely in the event of non-compliance by exporting or importing countries, or in the case of proven detrimental impacts of the trade on other elephant populations. 

All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.

Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Namibia, Zimbabwe

The proposal is one of the outcomes of the CITES Dialogue Meeting for African elephant range states that took place from 23 to 26 September 2024 in Botswana. Support the proposal if supported by the majority of the range states in Africa.

(+)

FAUNA – AVES

15.

Bycanistes spp.

Ceratogymna spp.

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

The species meet Appendix II criteria.

+

16.

Gyps africanus

(White-backed Vulture)

Gyps rueppelli

(Ruppell’s Vulture)

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Gambia, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

The species meet Appendix I criteria.

+

17.

Falco peregrinus

(Duck Hawk, Peregrine, Peregrine Falcon)

I – II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

Canada, United States of America

Although the population shows an increasing trend and most of the trade is likely to remain in captive-bred specimens, downlisting to Appendix II could lead to an increased demand for wild-caught birds and thus potentially threaten the populations in the wild. The proposal could be supported if it is accompanied by a zero-export quota for wild-caught specimens.

(-)

18.

Sporophila angolensis

Sporophila atrirostris

Sporophila crassirostris

Sporophila funerea

Sporophila maximiliani

Sporophila nuttingi

(Great-billed seed-finch)

Include Sporophila maximiliani in Appendix I and include Sporophila angolensis, Sporophila atrirostris, Sporophila crassirostris, Sporophila funerea and Sporophila nuttingi in Appendix II

Brazil

The species meet the listing criteria in Appendix I and II, as respectively proposed.

+

FAUNA – REPTILIA

19.

Caribicus warreni

(Hispaniolan Giant Galliwasp, Haitian Giant Galliwasp)

0 - I

Include in Appendix I

Dominican Republic

Endemic species. Further information should be sought from the proponents, including as to why Appendix III or listing in Appendix II with a zero-export quota would not be sufficient.

0

20.

Phyllurus amnicola

(Mount Elliot Leaf-tailed Gecko, Mount Elliot Broad-tailed Gecko)

 

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Australia

Endemic species. Further assessment and information needed, including as to why Appendix III would not be sufficient.

0

21.

Phyllurus caudiannulatus

(Ringed Thin-tail Gecko)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Australia

Endemic species. Further assessment and information needed, including as to why Appendix III would not be sufficient.

0

22.

Amblyrhynchus spp.

(Marine Iguana, Galápagos Marine Iguana)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Ecuador

Endemic species. Further assessment and information needed, in particular with regard to extent of trade in the species.

0

23.

Conolophus spp.

(Galápagos Land Iguana, Common Land Iguana)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Ecuador

Endemic species. Further assessment and information needed, in particular with regard to extent of trade in the species.

0

24.

Bitis harenna

(Bale Mountains Adder)

Bitis parviocula

(Ethiopian Mountain Adder, Ethiopian Viper)

0 - I

Include in Appendix I

Ethiopia

Endemic species. Listing criteria for B. parviocula seem to be met and there is a risk of shift of trade to B. harenna if not listed. Appendix II could also be considered.

(+)

25.

Crotalus spp.

Sistrurus spp.

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Mexico

Further information should be sought from the proponents, especially on the extent of international trade in the species. Listing in Appendix III could be considered as a first step to understand trade patterns.

0

26.

Kinixys homeana

(Home’s Hinged-backed Tortoise, Home’s Hinged Tortoise)

II- I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria, Togo

Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met.

+

FAUNA – AMPHIBIA

27.

Pelophylax epeiroticus

Pelophylax lessonae

Pelophylax ridibundus

Pelophylax shqipericus

0 - II    

Include in Appendix II (Entry into effect of the inclusion in Appendix II would be delayed by 18 months, i.e until 5 June 2027.)

European Union, Israel, North Macedonia

EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

FAUNA – ELASMOBRANCHII (Sharks)

28.

Carcharhinus longimanus

(Oceanic whitetip shark, Whitetip oceanic shark, White-tipped shark, Whitetip shark)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, European Union, Fiji, Gabon, Honduras, Lebanon, Oman, Panama, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Togo, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

EU co-proponent (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

29.

Galeorhinus galeus

(Tope, Flake, Oil Shark, School Shark)

Mustelus spp

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Brazil, Ecuador, European Union, Panama, Senegal

EU co-proponent (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

30.

Mobulidae spp.

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Gabon, Jamaica, Maldives, Panama, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Togo

Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met but some additional data may be sought from proponents.

(+)

31.

Rhincodon typus

(Whale Shark)

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Argentina, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Gabon, Maldives, Panama, Philippines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Togo

Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met and the listing would align with the protection under the Convention on Migratory Species.

+

32.

Glaucostegus spp.

