Council Decision (EU) 2025/2437 of 20 November 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025)

Official Journal EN of the European Union L series 2025/2437 10.12.2025 COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2025/2437 of 20 November 2025 on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 192(1), in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, Whereas: (1) The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)(1) to which the Union acceded by Council Decision (EU) 2015/451(2) entered into force on 1 July 1975. (2) Pursuant to Article XI(3) of CITES, the Conference of the Parties may, inter alia, adopt decisions to amend the Appendices to CITES. (3) The Conference of the Parties, during its 20th meeting from 24 November to 5 December 2025 (CITES CoP20), is to adopt decisions on 51 proposals to amend the Appendices to CITES, as well as on numerous other matters related to the implementation and interpretation of CITES. (4) It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at CITES CoP20, as the amendments to the Appendices to CITES will be binding on the Union and several other decisions, such as modifications to resolutions to be incorporated into Union law, will be capable of decisively influencing the content of Union law, in particular Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006(3) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012(4). (5) The Union’s proposed position to be taken on the different proposals before the CITES CoP20 is based on the expert analysis of their merits, taking into account the provisions of CITES, in the light of the best available scientific evidence, as well as their consistency with relevant Union rules and policies, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The position to be taken on the Union’s behalf at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) is set out in the Annexes to this Decision. (1) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (OJ L 75, 19.3.2015, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa. eu/eli/convention/2015/451/oj). (2) Council Decision (EU) 2015/451 of 6 March 2015 concerning the accession of the European Union to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (OJ L 75, 19.3.2015, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/ dec/2015/451/oj). (3) Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 of 4 May 2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein (OJ L 166, 19.6.2006, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2006/865/oj). (4) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 of 23 August 2012 laying down rules for the design of permits, certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (OJ L 242, 7.9.2012, p. 13, ELI: http:// data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2012/792/oj). ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 1/48EN OJ L, 10.12.2025 Article 2 Where the position referred to in Article 1 is likely to be affected by new scientific or technical information presented after the adoption of this Decision and before or during CITES CoP20, or where revised or new proposals are made at that meeting on which there is no Union position yet, the Union position shall be developed by means of on-the-spot coordination before the CITES CoP20 is called to decide on those proposals. In such cases, the Union position shall be consistent with the principles laid down in the Annexes to this Decision. Article 3 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. Done at Brussels, 20 November 2025. For the Council The President K. KALLAS 2/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/ojEN OJ L, 10.12.2025 ANNEX 1 Union Position on key issues to be discussed at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025) A. General considerations 1. The Union considers the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) a key international convention for biodiversity conservation and against wildlife trafficking. 2. The Union should adopt an ambitious position for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CITES CoP20), in line with relevant Union policies and international commitments, in particular the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the CITES Strategic Vision and UN General Assembly Resolution 79/313 on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife. The Union’s position should also serve to attain the objectives set out at Union level through the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the revised EU action plan against wildlife trafficking(1), the Union approach to promote trade and sustainable development, and the European Green Deal. 3. The priorities for the Union at CITES CoP20 should be: — to regulate international trade in endangered animal and plant species that are subject to unsustainable levels of trade, pursuing a science-based approach, and — to strengthen the response by the international community to wildlife trafficking. 4. At CITES CoP20, the Union should ensure that the status and rights of the Union as a Party to CITES remain fully respected in line with its provisions. 5. The Union’s position should take account of the contribution that CITES mechanisms can make towards improving species’ conservation status and acknowledge the work done by those countries that have implemented effective conservation measures. 