Text of the Convention 
Contents 
Article I Definitions ......................................................................................................... ......... 1 
Article II Fundamental principles .............................................................................................  2 
Article III Regulation of trade in specimens of species included in Appendix I ....................... 2 
Article IV Regulation of trade in specimens of species included in Appendix II ...................... 3 Article V Regulation of trade in specimens of species included in Appendix III ..................... 4 
Article VI Permits and certificates ........................................................................................... .. 4 
Article VII Exemptions and other special provisions relating to trade ...................................... 5 Article VIII Measures to be taken by the Parties ........................................................................ 6 Article IX Management and Scientific Authorities .................................................................... 7 
Article X Trade with States not party to the Convention ......................................................... 7 
Article XI Conference of the Parties ......................................................................................... 7 
Article XII The Secretariat ................................................................................................... ....... 8 
Article XIII International measures ........................................................................................... .. 9 
Article XIV Effect on domestic legislation and international conventions .................................. 9 Article XV Amendments to Appendices I and II ....................................................................... 10 
Article XVI Appendix III and amendments thereto ................................................................... 11 
Article XVII Amendment of the Convention ............................................................................... 12 Article XVIII Resolution of disputes .......................................................................................... ... 12 
Article XIX Signature ......................................................................................................... ........ 12 
Article XX Ratification, acceptance, approval .......................................................................... 13 
Article XXI Accession ......................................................................................................... ....... 13 
Article XXII Entry into force ................................................................................................. ....... 13 
Article XXIII Reservations .................................................................................................... ....... 14 
Article XXIV Denunciation ..................................................................................................... ...... 14 
Article XXV Depositary ........................................................................................................ ....... 14 
 Text of the Convention – 1 Convention on International Trade 
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
Signed at Washington,  D.C., on 3 March 1973 
Amended at Bonn, on 22 June 1979 
Amended at Gaborone, on 30 April 1983 
The Contracting States, 
 Recognizing  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; 
 Conscious  of the ever-growing value of wild fauna and flora from aesthetic, scientific, cultural, 
recreational and economic points of view; 
 Recognizing  that peoples and States are and should be the best protectors of their own wild 
fauna and flora; 
 Recognizing , in addition, that international co-operation is essential for the protection of certain 
species of wild fauna and flora against over-exploitation through international trade; 
 Convinced  of the urgency of taking appropriate measures to this end; 
 Have agreed  as follows: 
Article I Definitions 
For the purpose of the present Convention, unless the context otherwise requires: 
(a) “Species” means any species, subspecies, or geographically separate population thereof; 
(b) “Specimen” means:  (i) any animal or plant, whether alive or dead; 
 (ii) in the case of an animal: for species included in Appendices I and II, any readily 
recognizable part or derivative thereof; and for species included in Appendix III, any readily recognizable part or derivative thereof specified in Appendix III in relation to the species; and 
 (iii) in the case of a plant: fo r species included in Ap pendix I, any readily recognizable part or 
derivative thereof; and for species included in Appendices II and III, any readily recognizable 
part or derivative thereof specified in Appendices II and III in relation to the species; 
(c) “Trade” means export, re-export, import and introduction from the sea; (d) “Re-export” means export of any specimen that has previously been imported; 
(e) “Introduction from the sea” means transportation into a State of specimens of any species which 
were taken in the marine environment not under the jurisdiction of any State; 
(f) “Scientific Authority” means a national scientific authority designated in accordance with 
Article IX; 
(g) “Management Authority” means a national management authority designated in accordance with 
Article IX; 
(h) “Party” means a State for which the present Convention has entered into force.  Text of the Convention – 2  Article II Fundamental principles 
1. Appendix I shall include all species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by 
trade. Trade in specimens of these species must be subject to particularly strict regulation in order not to endanger further their survival and must only be authorized in exceptional 
circumstances. 
2. Appendix II shall include:  (a) all species which although not necessarily now threatened with extinction may become so 
unless trade in specimens of such species is subject to strict regulation in order to avoid utilization incompatible wi th their survival; and 
 (b) other species which must be subject to regulation in order that trade in specimens of certain 
species referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph may be brought under effective control. 
3. Appendix III shall include all 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 
co-operation of other Parties in the control of trade. 
4. The Parties shall not allow trade in specimens of species included in Appendices I, II and III 
except in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention. 
 
