Council Decision (EU) 2025/2437 of 20 November 2025 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)
Date: 2025-11-20
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: animal life, conservation of resources, international convention, international trade, plant life, protected species, protection of animals, protection of plant life, revision of an agreement, trade restriction








L_202502437EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
L series













2025/2437


10.12.2025







            COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2025/2437
         
of 20 November 2025
         
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), in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,


Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:







(1)


The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (1) to which the Union acceded by Council Decision (EU) 2015/451 (2) entered into force on 1 July 1975.












(2)


Pursuant to Article XI(3) of CITES, the Conference of the Parties may, inter alia, adopt decisions to amend the Appendices to CITES.












(3)


The Conference of the Parties, during its 20th meeting from 24 November to 5 December 2025 (CITES CoP20), is to adopt decisions on 51 proposals to amend the Appendices to CITES, as well as on numerous other matters related to the implementation and interpretation of CITES.












(4)


It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at CITES CoP20, as the amendments to the Appendices to CITES will be binding on the Union and several other decisions, such as modifications to resolutions to be incorporated into Union law, will be capable of decisively influencing the content of Union law, in particular Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (3) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 (4).












(5)


The Union’s proposed position to be taken on the different proposals before the CITES CoP20 is based on the expert analysis of their merits, taking into account the provisions of CITES, 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 (CITES CoP20) is set out in the Annexes to this Decision.


Article 2
Where the position referred to in Article 1 is likely to be affected by new scientific or technical information presented after the adoption of this Decision and before or during CITES CoP20, or where revised or new proposals are made at that meeting on which there is no Union position yet, the Union position shall be developed by means of on-the-spot coordination before the CITES CoP20 is called to decide on those proposals. 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, 20 November 2025.


For the Council


The President

K. KALLAS
            





(1)  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (OJ L 75, 19.3.2015, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/convention/2015/451/oj).

(2)  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, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2015/451/oj).

(3)  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 (OJ L 166, 19.6.2006, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2006/865/oj).

(4)  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 (OJ L 242, 7.9.2012, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2012/792/oj).




ANNEX 1
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 CoP20) (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 (CITES CoP20), in line with relevant Union policies and international commitments, in particular the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by 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 status and rights of the Union as a Party to CITES 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 CITES. The Union should ensure that the decisions taken maximise the efficiency of CITES, by minimising any 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 CITES CoP20.




B.   Specific issues









8.


Fifty-one proposals to amend the CITES Appendices have been tabled for consideration at CITES CoP20. Eight of those 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 for amendments to the CITES Appendices 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 to CITES.












10.


The views of the range states of the species concerned by the proposals should receive particular attention. Amongst others, they are the primary vehicle to convey the contributions of those living in close connection with wildlife, whose knowledge, stewardship and actions in conservation and sustainable use 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 that are brought forward 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.












12.


In Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 (3), the Union advocates the inclusion of:






—



Pelophylax epeiroticus, Pelophylax shqipericus, Pelophylax ridibundus and Pelophylax lessonae (water frogs) in Appendix II to CITES (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 the entry for Carcharhinus longimanus (oceanic whitetip shark) from Appendix II to Appendix I to CITES, and the proposal by Brazil to list Galeorhinus galeus (tope shark) and Mustelus spp. (smoothhounds) in Appendix II.












13.


Concerning Anguilla spp. (freshwater eels), 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 as well as illegal trade, taking into account complementarities and synergies between the different measures and decisions under consideration by the Conference of the Parties.












14.


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.












15.


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.












16.


The Union notes that several proposals have been tabled by Parties in relation to international commercial 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 reopen this trade. For domestic elephant ivory and rhino horn markets, the Union should continue to support proportionate and effective measures based on the best available evidence, within the scope of CITES.












17.


The Union notes that the expansion of CITES to amend the Appendices and include additional species or amend their listing status has significantly increased the volume and complexity of activities under CITES, 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 CITES 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 (COM(2022) 581).

(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 (OJ L, 2025/1314, 30.6.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1314/oj).





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 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 Resolution Conf. 18.2 and the deletion of Decisions 19.1 to 19.3. Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 18.2 and the deletion of Decisions 19.1 to 19.3. Any further changes to the proposal that would entail a significant impact on the resources of the Secretariat should not be supported.


(+)




10.


Access to funding


 


 


 




11.


Sponsored delegates project
CoP20 Doc. 11


Sec. in consultation with SC


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.3 (Rev. CoP19) and the deletion of Decisions 18.12 and 19.10.


