Protection of wild fauna and flora: control of trade of species

This proposal is intended to replace Regulation 3626/82/EEC on the implementation in the EC of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) because the existing Regulation is perceived as having a number of limitations. A major disadvantage of the existing Regulation is that it is limited to species listed in the CITES Appendices. This has meant that there has been a serious impact on the EC's ability to take measures with regard to the numerous animal and plant species which - although not covered by CITES - require that threats posed to their conservation status by trade are prevented or brought under effective control. The proposal, therefore, provides for the possibility to list any species of wild fauna and flora in its Annexes in accordance with its conservation status and a matching level of protection. The proposal also allows for amendments to the Annexes to be made through a Commission Regulation in accordance with a committee procedure and thereby guarantees that appropriate conservation action can be taken quickly. It also contains provisions with regard to restrictions and the control of the possession of and trade in specimens of species of wild fauna and flora within the EC. This is considered necessary to safeguard an adequate protection of the species concerned as well as a proper functioning of the internal market. Furthermore, it contains provisions for prohibiting, restricting or monitoring the impact from and the export and re-export to third countries. The measures concerned provide the uniform principles for the common commercial policy in the domain covered by the Regulation.