Article III Regulation of trade in specimens 
 of species included in Appendix I 
1. All trade in specimens of sp ecies included in Appendix I sha ll be in accordance with the 
provisions of this Article. 
2. The export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix I shall require the prior grant and 
presentation of an export permit. An export permit shall only be granted when the following 
conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Scientific Author ity of the State of expo rt has advised that su ch export will not be 
detrimental to the survival of that species; 
 (b) a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that the specimen was not 
obtained in contravention of the laws of that State for the protection of fauna and flora; 
 (c) a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that any living specimen will be so 
prepared and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment; and 
 (d) a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that an import permit has been 
granted for the specimen. 
3. The import of any specimen of a species included in Appendix I shall require the prior grant and 
presentation of an import permit and either an export permit or a re-export certificate. An import permit shall only be granted when the following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Scientific Authority of th e State of import has advised that  the import will be for purposes 
which are not detrimental to the survival of the species involved; 
 (b) a Scientific Authority of the State of import is satisfied that the proposed recipient of a living 
specimen is suitably equipped to house and care for it; and 
 (c) a Management Authority of the State of import is satisfied that the specimen is not to be 
used for primarily commercial purposes. Text of the Convention – 3 4. The re-export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix I shall require the prior grant 
and presentation of a re-export certificate. A re-export certificate shall only be granted when the 
following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Management Authority of the State of re-export is satisfied that the specimen was imported 
into that State in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention; 
 (b) a Management Authority of the State of re-export is satisfied that any living specimen will be 
so prepared and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment; and 
 (c) a Management Authority of the State of re-export is satisfied that an import permit has been 
granted for any living specimen. 
5. The introduction from the sea of any specimen of a species included in Appendix I shall require 
the prior grant of a certificate from a Manageme nt Authority of the State of introduction. A 
certificate shall only be granted when the following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Scientific Author ity of the State of  introduction advises that the introduction will not be 
detrimental to the survival of the species involved; 
 (b) a Management Authority of the State of introduction is satisfied that the proposed recipient of 
a living specimen is suitably equipped to house and care for it; and 
 (c) a Management Authority of the State of introduction is satisfied that the specimen is not to be 
used for primarily commercial purposes. 
 
Article IV Regulation of trade in specimens 
 of species included in Appendix II 
1. All trade in specimens of species included in Appendix II shall be in accordance with the 
provisions of this Article. 
2. The export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II shall require the prior grant and 
presentation of an export permit. An export permit shall only be granted when the following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised that such export will not be 
detrimental to the survival of that species; 
 (b) a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that the specimen was not 
obtained in contravention of the laws of that State for the protection of fauna and flora; and 
 (c) a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that any liv ing specimen will be so 
prepared and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. 
3. A Scientific Authority in each Party shall monitor both the export permits granted by that State for 
specimens of species included in Appendix II and the actual exports of such specimens. Whenever a Scientific Authority determines that the export of specimens of any such species should be limited in order to maintain that species throughout its range at a level consistent with its role in the ecosystems in which it occurs and well above the level at which that species might become eligible for inclusion in Appendix I, the Scientific Authority shall advise the appropriate 
Management Authority of suitable measures to be taken to limit the grant of export permits for 
specimens of that species. 
4. The import of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II shall require the prior 
presentation of either an export permit or a re-export certificate. Text of the Convention – 4  5. The re-export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II shall require the prior grant 
and presentation of a re-export certificate. A re-export certificate shall only be granted when the 
following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Management Authority of the State of re-export is satisfied that the specimen was imported 
into that State in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention; and 
 (b) a Management Auth ority of the State of re-e xport is satisfied that any  living specimen will be 
so prepared and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. 
6. The introduction from the sea of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II shall require 
the prior grant of a certificate from a Manageme nt Authority of the State of introduction. A 
certificate shall only be granted when the following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Scientific Authority of the State of intr oduction advises th at the introduc tion will not be 
detrimental to the survival of the species involved; and 
 (b) a Management Au thority of the State of intr oduction is satisfied that  any living specimen will 
be so handled as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. 
7. Certificates referred to in paragraph 6 of this Article may be granted on the advice of a Scientific 
Authority, in consultation with other national scientific authorities or, when appropriate, international scientific authorities, in respect of periods not exceeding one year for total numbers of specimens to be introduced in such periods. 
 
