The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a set of tools that will help customs authorities regulate the import and export of CITES-listed species.
17 July 2014: The Secretariats of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a set of tools that will help customs authorities regulate the import and export of CITES-listed species.
One tool, called ACITES, will be fully integrated into UNCTAD’s Automated SYstem for CUstoms DAta (ASYCUDA), a computerized Customs management system currently used by over 90 countries. The ACITES ASYCUDA module will be able to link with computerized customs systems and will be based on the CITES Appendices. The harmonization of CITES electronic permit standards (e-permitting) with ASYCUDA will also help CITES parties to trace traded species throughout the business chain.
Regarding the partnership, UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi highlighted that one of the benefits is to ensure the conservation of CITES-listed species and enhance livelihoods. CITES Secretary-General, John Scanlon, said the use of these tools will contribute to the sustainable use of species legally in trade, and to the prevention of illegal trade. [CITES News] [Information on the ASYCUDA automated information system]