+





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


Note the report and support the recommendations.


+




 


 


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 Resolution 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 amendments to Resolution 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 amendments to Resolution 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 amendments to the revised decisions and the adoption of draft decisions.



+





 


16.4


International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime
CoP20 Doc. 16.4


Sec.


Support the adoption of draft Decision 20.AA 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 draft decisions and the 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. Additionally, suggest a new decision calling on Parties to provide feedback on the outline of the Overview Report. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.30 and 19.31.


(+)




18.



CITES and forests

CoP20 Doc. 18


Sec. in consultation with SC


Support draft decisions if amended to make future measures conditional upon the review of the report by the Plants Committee.


(+)




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 decisions.



+





21.



Compliance Assistance Programme

CoP20 Doc. 21


SC


Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.44 to 19.46.



+





22.



Country-wide Review of Significant Trade

CoP20 Doc. 22


SC


Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.47 and 19.48.



+





23.



CITES Tree species programme

CoP20 Doc. 23


Sec.


Support the decision and the deletion of 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


The recognition of gender related roles in wildlife conservation is important for the EU. Support to addressing gender related issues effectively. Open to exploring other alternatives to strengthen the implementation of Resolution Conf. 19.3 on Gender and international trade in wild fauna and flora.


(+)




26.



CITES Global Youth Network

CoP20 Doc. 26


China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Kuwait, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.5.



+





27.



Engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities

CoP20 Doc. 27


SC


Welcome the non-binding guidance as a good basis for further discussion, emphasising that such engagement is best addressed at national level. Support recommendations b)–d).
On recommendation a) no position.


0




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 deletions in Resolution 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 amendments to Resolution Conf. 16.6 and dissemination of the guidance.


—




30.



Integrating human rights, livelihoods, and food security into the implementation of CITES

CoP20 Doc. 30


Zimbabwe


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


—




31.



Demand reduction to combat illegal trade
CoP20 Doc. 31


SC


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



+






Existing Resolutions and Decisions





32.



Review of Resolutions

CoP20 Doc. 32


Sec.


Support the amendments to the Resolutions and the draft decision.



+





33.



Review of Decisions

CoP20 Doc. 33


Sec.


Support the amendments to the Resolution, the deletion of the implemented decisions and the maintaining of Decision 19.71 to 19.73 on Malagasy palisanders, ebonies and rosewoods and 17.256 on African grey parrots.


(+)





Compliance





34.



National laws for implementation of the Convention

CoP20 Doc. 34


Sec.


Support recommendation a) to adopt the draft decisions contained in Annex 1, and c) to delete Decisions 19.58 to 19.62. Do not support recommendation 38 b) on publishing Guidance and suggest a review of the Guidance by the Standing Committee.


(+)




35.



Compliance matters



 


 


 




 


35.1


Implementation of Article XIII and Resolution Conf. 14.3 (Rev. CoP19) on CITES compliance procedures
CoP20 Doc. 35.1


Sec.


Generally support the recommendations as the first assessment is positive but further analyses is needed.


(+)




 


35.2


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


SC


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.10 and the draft decision. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.68 to 19.70.


+




 


35.3


Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi)
CoP20 Doc. 35.3


Sec.


Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions. 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 Resolution 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 conflict with Article VIII of the Convention.
Support amendments to Resolution Conf. 8.4 and the 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 amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.13 and the deletion of the implemented decision.


+




39.



Enforcement matters

CoP20 Doc. 39


Sec.


Generally support the recommendations.


(+)




40.



Wildlife crime enforcement support in West and Central Africa

CoP20 Doc. 40


SC


Support the draft decisions as amended by the Secretariat and the deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




41.



CITES Big Cats Task Force

CoP20 Doc. 41


SC


Support the draft 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


Generally support the renewal of Decisions 19.94 to 19.96 and adoption of the original draft decision (not as amended by the Secretariat). However, some modification might be necessary to ensure a coherent approach to all ETIS-related documents while also considering the comments from the Secretariat.


(+)




43.



ETIS categorisation of Parties

CoP20 Doc. 43


SC


Generally 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, especially to ensure the binding nature of the criteria. Moreover, make sure that contextual information should also be used as part of the categorisation process as it is currently not included in the recommendations. The exclusion criteria in paragraph 13 a) is outdated and should be updated to: ‘Exclusion criteria guided by the latest updated ETIS data reviewed by the MIKE-ETIS TAG, should be applied to ETIS analyses.’