Article V Regulation of  trade in specimens 
 of species included in Appendix III 
1. All trade in specimens of species included in Appendix III shall be in accordance with the 
provisions of this Article. 
2. The export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix III from any State which has 
included that species in Appendix III shall require the prior grant and presentation of an export 
permit. An export permit shall only be granted when the following conditions have been met: 
 (a) a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that the specimen was not 
obtained in contravention of the laws of that State for the protection of fauna and flora; and 
 (b) a Management Authority of the State of expo rt is satisfied that any living specimen will be so 
prepared and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. 
3. The import of any specimen of a species included in Appendix III shall require, except in 
circumstances to which paragraph 4 of this Article applies, the prior presentation of a certificate of origin and, where the import is from a State which has included that species in Appendix III, an export permit. 
4. In the case of re-export, a certificate granted by the Management Authority of the State of re-
export that the specimen was processed in that State or is being re-exported shall be accepted by the State of import as evidence that the provisions of the present Convention have been complied with in respect of the specimen concerned. 
 
Article VI Permits and certificates 
1. Permits and certificates granted under the provisions of Articles III, IV, and V shall be in 
accordance with the provisions of this Article. Text of the Convention – 5 2. An export permit shall contain the information specified in the model set forth in Appendix IV, and 
may only be used for export within a period of six months from the date on which it was granted. 
3. Each permit or certificate shall contain the title of the present Convention, the name and any 
identifying stamp of the Management Authority granting it and a control number assigned by the Management Authority. 
4. Any copies of a permit or certificate issued by a Management Authority shall be clearly marked 
as copies only and no such copy may be used in place of the original, except to the extent endorsed thereon. 
5. A separate permit or certificate shall be required for each consignment of specimens. 6. A Management Authority of the State of import of any specimen shall cancel and retain the export 
permit or re-export certificate and any corresponding import permit presented in respect of the 
import of that specimen. 
7. Where appropriate and feasible a Management Authority may affix a mark upon any specimen to 
assist in identifying the specimen. For these purposes “mark” means any indelible imprint, lead seal or other suitable means of identifying a specimen, designed in such a way as to render its 
imitation by unauthorized persons as difficult as possible. 
 
Article VII Exemptions and other special 
 provisions relating to trade 
1. The provisions of Articles III, IV and V shall not apply to the transit or transhipment of specimens 
through or in the territory of a Party while the specimens remain in Customs control. 
2. Where a Management Authority of the State of export or re-export is satisfied that a specimen 
was acquired before the provisions of the present Convention applied to that specimen, the provisions of Articles III, IV and V shall not apply to that specimen where the Management Authority issues a certificate to that effect. 
3. The provisions of Articles III, IV and V shall not apply to specimens that are personal or 
household effects. This exemption shall not apply where: 
 (a) in the case of specimens of a species included in Appendix I, they were acquired by the 
owner outside his State of usual residence, and are being imported into that State; or 
 (b) in the case of specimens of species included in Appendix II: 
  (i) they were acquired by the owner outside his State of usual residence and in a State 
where removal from the wild occurred; 
  (ii) they are being imported into the owner's State of usual residence; and 
  (iii) the State where remova l from the wild occurred requi res the prior gr ant of export 
permits before any export of such specimens; 
  unless a Management Authority is satisfied that the specimens were acquired before the 
provisions of the present Convention applied to such specimens. 
4. Specimens of an animal species included in Appendix I bred in captivity for commercial 
purposes, or of a plant species included in Appendix I artificially propagated for commercial 
purposes, shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix II. 
5. Where a Management Authority of the State of export is satisfied that any specimen of an animal 
species was bred in captivity or any specimen of a plant species was artificially propagated, or is a part of such an animal or plant or was derived therefrom, a certificate by that Management 
Authority to that effect shall be accepted in lieu of any of the permits or certificates required under 
the provisions of Article III, IV or V. Text of the Convention – 6  6. The provisions of Articles III, IV and V shall not apply to the non-commercial loan, donation or 
exchange between scientists or scientific institutions registered by a Management Authority of 
their State, of herbarium specimens, other preserved, dried or embedded museum specimens, and live plant material which carry a label issued or approved by a Management Authority. 
7. A Management Authority of any State may waive the requirements of Articles III, IV and V and 
allow the movement wi thout permits or ce rtificates of specimens whic h form part of a travelling 
zoo, circus, men agerie, plant exhibition  or other travelling ex hibition provided that: 
 (a) the exporter or importer registers full details of such specimens with that Management 
Authority; 
 (b) the specimens are in either of the categories specified in paragraph 2 or 5 of this Article; and 
 (c) the Management Authority is satisfied that any living specimen will be so transported and 
cared for as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. 
 