6. The number of listings and the complexity of CITES procedures to implement them have increased substantially. The Union should ensure that the decisions taken at CITES CoP20 focus on the core issues of CITES. The Union should ensure that the decisions taken maximise the efficiency of CITES, by minimising any unnecessary administrative burden and by achieving practical, cost-effective and workable solutions to issues concerning implementation, enforcement and monitoring. 7. Many decisions adopted at CITES CoP20 will be implemented by the CITES Standing Committee, which is the main CoP subsidiary body. The Union’s position for CITES CoP20 should therefore also guide the Union’s approach at the 79th and 80th meetings of the Standing Committee, which take place directly before and after CITES CoP20. B. Specific issues 8. Fifty-one proposals to amend the CITES Appendices have been tabled for consideration at CITES CoP20. Eight of those proposals have been submitted by the Union as the main proponent or as co-proponent, and their adoption should naturally also be supported by the Union. (1) Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Revision of the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking (COM(2022) 581). ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 3/48EN OJ L, 10.12.2025 9. The Union’s position on all proposals for amendments to the CITES Appendices should be based on the conservation status of the species concerned and on the impact that trade has or may have on the status of that species. To this end, the most relevant and robust scientific evidence should be taken into consideration in line with Resolution Conf. 9.24 on the criteria for amendment of Appendices I and II to CITES. 10. The views of the range states of the species concerned by the proposals should receive particular attention. Amongst others, they are the primary vehicle to convey the contributions of those living in close connection with wildlife, whose knowledge, stewardship and actions in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are important for the effective implementation of CITES and the achievement of its objectives. 11. The Union considers that, as a general rule, support should be given to proposals to amend CITES Appendices that are brought forward by the CITES Animals and Plants Committees and the Standing Committee. The assessment of the proposals by the CITES Secretariat and IUCN/TRAFFIC(2)and, for commercially exploited marine species, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) eighth dedicated Expert Advisory Panel should also be taken into account. 12. In Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314(3), the Union advocates the inclusion of: — Pelophylax epeiroticus, Pelophylax shqipericus, Pelophylax ridibundus and Pelophylax lessonae (water frogs) in Appendix II to CITES (Appendix II) (with 18 months delay in entry into force); — Anguilla spp. (freshwater eels) in Appendix II (with 18 months delay in entry into force); — Centrophoridae (gulper sharks) in Appendix II; — Holothuria lessoni (golden sandfish) in Appendix II; — Actinopyga echinites, Actinopyga lecanora, Actinopyga mauritiana, Actinopyga miliaris, Actinopyga palauensis and Actinopyga varians (sea cucumbers) in Appendix II; and — Commiphora wightii (Indian bdellium) in Appendix II. The Union has also decided to co-sponsor and will advocate for the proposal by Panama to transfer the entry for Carcharhinus longimanus (oceanic whitetip shark) from Appendix II to Appendix I to CITES, and the proposal by Brazil to list Galeorhinus galeus (tope shark) and Mustelus spp. (smoothhounds) in Appendix II. 13. Concerning Anguilla spp. (freshwater eels), the position of the Union should be to support the adoption of the strongest possible measures aimed at safeguarding Anguilla anguilla (European eel) and other species of the genus Anguilla from further decline due to unsustainable trade as well as illegal trade, taking into account complementarities and synergies between the different measures and decisions under consideration by the Conference of the Parties. 14. The Union’s position on proposals related to wildlife trafficking should reflect the Union’s comprehensive approach to preventing wildlife trafficking by addressing its root causes, strengthening legal and policy frameworks to address wildlife trafficking, enforcing existing rules effectively, and fostering global partnerships to address wildlife trafficking, as outlined in the revised EU action plan against wildlife trafficking. 15. The Union should also encourage initiatives that help to increase the capacities of relevant authorities and share information and best practices, in order to better implement CITES and improve cooperation between source, transit and destination countries. (2) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and TRAFFIC specialise in wildlife trade issues and provide a thorough assessment of proposals to amend CITES Appendices before each CoP. (3) Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025 on the submission, on behalf of the European Union, of proposals for amendments to the appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to that Convention (OJ L, 2025/1314, 30.6.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1314/oj). 4/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/ojEN OJ L, 10.12.2025 16. The Union notes that several proposals have been tabled by Parties in relation to international commercial trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn. The Union considers that the conditions for reauthorising this trade are not met and does not support proposals for CoP20 to reopen this trade. For domestic elephant ivory and rhino horn markets, the Union should continue to support proportionate and effective measures based on the best available evidence, within the scope of CITES. 