(+)




44.



Ivory seizures and domestic ivory markets
CoP20 Doc. 44


SC


Support the deletion of the Decisions 19.99 to 19.101.


+




45.


Illegal trade in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
CoP20 Doc. 45


SC


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


+




46.



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


SC


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 19.5.
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


 


Generally support the adoption of the amendment to Resolution Conf. 11.9 (Rev. CoP18) and support the deletion of Decisions 19.123 to 19.127.
Generally support the revised and consolidated version of draft decisions as prepared by the Secretariat in document 47.2 under Comments of the Secretariat.


(+)




 


47.2


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


EU


Support the revised and consolidated version of draft decisions as prepared by the Secretariat under Comments of the Secretariat.



+






Regulation of trade





48.


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


 


Do not support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.3. The 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


Do not support recommendation 24 c) as the guidelines cannot be supported in their current form. In particular, the term ‘founder stock’, if deemed necessary by the Parties, will require a proper definition through an amendment to the relevant Resolution(s) before it is included in the guidelines.
Support adoption of the draft decisions and amendments to Annexes 1 and 3 to Resolution Conf. 18.7 as proposed under recommendation 24 a) and b).
Support the deletion of the implemented decisions, as proposed under recommendation 24 d).


(-)




50.



Non-detriment findings

CoP20 Doc. 50


AC, PC


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


+




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 the deletion of the implemented decisions. However, note it is not possible to support draft decision 20.BB in Doc. 52.


(+)




52.



Introduction from the sea

CoP20 Doc. 52


SC


Support the adoption of the draft decisions apart from 20BB (changes to Resolution Conf. 14.6). With regard to draft decision 20BB, oppose the reopening of the resolution.
Support the deletion of the implemented decisions.


(+)




53.


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


AC, PC


Support the decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




54.



Identification of timber and other wood products
CoP20 Doc. 54


SC


Support the revisions to the Decisions 19.146 to 19.148 and the new draft Decision 20.AA.


+




55.



Purpose-of-transaction-codes

CoP20 Doc. 55


SC


Support the 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 draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions.
However, the decisions must be coordinated with amendments proposed in Doc. 56.2.
Support proposal of CITES Secretariat to amend paragraph 3 d) in Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev CoP19) on Permits and Certificates by adding reference to the Guidelines on the use of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes on CITES permits/certificates.


(+)




 


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 amendments to the decisions, including editorial changes as proposed by CITES Secretariat. 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 draft decisions including the addition ‘subject to external resources’ as proposed by the Secretariat.


+




58.


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


SC


Support adoption of the guidance; if not adopted, support renewal of Decisions 19.153–19.155 to allow finalisation.


+




59.



Stocks and stockpiles

CoP20 Doc. 59


SC


Support the amendments to the Resolutions.
Do not support the draft definition of ‘stockpiles’ unless the reference to ‘legally stored’ is removed and the phrase ‘…held by museums, scientific institutions…’ is added. Only support one part of the change to the definition proposed by the Secretariat. Specification of the particular obligations to government-held stockpiles is acceptable. The addition ‘and where specified in a Resolution or Decision, privately held’ [stockpiles] should not be adopted.


(+)




60.



Transport of live specimens
CoP20 Doc. 60


SC


Support the deletion of the implemented decisions 19.158 and 19.159. An open position is maintained regarding draft decision 20.AA.


0




61.



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


SC


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


(+)




62.


Specimens produced through biotechnology

CoP20 Doc. 62


SC


Support the renewal of the Decisions 19.161 to 19.163.


+




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 renew Decisions 19.164 to 19.166.


+




64.



Disposal of confiscated specimens



 


 


 




 


64.1


Report of the Standing Committee

CoP20 Doc. 64.1


SC


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.8 and the maintenance of the decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




 


64.2


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


Kenya


Do not support the proposal in its current form. 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


Do not support the proposal as it has negative consequences for species conservation and enforcement.


—




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 amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.10 and Resolution 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 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 the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions


+




 


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 draft 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 amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.10 while proposing some amendments for clarity and to better reflect the outcomes of 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 the adoption of the decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




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.


Do not support as the information is updated, and there is no justification for further looking into the matter.


—





Species conservation and trade





71.



Assessment of Appendix-I listed species

CoP20 Doc. 71


AC, PC


Support the deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




72.