Article VIII Measures to be taken by the Parties 
1. The Parties shall take appropriate measures to enforce the provisions of the present Convention 
and to prohibit trade in specimens in violation thereof. These shall include measures: 
 (a) to penalize trade in, or possession of, such specimens, or both; and 
 (b) to provide for the confiscation or return to the State of export of such specimens. 2. In addition to the measures taken under paragraph 1 of this Article, a Party may, when it deems it 
necessary, provide for any method of internal reimbursement for expenses incurred as a result of 
the confiscation of a specimen traded in violation of the measures taken in the application of the 
provisions of the present Convention. 
3. As far as possible, the Parties shall ensure that specimens shall pass through any formalities 
required for tr ade with a minimum of delay. To facilit ate such passage, a Party may designate 
ports of exit and ports of entry at which specimens must be presented for clearance. The Parties 
shall ensure further that all living specimens, during any period of transit, holding or shipment, are 
properly cared for so as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment. 
4. Where a living specimen is confiscated as a result of measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this 
Article: 
 (a) the specimen shall be entrusted to a Management Authority of the State of confiscation; 
 (b) the Management Authority shall, after consultation with the State of export, return the 
specimen to that State at the expense of that State, or to a rescue centre or such other place as the Management Authority deems appropriate and consistent with the purposes of the present Convention; and 
 (c) the Management Authority may obtain the advice of a Scientific Authority, or may, whenever 
it considers it desirable, consult the Secretaria t in order to facilitat e the decisio n under sub-
paragraph (b) of this paragraph, including the choice of a rescue centre or other place. 
5. A rescue centre as referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article means an institution designated by a 
Management Authority to look after the welfare of living specimens, particularly those that have 
been confiscated. 
6. Each Party shall maintain records of trade in specimens of species included in Appendices I, II 
and III which shall cover: 
 (a) the names and addresses of exporters and importers; and 
 (b) the number and type of permits and certificates granted; the States with which such trade 
occurred; the numbers or quantities and types of specimens, names of species as included Text of the Convention – 7 in Appendices I, II and III and, where applicable, the size and sex of the specimens in 
question. 
7. Each Party shall prepare periodic reports on its implementation of the present Convention and 
shall transmit to the Secretariat: 
 (a) an annual report containing a summary of the information specified in sub-paragraph (b) of 
paragraph 6 of this Article; and  
 (b) a biennial report on legislative, regulatory and administrative measures taken to enforce the 
provisions of the present Convention. 
8. The information referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article shall be available to the public where this 
is not inconsistent with the law of the Party concerned. 
 
Article IX Management and Scientific Authorities 
1. Each Party shall designate for the purposes of the present Convention: 
 (a) one or more Management Authorities competent to grant permits or certificates on behalf of 
that Party; and 
 (b) one or more Scientific Authorities. 
2. A State depositing an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall at that 
time inform the Depositary Government of the name and address of the Management Authority authorized to communicate with other Parties and with the Secretariat. 
3. Any changes in the designations or authorizations under the provisions of this Article shall be 
communicated by the Party concerned to the Secretariat for transmission to all other Parties. 
4. Any Management Authority referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article shall, if so requested by the 
Secretariat or the Management Authority of another Party, communicate to it impression of stamps, seals or other devices used to authenticate permits or certificates. 
 