Add the following annotation "A zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes

Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo

The establishment of the zero-export quota is justified given the decline in the species.

+

33.

Rhinidae spp.

(Wedgefishes)    

Add the following annotation "A zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes"

Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo

The establishment of the zero-export quota is justified given the decline in the species.

+

34.

Centrophoridae spp.

Include in Appendix II

Brazil, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, European Union, Lebanon, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

FAUNA- ACTINOPTERI

35.

Anguilla spp.

0 – II

Include in Appendix II (Entry into effect would be delayed by 18 months, i.e. until 5 June 2027.)

European Union, Honduras, Panama

EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

FAUNA – HOLOTHUROIDEA

36.

Actinopyga echinites

Actinopyga lecanora

Actinopyga mauritiana

Actinopyga miliaris

Actinopyga palauensis

Actinopyga varians

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

European Union

EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

37.

Holothuria lessoni

(Golden Sandfish)

0 – II
Include in Appendix II

European Union

EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

FAUNA - Arthropoda

38.

Acanthoscurria chacoana

Acanthoscurria insubtilis

Acanthoscurria musculosa

Acanthoscurria theraphosoides

Avicularia hirschii

Avicularia rufa

Avicularia avicularia

Catumiri argentinense

Cyriocosmus berate

Cyriocosmus perezmilesi

Grammostola rosea

Hapalotremus albipes

Holothele longipes

Pamphobeteus antinous

Umbyquyra acuminatum    

0 – II

Include in Appendix II

Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Panama

The species do not appear to meet the criteria. However, additional information could be sought and listing in Appendix III considered as an alternative.

(-)

FAUNA - MOLLUSCA

39.

Haliotis midae

(South African Abalone, Midas Ear Abalone

Include the population of South Africa in Appendix II with the annotation "dried specimens only"

South Africa

Endemic species. The listing criteria appear to be met.

+

FLORA

40.

Panax quinquefolius

(American Ginseng, American Ginseng Root, Canadian Ginseng, Dwarf-Groundroot, Five-Fingers, Ginseng, Man's Health, Occidental Ginseng, Red Berry, Sang, Tartar Root)

Amend annotation #3 to exempt finished products packaged and ready for retail trade of thin-sliced roots derived from artificially propagated plants of Panax quinquefolius

United States of America

The amendment might result in increased risk of laundering of wild species. The proposed exemption can only be enforced/implemented if accompanied by clear labelling requirements that indicate the source from artificial propagation, or other documentation of the origin from cultivation.

(-)

41.

Jubaea chilensis

(Chilean palm)

0 – I

Include in Appendix I

Chile

Endemic species. Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met.

+

42.

Beaucarnea glassiana

Beaucarnea hookeri

(Ponytail Palm, Elephant-foot Tree, Bottle Palm)

Include in Appendix II as part of the listing of the genus Beaucarnea spp.

Mexico, Switzerland

Endemic species. Appendix II listing criteria appear to be met.

+

43.

Commiphora wightii

(Indian Bdellium, Guggul)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

European Union

EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025)

44.

Euphorbia bupleurifolia

(Cycad Spurge, Pinecone Euphorbia)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

South Africa

Endemic species. Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met.

+

45.

Afzelia bipindensis

(Red Doussié)

Delete the populations of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from Appendix II

Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

The species continues to fulfil the listing criteria for Appendix II.

-

46.

Paubrasilia echinata

(Brazil Wood, pernambuco wood)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Brazil

Endemic species. The listing is not likely to address the identified problems. Further assessment and discussion with Brazil are necessary to identify possible alternatives.

0

47.

Pterocarpus soyauxii

(African Padauk, African Padouk, Barwood, African Coral Wood)

Delete the populations of Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from Appendix II

Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

The species continues to fulfil the listing criteria for Appendix II.

-

48.

Aloe bergeriana

Aloe jeppeae

Aloe subspicata

Aloe welwitschii

Amend the listing of Aloe spp. in Appendix II to also include the four species previously treated in the non-listed genus Chortolirion, but now included in Aloe section Chortolirion, namely Aloe bergeriana, Aloe jeppeae, Aloe subspicata, and Aloe welwitschia

South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe

Appendix II listing criteria appear to be met.

+

49.

Podocarpus parlatorei

(Parlatore's Podocarp, Pino blanco)

I – II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

Argentina

Without the data on population in Bolivia, the proposal cannot be supported.

(-)

50.

Avonia quinaria

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

South Africa

Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met.

+

51.

Aloe ferox

Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Amend annotation #4 as follows: 

f) finished products packaged and ready for retail trade of Aloe ferox and Euphorbia antisyphilitica packaged and ready for retail trade;

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The minor amendment simplifies and clarifies the annotation text without changing the scope or meaning.

+

(1)    Sec. = CITES Secretariat
SC = Standing Committee
AC = Animals Committee
PC = Plants Committee