Identifying information on species at risk of extinction affected by international trade

CoP20 Doc. 72


SC


Support the decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




73.



Trade in endemic species

CoP20 Doc. 73


Brazil and Ecuador


Do not support draft decisions 20.AA, 20.BB and 20.CC as proposed by proponents. If there is general support among the Parties for the study, draft decisions 20.BB and 20.CC, as redrafted by the Secretariat (renumbered to 20.AA and 20.BB respectively), could be supported, provided they are further amended. In particular, the amendments should focus on narrowing the scope of the study to the actual impact of trade on endemic species and ensuring that the study examines both the demand and supply sides, including practices in place in the countries of origin.
Furthermore, duplications with other processes, notably on LAF (such as in Document 49), should be avoided.


(-)





Fauna





74.



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


SC


Support the revised decisions.



+





75.



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


AC in consultation with the Chair of the SC


Support the 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


Generally support the majority of the recommendations in the document. However, ensure that there is a call to ensure consistent funding for ETIS by not deleting recommendation 19.36 and including MIKE and ETIS financial and operational sustainability as foreseen in Resolution 10.10.


(+)




 


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


Do not support the recommendations. Appropriate procedures to identify Parties affected by illegal trade in ivory are already in place.
Moreover, the proposed revised draft decision 18.118 is unnecessary as the ETIS data is available online and the Parties already have access to the aggregates.
Additionally, 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 working documents 44 and 76.1.


—




 


76.3



Ivory stocks and stockpiles

Cop20 Doc. 76.3


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


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.10 to ensure consistency with the decisions to be adopted under agenda point 76.1.
Delete decisions 18.184-18.185 and 19.156 as the workload of the Secretariat needs to be considered and take the existing processes AITR, guidance on the Annual Illegal Trade report and ETIS into account.


(-)




 


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


 


Support recommendations. However, make sure to include the continuation of the ETIS network analysis. Delete 20.AA as exchange between the Annual Illegal Trade Report and ETIS is already being addressed.


(+)




 


76.6


Results of the African elephant dialogue meeting

CoP20 Doc. 76.6


SC


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


Support the proposal if the majority of the range States supports it. Ensure that position is aligned with the one on agenda point 76.6.


(+)




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 the deletion of the decisions either implemented or being incorporated in the CITES Big Cats Task Force outcome document and Resolution Conf. 12.5 (Rev. CoP 19).


+




 


77.2


Asian big cats in captivity

CoP20 Doc. 77. 2


SC


Generally support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions. Oppose the proposal of CITES Secretariat to delete decision 14.69.
Propose amendments to Decision 20.AA in order to not exclude smaller breeding operations upfront, and add ‘programmes’ in order to better specify conservation breeding activities in 20.AA a) and to include a reference to the ‘destruction of carcasses’ at the end of the paragraph 20.AA f). Suggest adding reference to the newly proposed decision on illegal trade in big cats (20.AA under doc. CoP20 Doc. 41) to fully implement CITES Big Cats Task Force outcome document.


(+)




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 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


 


Support recommendation a) and c) but consider strengthening the language in draft decisions in recommendation b) and the need to develop time-bound and measurable recommendations directed to specific Parties e.g. in an in-session working group.


(+)




 


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 decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




80.



African lions (Panthera leo)
CoP20 Doc. 80


SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC


Support the revised decisions; however, propose amendments to relevant decisions to address the issue of outdated population data or data gaps in that matter.


(+)




81.



Jaguars (Panthera onca)
CoP20 Doc. 81


 


Support document with minor amendments.


(+)




82.


Guidance on non-detriment findings for trade in leopard (Panthera pardus) hunting trophies
CoP20 Doc. 82


AC


Support the revised decisions; however, further assessment is needed. 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 implemented decisions. Suggest new decisions to ensure that the outcomes of the workshop are followed up.


(+)




84.



Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 84


 


Support recommendations to maintain Decision 18.116. Support the adoption of the draft decisions on Rhinoceroses. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.115 to 19.122.


+




85.



Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.)


 


 


 




 


85.1


Report of the Secretariat

CoP20 Doc. 85.1


Sec.


Support the 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.
Depending on the adoption of listing proposal 3, suggest additional Decisions to allow assessment of impacts of the trade on saiga populations and control measures in place.


(+)




 


85.2


Documents by Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation
CoP20 Doc. 85.2


Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation


Support the document. However, seek clarification from the Secretariat whether the proposal would result in additional workload for the Secretariat.