Article X Trade with States not party to the Convention 
Where export or re-export is to, or import is from, a State not a Party to the present Convention, 
comparable documentation issued by the competent authorities in that State which substantially conforms with the requirements of the present Convention for permits and certificates may be accepted in lieu thereof by any Party. 
 
Article XI Conference of the Parties 
1. The Secretariat shall call a meeting of the Conference of the Parties not later than two years after 
the entry into force of the present Convention. 
2. Thereafter the Secretariat shall convene regular meetings at least once every two years, unless 
the Conference decides otherwise, and extraordinary meetings at any time on the written request of at least one-third of the Parties. Text of the Convention – 8  3. At meetings, whether regular or extraordinary, the Parties shall review the implementation of the 
present Convention and may: 
 (a) make such provision as may be necessary to enable the Secretariat to carry out its duties, 
and adopt financial provisions; 
 (b) consider and adopt amendments to Appendices I and II in accordance with Article XV; 
 (c) review the progress made towards the restoration and conservation of the species included 
in Appendices I, II and III; 
 (d) receive and consider any reports presented by the Secretariat or by any Party; and  (e) where appropriate, make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the present 
Convention. 
4. At each regular meeting, the Parties may determine the time and venue of the next regular 
meeting to be held in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Article. 
5. At any meeting, the Parties may determine and adopt rules of procedure for the meeting. 
6. The United Nations, its Specialized Agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well 
as any State not a Party to the present Convention, may be represented at meetings of the Conference by observers, who shall have the right to participate but not to vote. 
7. Any body or agency technically qualified in protection, conservation or management of wild fauna 
and flora, in the following categories, which has informed the Secretariat of its desire to be 
represented at meetings of the Conference by observers, shall be admitted unless at least one-
third of the Parties present object: 
 (a) international agencies or bodies, either governmental or non-governmental, and national 
governmental agencies and bodies; and 
 (b) national non-governmental agencies or bodies which have been approved for this purpose 
by the State in which they are located. 
 Once admitted, these observers shall have the right to participate but not to vote.  
Article XII The Secretariat 
1. Upon entry into force of the present Convention, a Secretariat shall be provided by the Executive 
Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. To the extent and in the manner he 
considers appropriate, he may be assisted by suitable inter-governmental or non-governmental international or national agencies and bodies technically qualified in protection, conservation and management of wild fauna and flora. 
2. The functions of the Secretariat shall be: 
 (a) to arrange for and service meetings of the Parties; 
 (b) to perform the functions entrusted to it under the provisions of Articles XV and XVI of the 
present Convention; 
 (c) to undertake scientific and technical studies in accordance with programmes authorized by 
the Conference of the Partie s as will contribute to the implementation of  the present 
Convention, including studies concerning standards for appropriate preparation and shipment of living specimens and the means of identifying specimens; 
 (d) to study the reports of Parties and to request from Parties such further information with 
respect thereto as it deems necessary to ensure implementation of the present Convention; Text of the Convention – 9  (e) to invite the attention of the Parties to any matter pertaining to the aims of the present 
Convention; 
 (f) to publish periodically and distribute to the Parties current editions of Appendices I, II and III 
together with any information which will facilitate identification of specimens of species 
included in those Appendices; 
 (g) to prepare annual reports to the Parties on its work and on the implementation of the present 
Convention and such other reports as meetings of the Parties may request; 
 (h) to make recommendations for the implementation of the aims and provisions of the present 
Convention, including the exchange of information of a scientific or technical nature; 
 (i) to perform any other function as may be entrusted to it by the Parties. 
 
Article XIII International measures 
1. When the Secretariat in the light of information received is satisfied that any species included in 
Appendix I or II is being affected adversely by trade in specimens of that species or that the provisions of the present Convention are not being effectively implemented, it shall communicate such information to the authorized Management Authority of the Party or Parties concerned. 
2. When any Party receives a communication as indicated in paragraph 1 of this Article, it shall, as 
soon as possible, inform the Secretariat of any relevant facts insofar as its laws permit and, where appropriate, propose remedial action. Where the Party considers that an inquiry is desirable, such inquiry may be carried out by one or more persons expressly authorized by the Party. 
3. The information provided by the Party or resulting from any inquiry as specified in paragraph 2 of 
this Article shall be reviewed by the next Conference of the Parties which may make whatever recommendations it deems appropriate. 
 
