Decreto_Ley_21080_Aprueba_Convenci.pdf (591.58 KB)
On December 30, 1974, the Peruvian government signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Switzerland which, in brief, regulates the trade of wild plants and animals to ensure their survival in their natural habitats. The most pertinent articles are briefly summarized below.
The following preamble is given before the enumerated articles:
“The Contracting States,
Recognizing that wildlife, in its many beautiful and varied forms, is an irreplaceable element of
the earth's natural systems and must be protected for this and future generations;
Aware of the growing value of wildlife from the aesthetic, scientific, cultural, recreational and
economic points of view;
Recognizing that peoples and States are and should be the best protectors of their wildlife;
Recognizing further that international cooperation is essential for the protection of certain
species of wild fauna and flora from over-exploitation through international trade;
Convinced of the urgency of adopting appropriate measures to this end;
They have agreed as follows:”
Articles III, IV, and V regard the importation, exportation, and re-exportation of certain classes of flora and fauna. The articles outline the necessity for those engaging in the transit of flora and fauna to have the appropriate permits and permissions so as to not harm the specimen nor violate the convention's purpose.
Article VII describes various exceptions to the permit requirements in Articles III, IV, and V; including but not limited to personal or household assets, specimens bred in captivity, and specimens artificially propagated.
Article XII gives the duties of the Secretary. Part of their assigned duties include conducting scientific and technical studies that, when referenced, improve the implementation of the convention’s purpose; including the standards of preparation and shipment of live specimens.