(+)





Aquatic species





86.



Aquatic species listed in the CITES Appendices
CoP20 Doc. 86


SC


Support the deletion of the implemented decisions.


+




87.



Eels (Anguilla spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 87


SC


Support the text of the resolution while seeking possibilities to further strengthen it, especially regarding the enforcement measures. However, decision 20DD b) ‘explore options to facilitate discerning between European eels raised in aquaculture and wild European eels in CITES trade data.’ cannot be supported.


(+)




88.



Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.)


 


 


 




 


88.1


Report of the Standing Committee

CoP20 Doc. 88.1


SC


Support the 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 decisions. 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



+





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 the deletion of the implemented decisions.



+






Flora





93.



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


SC


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


+




94.



Boswellia trees (Boswellia spp.)
CoP20 Doc. 94


PC


Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions.
Do not support the Secretariat’s merged amendments to draft decision 20.WW and 20.XX to direct this draft decision to a meeting of Boswellia spp. Range States only.
The draft decisions as they stand without the Secretariat’s amendments are the involved and detailed consensus from discussions within the Boswellia working group and the Plants Committee plenary, which did not limit the meeting to the Range States only.


(+)




95.



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


PC in consultation with the Chair of the SC


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


+




96.



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


SC


Propose deletion of draft Decisions 20.BB a) and b), 20.CC a) and 20DD a). Support the deletion of implemented Decisions.


(+)




97.



Brazil wood (Paubrasilia echinata)
CoP20 Doc. 97


Sec. in consultation with the Chair of the SC


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



+





99.



Neotropical tree species

CoP20 Doc. 99


PC


Support the deletion of the implemented decisions.



+





100.


Trade in medicinal and aromatic plant species

CoP20 Doc. 100


SC


Support the decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions.



+






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 decisions.



+






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


Do not support the decisions as proposed in the document. Only if a clear majority of parties supports the proposal, suggest instead that the issue is discussed by the AC and PC, rather than initiating a process to develop a guideline.


—





Annotations





103.



Annotations

CoP20 Doc. 103


SC


Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.13, the Interpretation section of the Appendices. Support the decision and the deletion of the implemented decisions.



+





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


Do not support recommendation a) and b). Support recommendation c) and d).
The Annotation is actively implemented, proves to be effective and the exemptions have low conservation impact.


—




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


Support recommendation under 11. a) with an addition to the ‘DRAFT GUIDANCE’ in Annex 2 under para. 15 b) i) concerning the documents that can serve as proof of export.
Support Decision 20.AA in Annex I with some amendments.
Support Deletion of Decision 18.151 (rev CoP19).


(+)




 


105.2.



Facilitating legal trade and sustainable use during periods of transition

CoP20 Doc. 105.2


United States of America


Do not support amendments to Resolution 12.3 as pre-Convention permits cannot be issued before a species is listed, and retrospective permits or certificates cannot be issued before a species is listed.
Support amendments to Resolution 13.6, while noting that the ‘excessive acquisition’ concept is not defined and that this limitation might not be in line with national laws.


(-)




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 decisions.



+





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 implemented decisions.



+






Nomenclature matters





110.



Standard nomenclature

CoP20 Doc. 110


AC, PC


Generally support with some modifications necessary for ‘bulb genera’ and to align with other decisions taken by the CoP.


(+)




111.



Nomenclature of Appendix-III listings

CoP20 Doc. 111


SC


Support the amendments to the Resolutions and the deletion of the 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 amendments to Resolution 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 decisions in recommendation b) and amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.10 and the deletion of implemented decisions.
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


Support the proposal to remove Damaliscus pygargus pygargus from the CITES Appendices as the species no longer meets the criteria for Appendix II. However, note the continued national threats to the species from hybridization and habitat loss and fragmentation and encourage South Africa to continue strengthening relevant measures including the development of a metapopulation management plan.


+




2.



Gazella dorcas

(Dorcas Gazelle)


0 – II
Include in Appendix II


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


Support the proposal if the proposal is also supported by non-proponent range stages.