Article XIV Effect on domestic legislation 
 and international conventions 
1. The provisions of the present Convention shall in no way affect the right of Parties to adopt: 
 (a) stricter domestic measures regarding the conditions for trade, taking, possession or 
transport of specimens of species included in Appendices I, II and III, or the complete prohibition thereof; or 
 (b) domestic measures restricting or prohibiting trade, taking, possession or transport of species 
not included in Appendix I, II or III. 
2. The provisions of the present Convention shall in no way affect the provisions of any domestic 
measures or the obligations of Parties deriving from any treaty, convention, or international agreement relating to other aspects of trade, taking, possession or transport of specimens which 
is in force or subsequently may enter into force for any Party including any measure pertaining to 
the Customs, public health, veterinary or plant quarantine fields. 
3. The provisions of the present Convention shall in no way affect the provisions of, or the 
obligations deriving from, any treaty, convention or international agreement concluded or which may be concluded between States creating a union or regional trade agreement establishing or 
maintaining a common external Customs control and removing Customs control between the Text of the Convention – 10  parties thereto insofar as they relate to trade among the States members of that union or 
agreement. 
4. A State party to the present Convention, which is also a party to any other treaty, convention or 
international agreement which is in force at the time of the coming into force of the present Convention and under the provisions of which protection is afforded to marine species included in Appendix II, shall be relieved of the obligations imposed on it under the provisions of the present 
Convention with respect to trade in specimens of species included in Appendix II that are taken 
by ships registered in that State and in accordance with the provisions of such other treaty, convention or international agreement. 
5. Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles III, IV and V, any export of a specimen taken in 
accordance with paragraph 4 of this Article shall only require a certificate from a Management 
Authority of the State of introduction to the effect that the specimen was taken in accordance with 
the provisions of the other treaty, convention or international agreement in question. 
6. Nothing in the present Convention shall prejudice the codification and development of the law of 
the sea by the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea convened pursuant to Resolution 2750 C (XXV) of the General Assembly of the United Nations nor the present or future 
claims and legal views of any State concerning the law of the sea and the nature and extent of 
coastal and flag State jurisdiction. 
 