17. The Union notes that the expansion of CITES to amend the Appendices and include additional species or amend their listing status has significantly increased the volume and complexity of activities under CITES, placing growing demands on the CITES Secretariat, committees and Parties. At the same time, funding has not kept pace with this increased workload. These developments should be duly taken into account by the Union when determining its priorities for CITES CoP20 and in discussions on the future budget of the CITES Secretariat. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 5/48EN OJ L, 10.12.2025 ANNEX 2 Union position on certain proposals submitted to the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 5 December 2025) ‘+’ indicates support ‘—’ indicates no support ‘0’ indicates an open position due to a lack of sufficient information to establish a position ‘(+)’ indicates support conditional on the availability of additional information and/or amendments to the proposal ‘(-)’ indicates no support, to be reconsidered if further supporting evidence is provided and/or the proposal is significantly amended 6/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj1. WORKING DOCUMENTS No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position Opening ceremony No document Welcoming addresses No document Administrative and financial matters 1. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair of the meeting and of No document Chairs of Committees I and II 2. Adoption of the agenda Sec. CoP20 Doc. 2 3. Adoption of the working programme 4. Rules of Procedure of the Conference of the Parties Support amendments to Rule 25.6 and the draft decision to continue + to discuss the stepwise approach. 5. Credentials Committee 5.1 Establishment of the Credentials Committee No document 5.2 Report of the Credentials Committee No document 6. Admission of observers 7. Administration, finance and budget of the Secretariat and of meetings of the Conference of the Parties 7.1 Administration of the Secretariat Sec. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 7/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 7.2 Report of the Executive Director of UNEP on UNEP administrative and other matters 7.3 Financial reports for 2023-2025 7.4 Budget and work programme for 2026 to 2028 7.5 Arrangements for meetings of the Conference of Parties 8. Terms of reference of the Finance and Budget SC Subcommittee CoP20 Doc.8 9. Emerging operational issues of the Committees SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 18.2 and the deletion of (+) Decisions 19.1 to 19.3. Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. CoP20 Doc. 9 18.2 and the deletion of Decisions 19.1 to 19.3. Any further changes to the proposal that would entail a significant impact on the resources of the Secretariat should not be supported. 10. Access to funding 11. Sponsored delegates project Sec. in consultation with Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.3 (Rev. CoP19) and + SC the deletion of Decisions 18.12 and 19.10. CoP20 Doc. 11 Strategic matters 12. Committee reports and recommendations 12.1 Standing Committee 8/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 12.1.1 Report of the Chair SC No decision required CoP20 Doc. 12.1.1 12.1.2 Election of new regional and alternate No document regional members 12.2 Animals Committee 12.2.1 Report of the Chair AC Note the report and support the recommendations. + CoP20 Doc. 12.2.1 12.2.2 Election of new regional and alternate No document regional members 12.3 Plants Committee 12.3.1 Report of the Chair PC No decision required CoP20 Doc. 12.3.1 12.3.2 Election of new regional and alternate No document regional members 13. CITES Strategic Vision SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 16.4 and 18.3 and (+) deletion of Decisions 19.11-19.13. CoP20 Doc. 13 Request to prolong Decision 19.14 to identify a more meaningful additional indicator. Add consistent references to the BBNJ agreement. 14. Enhancing the work and efficiency of the Convention SC, AC, PC Support the establishment of an inter-sessional working group to + through the permanent committees prioritise work of the committees. CoP20 Doc. 14 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 9/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 15. Role of CITES in reducing risk of future zoonotic disease emergence associated with international wildlife trade 15.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the draft decisions while suggesting some modifications to (+) Decision 20.BB to alleviate the work of the AC. CoP 20 Doc. 15.1 15.2 One Health and CITES: Reducing risks to human Senegal Do not support the draft resolution, which goes beyond the CITES — and animal health associated with trade in mandate. CITES-listed species CoP 20 Doc. 15.2 16. Cooperation 16.1 Cooperation with Multilateral Environmental SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 16.4 and draft (+) Agreements and other international organisations decisions. However, suggest a new recital referring to the BBNJ agreement. CoP20 Doc.16.1 16.2 Cooperation with the Global Strategy for Plant SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 16.5 and the deletion of + Conservation Decisions 19.22 and 19.23. CoP20 Doc. 16.2 16.3 Joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative AC in consultation with Support the amendments to the revised decisions and the adoption of + SC draft decisions. CoP20 Doc. 16.3 16.4 International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Sec. Support the adoption of draft Decision 20.AA and the deletion of + Crime Decisions 19.26 and 19.27. CoP20 Doc. 16.4 16.5 Cooperation with the Intergovernmental SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.28 and + Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and 19.29. Ecosystem Services CoP20 Doc. 16.5 10/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 17. World Wildlife Trade Report SC Support the draft decisions while suggesting some minor changes for (+) clarity. Additionally, suggest a new decision calling on Parties to CoP20 Doc. 17 provide feedback on the outline of the Overview Report. