CITES: EU strengthens position to protect endangered species
On 30 June, the EU published its Decision (EU) 2025/1314, setting out its roadmap for proposing amendments to the CITES Annexes at CoP20. Objective: To strengthen the regulation of trade in the most vulnerable species.
Towards the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) CITESConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to be held from 24 November to 5 December 2025 in Uzbekistan, the European Union has formalized its Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025 publishing it in the OJEU of 30 June 2025.
This decision proposes:
- several amendments to CITES Annexes I and II to be submitted by the EU at CoP20, in particularSchedule II listing of several species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and trees.
- Two proposals for amendments to Annexes I and II of CITES to be submitted jointly by the EU concerning the inclusion in Annex II or the transfer of different species of sharks.
- Iinclusion in Annex III of several species of reptiles (Gallotias).
These amendments concern in particular species whose trade may contribute to their decline, whether live wild animals or derived products such as skins, leathers or cosmetics.
You can find the detailed measurements and the specific common names of the species concerned in the text of theDecision (EU) 2025/1314.
The three CITES annexes correspond to the lists of species with different levels of protection against overexploitation: strict prohibition (Annex I), controlled regulation (Annex II) and cooperation between States for certain species (Annex III). In fact, the species listed inAnnex I are the most threatened of all animal and plant species covered by CITES, which prohibits international trade except when imported for scientific research purposes (not for commercial purposes). LAnnex II is the list of species that are not currently threatened with extinction but could become endangered if their trade was not closely controlled. Finally,Annex III is a list of species that are listed at the request of a Party that already regulates its trade and needs the cooperation of other Parties to prevent illegal or unsustainable exploitation.
Also known as « Washington Convention » on March 3, 1973, CITES entered into force onand July 1973 after ratification by a sufficient number of countries. It has now celebrated its fiftieth anniversary and includes more than 40900 animal and plant species.
The importation into the European Union of specimens subject to CITES is strictly regulated. According to the Schedule of the species, importers must submit valid CITES permits or notifications to the customs office of entry.
This EU Decision reaffirms the need for strict control in order to avoid illegal or unsustainable trade in vulnerable species.