News
At first glance, a butterfly may not seem like an obvious symbol of international trade. Yet the monarch butterfly perfectly captures what this story is about: the protection of vulnerable animal and plant species worldwide.
International trade in fauna and flora affects biodiversity far more than we often realize. That is why CITES exists: a global convention that ensures trade does not endanger species.
The CITES Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) was established in 1973 and entered into force in 1975. It is the first international agreement specifically aimed at protecting biodiversity by regulating trade in endangered species.
Today, 185 parties are members of CITES, including 184 countries and the European Union.
The objective of the convention is straightforward: to ensure that international trade remains legal, traceable, and sustainable, so that commercial activities do not further threaten species.
Within the EU, CITES is fully incorporated into legislation through Regulation (EC) No 338/97, which remains in force. The annexes (species lists) are regularly updated to reflect new scientific insights and international decisions.
In addition to the basic regulation, the EU publishes supplementary legislation and updates that amend species lists, including recent changes in 2025 and 2026.
For companies involved in international trade, it is crucial to know whether their products or raw materials fall under these rules.
In Belgium, the Environmental Inspection and CITES Service of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health is responsible for monitoring the import, transit, and export of protected species, as well as derived products such as leather goods, ivory, or botanical extracts.
Each year, the FPS carries out extensive inspections. Reports from 2025–2026 showed that inspectors examined hundreds of cases and identified numerous violations, including illegal online trade.
Anyone trading in materials of protected origin in Belgium must therefore always be able to demonstrate that the origin is legal and properly documented.
For companies shipping goods internationally, it is essential to check in advance whether CITES regulations apply. This can be done, among others, via:
Key guidelines for shipments
This helps prevent delays, seizures, and potential sanctions.
CITES compliance is not only a legal obligation, but also a way to:
Companies that handle protected species transparently and correctly demonstrate responsibility—something that customers, partners, and regulators increasingly value.
More information