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.30 and 19.31. 18. CITES and forests Sec. in consultation with Support draft decisions if amended to make future measures (+) SC conditional upon the review of the report by the Plants Committee. CoP20 Doc. 18 19. Language strategy for the Convention SC Support the proposed way forward and amendments to Decisions + 19.38 and 19.39. CoP20 Doc.19 Capacity-building 20. Capacity-building framework SC Support the amendments to the decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 20 21. Compliance Assistance Programme SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.44 to + 19.46. CoP20 Doc. 21 22. Country-wide Review of Significant Trade SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.47 and + 19.48. CoP20 Doc. 22 23. CITES Tree species programme Sec. Support the decision and the deletion of Decisions 19.49 and 19.50. + CoP20 Doc. 23 CITES and people 24. United Nations World Wildlife Day Sec. No decision required CoP20 Doc. 24 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 11/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 25. CITES gender action plan SC The recognition of gender related roles in wildlife conservation is (+) important for the EU. Support to addressing gender related issues CoP20 Doc. 25 effectively. Open to exploring other alternatives to strengthen the implementation of Resolution Conf. 19.3 on Gender and international trade in wild fauna and flora. 26. CITES Global Youth Network China, Costa Rica, Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.5. + Ghana, Kuwait, CoP20 Doc. 26 Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe 27. Engagement of indigenous peoples and local SC Welcome the non-binding guidance as a good basis for further 0 communities discussion, emphasising that such engagement is best addressed at national level. Support recommendations b)–d). CoP20 Doc. 27 On recommendation a) no position. 28. Draft resolution on the creation of an advisory Zimbabwe Do not support establishment of the proposed subcommittee. — Subcommittee of the Standing Committee of People Living alongside Fauna and Flora species included in the CITES Appendices (PLFF), a related Voluntary Fund, and their procedures CoP20 Doc. 28 29. Livelihoods 29.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the deletions in Resolution Conf. 16.6; do not support the (-) reference to the six strategies; conditionally support selected elements CoP20 Doc. 29.1 of certain draft decisions with amendments to align with CITES mandate; support deletion of the relevant implemented decisions. 12/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 29.2 Document by Zambia Zambia Do not support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 16.6 and — dissemination of the guidance. CoP20 Doc. 29.2 30. Integrating human rights, livelihoods, and food Zimbabwe Do not support the draft resolution, which goes beyond CITES — security into the implementation of CITES mandate. CoP20 Doc. 30 31. Demand reduction to combat illegal trade SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decision 19.55 to + 19.57. CoP20 Doc. 31 Existing Resolutions and Decisions 32. Review of Resolutions Sec. Support the amendments to the Resolutions and the draft decision. + CoP20 Doc. 32 33. Review of Decisions Sec. Support the amendments to the Resolution, the deletion of the (+) implemented decisions and the maintaining of Decision 19.71 to CoP20 Doc. 33 19.73 on Malagasy palisanders, ebonies and rosewoods and 17.256 on African grey parrots. Compliance 34. National laws for implementation of the Convention Sec. Support recommendation a) to adopt the draft decisions contained in (+) Annex 1, and c) to delete Decisions 19.58 to 19.62. Do not support CoP20 Doc. 34 recommendation 38 b) on publishing Guidance and suggest a review of the Guidance by the Standing Committee. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 13/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 35. Compliance matters 35.1 Implementation of Article XIII and Resolution Sec. Generally support the recommendations as the first assessment is (+) Conf. 14.3 (Rev. CoP19) on CITES compliance positive but further analyses is needed. procedures CoP20 Doc. 35.1 35.2 Review of the National Ivory Action Plans Process SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.10 and the draft + decision. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.68 to 19.70. CoP20 Doc. 35.2 35.3 Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) Sec. Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented (+) decisions. Suggest adding a recommendation to conduct annual visual CoP20 Doc. 35.3 vaquita survey. 