Imagine a shipment of rare orchids from the Amazon rainforest being halted at customs—not due to smuggling, but because of an updated trade directory. In a move to enhance the protection of endangered species worldwide and regulate related trade activities, China's Management Authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the General Administration of Customs have jointly issued an updated Directory of Import and Export Wildlife Species (Announcement No. 2, 2022).
The revision aims to strengthen oversight of wildlife imports and exports, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations under CITES. The new directory provides a comprehensive list of protected species and their derived products, offering clear guidelines for customs inspections. Businesses and individuals engaged in wildlife trade must review the updated list to confirm whether their activities involve regulated species and adhere strictly to legal requirements.
The updated directory has broad implications for industries ranging from traditional medicine and ornamental plants to the pet trade. Companies are urged to adjust their operational strategies and enhance employee training to ensure full compliance. Customs authorities will intensify crackdowns on violations to safeguard ecological security and uphold China's international commitments.
The public is also encouraged to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and reject illegal trade practices, contributing to global biodiversity protection efforts.