Article XV Amendments to Appendices I and II 
1. The following provisions shall apply in relation to amendments to Appendices I and II at meetings 
of the Conference of the Parties: 
 (a) Any Party may propose an amendment to Appendix I or II for consideration at the next 
meeting. The text of the proposed amendment shall be communicated to the Secretariat at least 150 days before the meeting. The Secretariat shall consult the other Parties and interested bodies on the amendment in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) of paragraph 2 of this Article and shall communicate the response to all Parties not later than 30 days before the meeting. 
 (b) Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of Parties present and voting. For 
these purposes “Parties present and voting” means Parties present and casting an affirmative or negative vote. Parties abstaining from voting shall not be counted among the two-thirds required for adopting an amendment. 
 (c) Amendments adopted at a meeting shall enter into force 90 days after that meeting for all 
Parties except those which make a reservation in accordance with paragraph 3 of this 
Article. 
2. The following provisions shall apply in relation to amendments to Appendices I and II between 
meetings of the Conference of the Parties: 
 (a) Any Party may propose an amendment to Appendix I or II for consideration between 
meetings by the postal procedures set forth in this paragraph. 
 (b) For marine species, the Secretariat shall, upon receiving the text of the proposed 
amendment, immediately communicate it to the Parties. It shall also consult inter-governmental bodies having a function in relation to those species especially with a view to 
obtaining scientific data these bodies may be able to provide and to ensuring co-ordination 
with any conservation measures enforced by such bodies. The Secretariat shall communicate the views expressed and data provided by these bodies and its own findings and recommendations to the Parties as soon as possible. 
 (c) For species other than marine species, the Secretariat shall, upon receiving the text of the 
proposed amendment, immediately communicate it to the Parties, and, as soon as possible 
thereafter, its own recommendations. Text of the Convention – 11  (d) Any Party may, within 60 days of the date on which the Secretariat communicated its 
recommendations to the Parties under sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this paragraph, transmit to 
the Secretariat any comments on the proposed amendment together with any relevant scientific data and information. 
 (e) The Secretariat shall communicate the replies received together with its own 
recommendations to the Parties as soon as possible. 
 (f) If no objection to the proposed amendment is received by the Secretariat within 30 days of 
the date the replies and recommendations were communicated under the provisions of sub-paragraph (e) of this paragraph, the amendment shall enter into force 90 days later for all Parties except those which make a reservation in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article. 
 (g) If an objection by any Party is received by the Secretariat, the proposed amendment shall be 
submitted to a postal vote in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (h), (i) and (j) of this paragraph. 
 (h) The Secretariat shall notify the Parties that notification of objection has been received. 
 (i) Unless the Secretariat receives the votes for, against or in abstention from at least one-half 
of the Parties within 60 days of the date of notification under sub-paragraph (h) of this paragraph, the proposed amendment shall be referred to the next meeting of the Conference for further consideration. 
 (j) Provided that votes are received from one-half of the Parties, the amendment shall be 
adopted by a two-thirds majority of Parties casting an affirmative or negative vote. 
 (k) The Secretariat shall notify all Parties of the result of the vote. 
 (l) If the proposed amendment is adopted it shall enter into force 90 days after the date of the 
notification by the Secretariat of its acceptance for all Parties except those which make a 
reservation in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article. 
3. During the period of 90 days provided for by sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph 1 or sub-
paragraph (l) of paragraph 2 of this Article any Party may by notification in writing to the Depositary Government make a reservation with respect to the amendment.  
 Until such reservation is withdrawn the Party shall be treated as a State not a Party to the present 
Convention with respect to trade in the species concerned. 
 
Article XVI Appendix III and amendments thereto 
1. Any Party may at any time submit to the Secretariat a list of species which it identifies as being 
subject to regulation within its jurisdiction for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 3 of Article II. Appendix III shall include the names of the Parties submitting the species for inclusion therein, 
the scientific names of the species so submitted, and any parts or derivatives of the animals or 
plants concerned that are specified in relation to the species for the purposes of sub-paragraph (b) of Article I. 
2. Each list submitted under the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be communicated to 
the Parties by the Secretariat as soon as possible  after receiving it. The lis t shall take effect as 
part of Appendix III 90 days after the date of such communication. At any time after the 
communication of such list, any Party may by notifi cation in writing to th e Depositary Government 
enter a reservation with respect to any species or any parts or derivatives, and until such reservation is withdrawn, the State shall be treated as a State not a Party to the present Convention with respect to trade in the species or part or derivative concerned. Text of the Convention – 12  3. A Party which has submitted a species for inclusion in Appendix III may withdraw it at any time by 
notification to the Secretariat which shall communicate the withdrawal to all Parties. The 
withdrawal shall take effect 30 days after the date of such communication. 
4. Any Party submitting a list under the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall submit to the 
Secretariat a copy of all domestic laws and regulations applicable to the protection of such species, together with any interpretations which the Party may deem appropriate or the 
Secretariat may request. The Party shall, for as long as the species in question is included in 
Appendix III, submit any amendments of such laws and regulations or any interpretations as they are adopted. 
 
Article XVII Amendment of the Convention 
1. An extraordinary meeting of the Conference of the Parties shall be convened by the Secretariat 
on the written request of at least one-third of the Parties to consider and adopt amendments to 
the present Convention. Such amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of Parties present and voting. For these purposes “Parties present and voting” means Parties present and casting an affirmative or negative vote. Parties abstaining from voting shall not be counted among the two-thirds required for adopting an amendment. 
2. The text of any proposed amendment shall be communicated by the Secretariat to all Parties at 
least 90 days before the meeting. 
3. An amendment shall enter into force for the Parties which have accepted it 60 days after two-
thirds of the Parties have deposited an instrument of acceptance of the amendment with the Depositary Government. Thereafter, the amendment shall enter into force for any other Party 60 days after that Party deposits its instrument of acceptance of the amendment. 
 