36. Review of the provisions of Resolution Conf. 17.7 SC Support the proposed decision and amendments to Resolution Conf. + (Rev. CoP19) on Review of trade in animal specimens 17.7. Support the deletion of Decisions 19.63 to 19.65. reported as produced in captivity CoP20 Doc. 36 37. Possession of specimens of species included in SC. Do not support recommendations a) and b) as they conflict with (-) Appendix I Article VIII of the Convention. CoP20 Doc. 37 Support amendments to Resolution Conf. 8.4 and the deletion of the implemented decisions. Illegal trade and enforcement 38. Review of Resolution Conf. 11.3 (Rev. CoP19) on SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.13 and the deletion + Compliance and enforcement of the implemented decision. CoP 20 Doc. 38 14/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 39. Enforcement matters Sec. Generally support the recommendations. (+) CoP20 Doc. 39 40. Wildlife crime enforcement support in West and SC Support the draft decisions as amended by the Secretariat and the + Central Africa deletion of the implemented decisions. CoP20 Doc. 40 41. CITES Big Cats Task Force SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of Decisions 19.92 and + 19.93. CoP20 Doc. 41 42. Implementation of the priority recommendations SC Generally support the renewal of Decisions 19.94 to 19.96 and (+) from the review of the ETIS Programme adoption of the original draft decision (not as amended by the Secretariat). However, some modification might be necessary to ensure CoP20 Doc. 42 a coherent approach to all ETIS-related documents while also considering the comments from the Secretariat. 43. ETIS categorisation of Parties SC Generally support the adoption of the criteria to be used in Step 1 (+) paragraph a) of the Guidelines to the NIAP Process. However, some CoP20 Doc. 43 further refinement to the criteria and clarifications might be necessary, especially to ensure the binding nature of the criteria. Moreover, make sure that contextual information should also be used as part of the categorisation process as it is currently not included in the recommendations. The exclusion criteria in paragraph 13 a) is outdated and should be updated to: ‘Exclusion criteria guided by the latest updated ETIS data reviewed by the MIKE-ETIS TAG, should be applied to ETIS analyses.’ 44. Ivory seizures and domestic ivory markets SC Support the deletion of the Decisions 19.99 to 19.101. + CoP20 Doc. 44 45. Illegal trade in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented + decisions. CoP20 Doc. 45 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 15/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 46. Marine turtles (Cheloniidae spp. and Dermochelyidae spp.) SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 19.5. + CoP20 Doc. 46 Support the deletion of the implemented decision. 47. Tortoises and freshwater turtles (Testudines spp.) 47.1 Report of the Standing Committee and of the Generally support the adoption of the amendment to Resolution Conf. (+) Secretariat 11.9 (Rev. CoP18) and support the deletion of Decisions 19.123 to 19.127. CoP20 Doc. 47.1 Generally support the revised and consolidated version of draft decisions as prepared by the Secretariat in document 47.2 under Comments of the Secretariat. 47.2 Trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles from EU Support the revised and consolidated version of draft decisions as + Madagascar prepared by the Secretariat under Comments of the Secretariat. CoP20 Doc. 47.2 Regulation of trade 48. Proposal to amend Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP19) Do not support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.3. The — amendments would create additional burdensome procedures and CoP20 Doc. 48 affect the rights of Parties to establish stricter domestic measures. 49. Legal acquisition findings Sec. at the request of SC Do not support recommendation 24 c) as the guidelines cannot be (-) supported in their current form. In particular, the term ‘founder stock’, CoP20 Doc. 49 if deemed necessary by the Parties, will require a proper definition through an amendment to the relevant Resolution(s) before it is included in the guidelines. Support adoption of the draft decisions and amendments to Annexes 1 and 3 to Resolution Conf. 18.7 as proposed under recommendation 24 a) and b). Support the deletion of the implemented decisions, as proposed under recommendation 24 d). 16/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 50. Non-detriment findings AC, PC Support adoption of the draft decisions and the deletion of the + implemented decisions. CoP20 Doc. 50 51. Non-detriment findings for specimens of Appendix-II SC Support the adoption of the draft decisions and the deletion of the (+) species taken from areas beyond national jurisdiction implemented decisions. However, note it is not possible to support draft decision 20.BB in Doc. 52. CoP20 Doc. 51 52. Introduction from the sea SC Support the adoption of the draft decisions apart from 20BB (changes (+) to Resolution Conf. 14.6). With regard to draft decision 20BB, oppose CoP20 Doc. 52 the reopening of the resolution. Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. 53. Materials for the identification of specimens of AC, PC Support the decisions and the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CITES-listed species CoP20 Doc. 53 54. Identification of timber and other wood products SC Support the revisions to the Decisions 19.146 to 19.148 and the new + draft Decision 20.AA. CoP20 Doc. 54 55. Purpose-of-transaction-codes SC Support the mandate but do not support the proposed definition of (-) code ‘P’. CoP20 Doc. 55 56. Electronic systems and information technologies and authentication and control of permits ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 17/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 56.