CITES list
Australian simplified list of CITES species
Australian simplified list of CITES species - Updated
The Australian simplified list of CITES species has been updated to reflect changes to the species listed on the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The changes came into effect on Tuesday 25 September 2012.
PLEASE NOTE: The 'Australian simplified list of CITES species' is not a complete list of CITES Species. It contains information on frequently traded species for quick reference. For a definitive list of CITES species please use the CITES species database .
More information on CITES-listed species and permit requirements can be obtained on this web site or by contacting wildlifetrade@environment.gov.au or PH: (02) 6274 1900.
CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) places species into three categories based on their conservation status and risk from trade. In Australia, these are compiled into a single list - 'Australian simplified list of CITES species' - which clearly identifies the conditions or restrictions that apply to each specimen, including Australia's stricter domestic measures.
The CITES International website has a comprehensive database of every CITES species (this does not include Australia's stricter domestic measures).
Australian simplified list of CITES species
Note: If you intend to import a live CITES species, you should check the List of Specimens Suitable for Live Import to see if it is allowed to be brought into Australia and the conditions that apply.
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The list includes:
- details of the CITES Appendix in which a species is listed
- the date on which the CITES provisions first applied to the species
- the species and sub-species that are included in a particular appendix
- any conditions or restrictions that may apply to the specimen
The list takes into account the amendments agreed at the 15th Conference of the Parties to CITES .
What the CITES appendices mean
CITES Appendix I
Appendix I contains species threatened with extinction. Trade in these specimens is usually prohibited (occurs only in very exceptional circumstances) or is limited to pre–CITES specimens (specimens harvested before the date of listing on CITES).
Appendix I species includes (but is not limited to) great apes, lemurs, the giant panda, many South American monkeys, great whales, cheetah, leopards, tiger, elephants (Australian stricter domestic measure applies), rhinoceroses, many birds of prey, cranes, pheasants and parrots, all sea turtles, some crocodiles and lizards, giant salamanders, and some mussels, orchids, cycads and cacti.
If you want to trade in Pre–CITES specimens you will need a pre-CITES certificate issued by the CITES management authority in the country of export.
CITES Appendix II
Appendix II contains species that, although not threatened with extinction now, might become so unless trade in them is strictly regulated.
Australia has chosen to list some Appendix II species as Appendix I via stricter domestic measures.
If you want to trade in Appendix II species to/from Australia you will generally need both a CITES export and import permit issued by CITES management authorities.
Some Appendix II specimens carried as personal effects will not require permit.
Appendix II also includes some non–threatened species, to prevent threatened species from being traded under the guise of non–threatened species that are similar in appearance. These are referred to as ‘look–alike species’.
CITES Appendix III
Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country that has asked other CITES parties for help in controlling trade.
If you are importing or exporting an Appendix III specimen to/from Australia from the listing country, it is treated like an Appendix II specimen, and you will generally need both an export and an import permit. If the Appendix III specimen comes from any other country (i.e. not the listing country), a CITES certificate of origin must be obtained. These documents must be obtained from the CITES management authority in the country of export and import .
See also
About CITES
- Internationally endangered plants and animals
- CITES list
- Declared specimens
- How CITES works
- Identification of CITES species
- Permit exemptions
- Pre-CITES certificates
- Specimens always requiring a permit
- Stricter domestic measures
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