Overview
The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement. It aims to ensure international trade of wild animals does not threaten their survival.
Every 3 years member countries meet at the Conference of Parties (CoP). The CoP review and decide on the regulation of trade involving endangered species. The 20th CoP (CoP20) took place from 24 November to 5 December 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
CoP20 reviewed 50 species listing proposals regarding CITES Appendices I and II, of which, 39 proposals were adopted.
See below for the adopted amendments relevant to Australia.
Two endemic Australian geckoes were added to Appendix II:
the Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko
the ringed thin-tail gecko.
These proposals were developed by Australia with input from the Queensland Government and technical threatened species experts.
Three marine species listings were added to Appendix II:
school sharks and smoothhound sharks (Galeorhinus galeus and Mustelus spp.)
gulper sharks (Centrophoridae spp.)
golden sandfish (Holothuria lessoni).
Two marine species’ Appendix II listings were amended through an annotation providing a zero annual export quota:
wedgefishes (Rhinobatidae spp.)
guitarfish (Glaucostegus spp.).
These marine species have ranges that extend into Australian waters and are relevant to Australian export fisheries in state, territory and Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Listings were updated for 2 species in which Australia is known to trade:
The cycad spurge, pinecone Euphorbia (Euphorbia bupleurifolia). It was transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I.
The Indian bdellium (Commiphora wightii) was listed in Appendix II.
Listings were updated for several marine species in which Australia is a range state:
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) was transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I.
Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) was transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I.
Mobulid rays (manta and devil rays) was transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I.
Amendments to CITES appendices will enter into force on 5 March 2026. This includes new listings. This applies to all CITES Parties, unless a delayed implementation date was agreed.
Delayed implementation dates by 18 months were agreed for:
water frogs (Pelophylax epeiroticus, Pelophylax lessonae, Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax shqipericus) in Appendix II
school sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) and smooth hound sharks (Mustelus spp.) in Appendix II
gulper sharks (Centrophoridae spp.) in Appendix II
golden sandfish (Holothuria lessonii) in Appendix II.
These listings will come into effect on 5 June 2027.
Before CoP20, we consulted on the proposed amendments with:
state and territory governments
the Indigenous Advisory Committee
the Office of the Threatened Species Commissioner
relevant industry bodies
non-government organisations
members of the public.
Submissions and comments were received and considered.
Contact the Sustainable Fisheries and CITES Policy Section for more information on the changes and how they may impact you.
Consultation documents
Read the CITES CoP20 papers
Converlens