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented (+) decisions. CoP20 Doc. 56.1 However, the decisions must be coordinated with amendments proposed in Doc. 56.2. Support proposal of CITES Secretariat to amend paragraph 3 d) in Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev CoP19) on Permits and Certificates by adding reference to the Guidelines on the use of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes on CITES permits/certificates. 56.2 A hub model for the exchange of CITES permits United Kingdom of Great Support the amendments to the decisions, including editorial changes + Britain, Northern Ireland, as proposed by CITES Secretariat. Ensure that the assessment of CoP20 Doc. 56.2 Switzerland feasibility and options using a hub model takes into account existing regional hubs or such hubs as will exist before the CITES global hub could be operational. 57. Review of Resolution Conf. 8.13 (Rev. CoP17) on Use of SC Support the draft decisions including the addition ‘subject to external + coded-microchip implants for marking live animals in trade resources’ as proposed by the Secretariat. CoP20 Doc. 57 58. Risk assessment and analysis for border control of SC Support adoption of the guidance; if not adopted, support renewal of + CITES-listed species Decisions 19.153–19.155 to allow finalisation. CoP20 Doc. 58 59. Stocks and stockpiles SC Support the amendments to the Resolutions. (+) CoP20 Doc. 59 Do not support the draft definition of ‘stockpiles’ unless the reference to ‘legally stored’ is removed and the phrase ‘…held by museums, scientific institutions…’ is added. Only support one part of the change to the definition proposed by the Secretariat. Specification of the particular obligations to government-held stockpiles is acceptable. The addition ‘and where specified in a Resolution or Decision, privately held’ [stockpiles] should not be adopted. 18/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 60. Transport of live specimens SC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions 19.158 and 0 19.159. An open position is maintained regarding draft decision 20. CoP20 Doc. 60 AA. 61. Rapid movement of wildlife diagnostic samples and SC Support the draft decisions but ensure that their implementation is (+) musical instruments conditional on the availability of resources. Support the deletion of Decision 19.160. CoP20 Doc. 61 62. Specimens produced through biotechnology SC Support the renewal of the Decisions 19.161 to 19.163. + CoP20 Doc. 62 63. Definition of the term ‘appropriate and acceptable SC in consultation with Support the renewal of the renew Decisions 19.164 to 19.166. + destinations’ the Chair of the AC CoP20 Doc. 63 64. Disposal of confiscated specimens 64.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.8 and the + maintenance of the decisions and deletion of the implemented CoP20 Doc. 64.1 decisions. 64.2 Review of Resolution Conf. 17.8 (Rev. CoP19) Kenya Do not support the proposal in its current form. The proposal with (-) regard to both terminology and transfer of animals to research CoP20 Doc. 64.2 institutions requires careful analysis and discussion, which is unlikely to be possible at CoP20. 64.3 Voluntary register of placement facilities for Nigeria and United States Do not support the proposal as it has negative consequences for — confiscated live specimens of America species conservation and enforcement. CoP20 Doc. 64.3 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 19/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 65. Labelling system for trade in caviar SC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 65 66. Trade in stony corals 66.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.10 and Resolution (+) Conf. 9.6. CoP20 Doc. 66.1 Regarding Decision 19.178 directed to SC, suggest involvement of AC. Suggest that including an additional reporting unit to capture not only the number but also the size of individual live corals should be considered at CoP20. 66.2 Trade in asexually produced stony corals Australia Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.10 (Rev. CoP15), + including new definitions for asexually produced coral born and bred CoP20 Doc. 66.2 in captivity. Exemptions and special trade provisions 67. Review of CITES provisions related to trade in specimens of animals and plants not of wild source 67.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the draft decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions + CoP20 Doc. 67.1 67.2 Considerations and recommendations for Mexico, the United Support the draft decisions. However, the scope of the work on this (+) ranching of aquatic species Kingdom of Great Britain issue should be widened beyond aquatic species. and Northern Ireland and CoP 20 Doc. 67.2 the United States of America 20/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 68. Review of Resolution Conf. 12.10 (Rev. CoP15) on SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.10 while proposing (+) Registration of operations that breed Appendix I animal species in some amendments for clarity and to better reflect the outcomes of the captivity for commercial purposes discussions at the SC and AC. Support the deletion of the implemented decision. CoP20 Doc. 68 69. Guidance on