(+)




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


Acknowledge the conservation success and significant growth of the KZ population and agree in principle that well-regulated trade is unlikely to be detrimental to the population. However, further safeguards are necessary to ensure that trade in horns is sustainable, well managed and will not result in laundering of specimens illegally acquired from other populations. The proposal can therefore only be supported if limited to a one-off sale of horns already stockpiled and properly marked originating in Kazakhstan, conditioned to prior verification by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, that sufficient control mechanisms are in place in Kazakhstan, with the option to cease trade in case of non-compliance or proven detrimental impacts of the trade on wild populations. The importing countries should also put in place adequate control mechanisms. Add reporting requirements through additional decisions in WD 85.1 to assess trade impacts on the wild populations, including impact on smaller populations in other range states also of Saiga borealis, and whether control mechanisms in Kazakhstan and main consumer countries are robust enough to prevent laundering and loopholes for illegal trade.


(-)




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. Furthermore, recent changes in taxonomy of the genus needs to be taken into account.


0




5.



Okapia johnstoni

(Okapi)


0 – I
Include in Appendix I


Democratic Republic of the Congo


Biological criteria are met. Further information on the scope of international trade should be sought from the proponent.


(+)




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. Support is contingent on the reintroduction of the phrase “Live animals for in-situ conservation only, and only within the species natural and historical range of Ceratotherium simum in Africa.


(-)




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


Listing criteria do not seem to be met. Request additional information on national protection measures and the extent of international trade with Choloepus hoffmanni and its impact on wild populations. If additional information supports the inclusion of Choloepus hoffmanni in Appendix II, Choloepus didactylus should be included according to Annex 2b of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17).


0




12.



Cercocebus chrysogaster

(Golden-bellied Mangabey)


II – I
Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I


Democratic Republic of the Congo


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, t
The 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 possibly 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


Suggest Appendix II listing with zero quota and invite Dominican Republic to list Caribicus anelpistus and Caribicus darlingtoni in Appendix III.


(+)




20.



Phyllurus amnicola

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


III – II
Include in Appendix II


Australia


Support the proposal as listing criteria appear to be met. International trade mainly consists of captive-bred specimens.


+




21.



Phyllurus caudiannulatus

(Ringed Thin-tail Gecko)


III – II
Include in Appendix II


Australia


Trade in the species is considered extremely rare.


0




22.



Amblyrhynchus spp.
(Marine Iguana, Galápagos Marine Iguana)


II – I
Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I


Ecuador


Do not support as listing criteria do not seem to be met.


0




23.



Conolophus spp.

(Galápagos Land Iguana, Common Land Iguana)


II – I
Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I


Ecuador


Support the proposal based on the precautionary approach and the indication of international demand for the species.


(+)




24.



Bitis harenna

(Ethiopian Mountain Adder, Ethiopian Viper)

Bitis parviocula

(Bale Mountains Adder)


0 – I
Include in Appendix I


Ethiopia


Support as biological criteria seem to be met for both species. Bitis parviocula known to be in trade, however no secured evidence for trade in Bitis harenna.


(+)




25.



Crotalus spp.


Sistrurus spp.



0 – II
Include in Appendix II


Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Mexico


Do not support the proposal as it is unclear whether the listing criteria are met for Crotalus ravus and Crotalus lepidus. Listing in Appendix III could be the first appropriate step to understand trade patterns in rattle snakes.


—




26.



Kinixys homeana

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


I – I
Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I


Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria, Togo


Support as 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


Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to be met.


+




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


Support as 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 listing criteria. Listing of some of the species in Appendix III by the range States could provide the necessary information about the trade in wild specimens and its impact


(-)




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


The listing criteria appear to be met.
However, the proposal seems not to be in alignment with text of the Convention.


—




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


Do not support the proposal in its current form. 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.
Consequently, the EU could support the comment by the Secretariat in its assessment in document 114.1 of CoP20.


(-)




41.



Jubaea chilensis

(Chilean palm)


0 – I
Include in Appendix I


Chile


Support as 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


Support as 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


Support as 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


Acknowledge the need for strengthening the conservation efforts of Paubrasilia, while recognizing the importance of Paubrasilia for musical instruments.
Regarding concerns about unregistered stockpiles, the EU could potentially propose that Parties must send updated information on national stockpiles to the CITES Secretariat before SC81 (end of 2026) or CoP21.
Listing in Appendix I as originally proposed is unlikely to address the identified problems concerning illegal trade.
Potentially support a solution within Appendix II, while strengthening controls and providing a solution to travelling musicians. Further work is needed prior to adopting a proposal, in which further discussions with the proponent is necessary.


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


Support as 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


Do not support unless the data on population in Bolivia is provided.


(-)




50.



Avonia quinaria



II – I
Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I


South Africa


Support as 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


Support as 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



ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj
ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)