CITES Classification of Endangered Species

CITES classifies endangered species under three categories.

Appendix I

The species listed in Appendix I face high risk of extinction if their trade is not severely restricted. Thus, trade of these species for commercial purposes is generally prohibited.

Exceptions are captive-bred species from CITES-registered captive breeding farms, which can only be traded after traders have obtained the relevant CITES permits.

These permits are issued under special circumstances to organisations such as zoological gardens, bird parks, research institutions, and museums.

Examples of Appendix I species:

Apes Certain species of monkeys Elephants Rhinoceroses Tigers Marine turtles Most species of bears Pangolins Certain species of parrots Lady’s slipper orchid

Appendix II

The species listed in Appendix II may be threatened to extinction if trade of these species is not regulated. Commercial trade in these species is allowed only after traders have obtained the relevant CITES permits.

Examples of Appendix II species:

Certain species of monkeys Crocodiles Pythons Monitor lizards Parrots Tortoises Certain species of freshwater turtles Sturgeons Bird-wing butterflies Seahorses Hard corals Giant clams Certain species of sharks American ginseng Certain species of orchid Ramin Agarwood Rosewood

Appendix III

Species listed in Appendix III are endangered in some countries. To import these species, you need a Certificate of Origin from the exporting/re-exporting country. If the species originates from a country that lists it on CITES Appendix III, you will need a CITES permit from the country of export and a CITES import permit from NParks to import it into Singapore.

Examples of Appendix III species:

Wild water buffalo Walruses Mongooses Certain species of deer Pheasants Foxes Certain species of turtles

For a complete list of CITES-listed animal and plant species, refer to theCITES Appendices. 

Visit the CITES gallery for pictures of CITES-listed species.

For more information on the process for the import, export, re-export, and transshipment of all wildlife and plants, including CITES species, refer to the resources below:

 

• Step-by-Step Guide for NParks CITES permit application
• Factsheet for import of pet bird into Singapore
• Factsheet for export/re-export of pet bird from Singapore
• Factsheet for import of Dragon Fish (Asian Arowana) into Singapore
• Factsheet for export/re-export of Dragon Fish (Asian Arowana) from Singapore
• Factsheet for import of taxidermized products into Singapore
• Factsheet for import, export, and re-export of freshwater stingrays through Singapore
• Factsheet for import and re-export of sturgeon caviar (non-food) through Singapore
• Factsheet for import and re-export of sturgeon caviar (food) through Singapore
• Factsheet for import and re-export of CITES reptilian finished leather products through Singapore
• Factsheet for import and re-export of rosewood and bubinga musical instruments
• Factsheet for import and re-export of CITES appendix III specimens
• Product Codes for CITES (Animal)
• Product Codes for CITES (Plant)