Trade in Protected Natural Resources - the CITES Convention

Trade in Protected Natural Resources - the CITES Convention

Around 180 countries worldwide have signed and ratified the International Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - CITES. 

The Signatory States implement the Convention through internal legislation. Israel signed and ratified the Convention. The Convention is implemented in Israel by internal legislation that was amended in September 2017 and adapted to the current list of species as it appears in the Convention. The Convention is administered in Israel by the Nature and Parks Authority. 

If you are seeking to import or export animals or plants, including raw products thereof, or finished products containing parts thereof, the legislative provisions that apply the Convention may prohibit this activity altogether or require you to obtain permits from the appropriate authorities in each country as a precondition for business activity. Failure to comply with the legislation may result in administrative, criminal, and negative public opinion, which may lead to the loss of your business. For example, one of the world's leading guitars, saw fit to inform its customers that the wood made of the neck of the guitars it produces has the CITES certification and that players who buy these guitars have no reason to worry about using them or selling them in due course. 

Our law office deals with these issues, is in contact with the appropriate authorities in Israel and abroad, and will be able to advise you on how to carry out your business activities in a manner consistent with the internal legislation in the countries of export, import and other countries that are relevant to your activities. 

Other issues related to CITES, that our lawyers can also advise, deal with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A number of protocols were signed by virtue of this convention. Among others, the Cartagena Protocol on Genetic Changes, and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources of the States. For example, our attorney can advise you on the legality of access to genetic resources in a particular country and the legality of sending them to another country.