the term ‘artificially propagated PC Support the adoption of the decisions and the deletion of the + implemented decisions. CoP20 Doc.69 70. Use of phytosanitary certificates as certificates of Chair of the SC in Do not support as the information is updated, and there is no — artificial propagation consultation with the justification for further looking into the matter. Chair of the PC and Sec. CoP20 Doc. 70 Species conservation and trade 71. Assessment of Appendix-I listed species AC, PC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 71 72. Identifying information on species at risk of extinction SC Support the decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions. + affected by international trade CoP20 Doc. 72 73. Trade in endemic species Brazil and Ecuador Do not support draft decisions 20.AA, 20.BB and 20.CC as proposed (-) by proponents. If there is general support among the Parties for the CoP20 Doc. 73 study, draft decisions 20.BB and 20.CC, as redrafted by the Secretariat (renumbered to 20.AA and 20.BB respectively), could be supported, provided they are further amended. In particular, the amendments should focus on narrowing the scope of the study to the actual impact of trade on endemic species and ensuring that the study examines both the demand and supply sides, including practices in place in the countries of origin. Furthermore, duplications with other processes, notably on LAF (such as in Document 49), should be avoided. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 21/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position Fauna 74. West African vultures (Accipitridae spp.) SC Support the revised decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 74 75. Conservation of amphibians (Amphibia spp.) AC in consultation with Support the decisions, while possibly excluding Decision 20.BB (b) (+) the Chair of the SC (development of table of conversion factors) as not absolutely CoP20 Doc. 75 necessary. 76. Elephants (Elephantidae spp.) 76.1 Implementation of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. SC Generally support the majority of the recommendations in the (+) CoP19) on Trade in elephant specimens document. However, ensure that there is a call to ensure consistent funding for ETIS by not deleting recommendation 19.36 and CoP20 Doc. 76.1 including MIKE and ETIS financial and operational sustainability as foreseen in Resolution 10.10. 76.2 Implementing aspects of Resolution Conf. 10.10 Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Do not support the recommendations. Appropriate procedures to — (Rev. CoP19) on the closure of domestic ivory Niger and Senegal identify Parties affected by illegal trade in ivory are already in place. markets Moreover, the proposed revised draft decision 18.118 is unnecessary CoP20 Doc. 76.2 as the ETIS data is available online and the Parties already have access to the aggregates. Additionally, the decisions directed to the Parties seem to only take into account Parties that responded to the relevant Notification. Position to be considered in relation to working documents 44 and 76.1. 76.3 Ivory stocks and stockpiles Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.10 to ensure (-) Kenya, Niger, Nigeria and consistency with the decisions to be adopted under agenda point 76.1. Cop20 Doc. 76.3 Senegal Delete decisions 18.184-18.185 and 19.156 as the workload of the Secretariat needs to be considered and take the existing processes AITR, guidance on the Annual Illegal Trade report and ETIS into account. 22/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 76.4 Report on Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Sec. No decision required Elephants (MIKE) CoP20 Doc. 76.4 76.5 Report on the Elephant Trade Information System Support recommendations. However, make sure to include the (+) (ETIS) continuation of the ETIS network analysis. Delete 20.AA as exchange between the Annual Illegal Trade Report and ETIS is already being CoP20 Doc. 76.5 addressed. 76.6 Results of the African elephant dialogue SC Support the deletion of Decisions 19.167 and 19.168 and welcome (+) meeting the outcome of the Dialogue Meeting. CoP20 Doc. 76.6 Support the decisions that have been agreed by the majority of range States. Ensure that decisions on agenda points 44, 76.6 and 76.7 are aligned. 76.7 Sustainable financing for the African elephant Zimbabwe Support the proposal if the majority of the range States supports it. (+) conservation and management Ensure that position is aligned with the one on agenda point 76.6. CoP20 Doc. 76.7 77. Asian big cats (Felidae spp.) 77.1 Implementation of Resolution Conf. 12.5 (Rev. Sec. Support the deletion of the decisions either implemented or being + CoP19) on Conservation of and trade in tigers and incorporated in the CITES Big Cats Task Force outcome document and other Appendix-I Asian big cat species Resolution Conf. 12.5 (Rev. CoP 19). CoP20 Doc. 77.1 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 23/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 77.2 Asian big cats in captivity SC Generally support the draft decisions and the deletion of the (+) implemented decisions. Oppose the proposal of CITES Secretariat to CoP20 Doc. 77. 2 delete decision 14.69. Propose amendments to Decision 20.AA in order to not exclude smaller breeding operations upfront, and add ‘programmes’ in order to better specify conservation breeding activities in 20.AA a) and to include a reference to the ‘destruction of carcasses’ at the end of the paragraph 20.AA f). Suggest adding reference to the newly proposed decision on illegal trade in big cats (20.AA under doc. CoP20 Doc. 41) to fully implement CITES Big Cats Task Force outcome document. 