Overview
The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement aimed at ensuring international trade of wild animals does not threaten their survival. Every 3 years member countries meet at the Conference of Parties (CoP) to review and decide on the regulation of trade involving endangered species.
You are invited to provide feedback on the species listing proposals and agenda items for the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20). Your input will help inform the Australian Government’s position at CoP20. This meeting will take place from 24 November to 5 December 2025.
If you are involved in trade of any species proposed for listing or affected by proposed changes, we encourage you to provide information. This should include details of your activities over the past 5 years, including:
volume of specimens internationally exported and/or imported annually
estimated average harvest levels for species harvested within Australia
estimated number of shipments exported and/or imported annually
estimated value of imports and/or exports by your business or industry.
Amendments to the CITES appendices, including new listings, will enter into force for all parties to CITES 90 days after the meeting ends. This timeline applies to all CITES Parties, unless a delayed implementation date is agreed.
CoP20 proposals relevant to Australian businesses include:
marine species (often traded as meat or fish oil): school sharks, gulper sharks, sea cucumbers, freshwater eels, South African abalone
terrestrial species: including elephants, rhinos and reptiles
plant species traded as ornamental plants/botanical specimens: Beaucarnea glassiana, Beaucarnea hookeri, Euphorbia bupleurifolia, Aloe bergeriana, Aloe jeppeae, Aloe subspicata, Aloe welwitschia and Avonia quinarian
plant species used in musical instruments including Brazilwood
plant species used in pharmaceutical products: American ginseng, Indian bdellium.