Article XVIII Resolution of disputes 
1. Any dispute which may arise between two or more Parties with respect to the interpretation or 
application of the provisions of the present Convention shall be subject to negotiation between the Parties involved in the dispute. 
2. If the dispute can not be resolved in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article, the Parties may, 
by mutual consent, submit the dispute to arbitration, in particular that of the Permanent Court of 
Arbitration at The Hague, and the Parties submitting the dispute shall be bound by the arbitral decision. 
 
Article XIX  Signature 
The present Convention shall be open for signature at Washington until 30th April 1973 and thereafter 
at Berne until 31st December 1974. 
 Text of the Convention – 13 Article XX Ratification, acceptance, approval 
The present Convention shall be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments of 
ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Government of the Swiss Confederation which shall be the Depositary Government. 
 
Article XXI Accession 
1. The present Convention shall be open indefinitely for accession. Instruments of accession shall 
be deposited with the Depositary Government. 
2. This Convention shall be open for accession by regional economic integration organizations 
constituted by sovereign States which have competence in respect of the negotiation, 
conclusion and implementation of international agreements in matters transferred to them by 
their Member States and covered by this Convention. 
3. In their instruments of accession, such organizations shall declare the extent of their 
competence with respect to the matters governed by the Convention. These organizations shall also inform the Depositary Government of any substantial modification in the extent of 
their competence. Notifications by regional economic integration organizations concerning 
their competence with respect to matters governed by this Convention and modifications thereto shall be distributed to the Parties by the Depositary Government. 
4. In matters within their competence, such regional economic integration organizations shall 
exercise the rights and fulfil the obligations which this Convention attributes to their Member States, which are Parties to the Convention. In such cases the Member States of the 
organizations shall not be entitled to exercise such rights individually. 
5. In the fields of their competence, regional economic integration organizations shall exercise 
their right to vote with a number of votes equal to the number of their Member States which are Parties to the Convention. Such organizations shall not exercise their right to vote if their 
Member States exercise theirs, and vice versa. 
6. Any reference to “Party” in the sense used in Article I (h) of this Convention to “State”/”States” 
or to “State Party”/”State Parties” to the Convention shall be construed as including a reference to any regional economic integration organization having competence in respect of the negotiation, conclusion and application of international agreements in matters covered by this Convention. 
 
Article XXII Entry into force 
1. The present Convention shall enter into force 90 days after the date of deposit of the tenth 
instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, with the Depositary Government. 
2. For each State which ratifies, accepts or approves the present Convention or accedes thereto 
after the deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, the 
present Convention shall enter into force 90 days after the deposit by such State of its instrument 
of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. 
 Text of the Convention – 14  Article XXIII Reservations 
1. The provisions of the present Convention shall not be subject to general reservations. Specific 
reservations may be entered in accordance with the provisions of this Article and Articles XV and XVI. 
2. Any State may, on depositing its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, 
enter a specific reservation with regard to: 
 (a) any species included in Appendix I, II or III; or  (b) any parts or derivatives specified in relation to a species included in Appendix III. 
3. Until a Party withdraws its reservation entered under the provisions of this Article, it shall be 
treated as a State not a Party to the present Convention with respect to trade in the particular species or parts or derivatives specified in such reservation. 
 
Article XXIV Denunciation 
Any Party may denounce the present Convention by written notification to the Depositary Government 
at any time. The denunciation shall take effect twelve months after the Depositary Government has 
received the notification. 
 
Article XXV Depositary 
1. The original of the present Convention, in the Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish 
languages, each version being equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Depositary 
Government, which shall transmit certified copies thereof to all States that have signed it or 
deposited instruments of accession to it. 
2. The Depositary Government shall inform all signatory and acceding States and the Secretariat of 
signatures, deposit of instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, entry into force of the present Convention, amendments thereto, entry and withdrawal of reservations and notifications of denunciation. 
3. As soon as the present Convention enters into force, a certified copy thereof shall be transmitted 
by the Depositary Government to the Secretariat of the United Nations for registration and publication in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations. 
 
 In witness whereof  the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized to that effect, have 
signed the present Convention. 
Done  at Washington this third day of March, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy-three.