Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) governs the trade of wild plants and animals to protect endangered species from over-exploitation. Countries become a party to CITES voluntarily, after which it is legally binding. CITES provides a framework and states parties must adopt their own implementing national legislation. Under CITES, the appointed management authority must issue permits or certificates for the import or export of certain specimens. CITES officially regulates endangered species listed in the treaty appendix (last updated in 2019), but countries can establish more restrictive laws that protect additional species.
| Opened for signature | 3 Mar 1973 |
| Entered into force | 1 Jul 1975 |
| Latest update | 30 Apr 1983 |
| Available languages |
States parties
CITES has 184 parties, including 183 states and the European Union. CITES entered into force 90 days after ratification by the tenth signatory state. After that day, CITES entered into force for each state party 90 days after the deposit of their instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
Additionally, 150 parties have accepted the amendment to Article XI, which was adopted at Bonn, Germany on 22 June 1979 and entered into force on 13 April 1987. 103 parties have accepted the amendment to Article XXI, which was adopted at Gaborone, Botswana on 30 April 1983 and entered into force on 29 November 2013.
Country | Status | Signed | Ratified | Entered into force |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Party | 30 Oct 1985 | 28 Jan 1986 | |
| Albania | Party | 27 Jun 2003 | 25 Sep 2003 | |
| Algeria | Party | 23 Nov 1983 | 21 Feb 1984 | |
| Andorra | Party | 6 Oct 2021 | 4 Jan 2022 | |
| Angola | Party | 2 Oct 2013 | 31 Dec 2013 | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Party | 8 Jul 1997 | 6 Oct 1997 | |
| Argentina | Party | 8 Jan 1981 | 8 Apr 1981 | |
| Armenia | Party | 23 Oct 2008 | 21 Jan 2009 | |
| Australia | Party | 29 Jul 1976 | 27 Oct 1976 | |
| Austria | Party | 27 Jan 1982 | 27 Apr 1982 |
Party
The state has accepted, approved, ratified, or is otherwise party to the agreement, indicating consent to be bound to the agreement.
Signatory
The state has signed, but not yet ratified or become an official party to the agreement. Where the signature is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, the signature does not establish the consent to be bound. However, it is a means of authentication and expresses the willingness of the signatory state to continue the treaty-making process. The signature qualifies the signatory state to proceed to ratification, acceptance or approval. It also creates an obligation to refrain, in good faith, from acts that would defeat the object and the purpose of the agreement.
Non-party
The state has not taken any actions with regard to the agreement.
Associate member
The state may have requirements for some of the statutory or non statutory aspects of an agreement, but would not confer all of the obligations of the agreement on the member. Associate members may not have voting rights.
Observer
The state is non-party to an agreement, but has the ability to attend meetings or other discussions, and otherwise participate in activities. Observers may be granted permission to speak at formal meetings.
