Sustainable Fur

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

Nobody values nature and biodiversity more than those in the fur sector. Nature is precious and deserves protection and this is the most apparent to those that work in nature every day and rely on it for their very survival. That is why IFF has long been a supporter of CITES, the international agreement controlling trade in wild endangered species. CITES has been signed by 182 different parties, making it a truly global agreement.

Too many times in human history, endangered species of plants and animals have been driven to endangerment and even extinction. Often this is down to fluctuations in environmental variables (changes in climate etc.) but historically trade in wildlife or wildlife-derived products can play a role in this.

CITES can be broken down into three lists, known as The Appendices:

• Appendices I:
  Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
• Appendix II:
  Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival. When fur that comes from an Appendix II-listed species is imported/exported, it needs to be accompanied by documentation verifying it’s legitimacy and legality.
• Appendix III:
  Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade. Changes to Appendix III follow a distinct procedure from changes to Appendices I and II, as each Party’s is entitled to make unilateral amendments to it.