78. Great apes (Hominidae spp.) 78.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC No decision required CoP20 Doc. 78.1 78.2 Conservation of and trade in live great apes Uganda Support the decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 78.2 79. Pangolins (Manis spp.) 79.1 Implementation of Resolution Conf. 17.10 (Rev. Support recommendation a) and c) but consider strengthening the (+) CoP19) on Conservation of and trade in pangolins language in draft decisions in recommendation b) and the need to develop time-bound and measurable recommendations directed to CoP20 Doc. 79.1 specific Parties e.g. in an in-session working group. 79.2 Report on Decisions 18.238, 18.239 & 19.200 to SC in consultation with Support adoption of the decisions and the deletion of the + 19.204 the Chair of the AC and implemented decisions. Sec. CoP20 Doc. 79.2 80. African lions (Panthera leo) SC in consultation with Support the revised decisions; however, propose amendments to (+) the Chair of the AC relevant decisions to address the issue of outdated population data or CoP20 Doc. 80 data gaps in that matter. 24/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 81. Jaguars (Panthera onca) Support document with minor amendments. (+) CoP20 Doc. 81 82. Guidance on non-detriment findings for trade in AC Support the revised decisions; however, further assessment is needed. (+) leopard (Panthera pardus) hunting trophies Propose additional wording to support sharing of information with importing countries. CoP20 Doc. 82 83. Songbird trade and conservation management SC in consultation with Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. Suggest new (+) (Passeriformes spp.) the Chair of the AC decisions to ensure that the outcomes of the workshop are followed up. CoP20 Doc. 83 84. Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae spp.) Support recommendations to maintain Decision 18.116. Support the + adoption of the draft decisions on Rhinoceroses. Support the deletion CoP20 Doc. 84 of Decisions 19.115 to 19.122. 85. Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.) 85.1 Report of the Secretariat Sec. Support the decisions. Suggest adding a request to range states and (+) importing Parties to provide information on number of stockpiles, CoP20 Doc. 85.1 volume of stockpiles, and provenance of saiga specimens held in stockpiles. Depending on the adoption of listing proposal 3, suggest additional Decisions to allow assessment of impacts of the trade on saiga populations and control measures in place. 85.2 Documents by Kazakhstan and the Russian Kazakhstan and the Support the document. However, seek clarification from the (+) Federation Russian Federation Secretariat whether the proposal would result in additional workload for the Secretariat. CoP20 Doc. 85.2 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 25/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position Aquatic species 86. Aquatic species listed in the CITES Appendices SC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 86 87. Eels (Anguilla spp.) SC Support the text of the resolution while seeking possibilities to further (+) strengthen it, especially regarding the enforcement measures. CoP20 Doc. 87 However, decision 20DD b) ‘explore options to facilitate discerning between European eels raised in aquaculture and wild European eels in CITES trade data.’ cannot be supported. 88. Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.) 88.1 Report of the Standing Committee SC Support the decisions and the amendments to Res. Conf. 18.7. + CoP20 Doc. 88.1 Support deletion of the implemented decisions. 88.2 Draft decisions on trade, conservation and EU, United Kingdom of Document submitted by the EU + management of deep-water elasmobranchs Great Britain and Northern Ireland CoP20 Doc. 89.2 89. Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) SC in consultation with Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented (+) the Chair of AC decisions. However, further assessment is required once the costing is CoP20 Doc.89 available. 90. Conservation of and trade in sea cucumbers (Holothuridae United States of America Support the draft decisions + and Stichopodidae) CoP20 Doc. 90 91. Queen conch (Strombus gigas) AC in consultation with Support the renewal of the decisions. + the Chair of SC CoP20 Doc. 91 92. Marine ornamental fishes AC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented + decisions. CoP20 Doc. 92 26/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position Flora 93. Agarwood-producing taxa (Aquilaria spp. and SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 16.10 and deletion of + Gyrinops spp.) the implemented decisions. CoP20 Doc. 93 94. Boswellia trees (Boswellia spp.) PC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented (+) decisions. CoP20 Doc. 94 Do not support the Secretariat’s merged amendments to draft decision 20.WW and 20.XX to direct this draft decision to a meeting of Boswellia spp. Range States only. The draft decisions as they stand without the Secretariat’s amendments are the involved and detailed consensus from discussions within the Boswellia working group and the Plants Committee plenary, which did not limit the meeting to the Range States only. 95. Rosewood tree species [Leguminosae (Fabaceae)] PC in consultation with Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented + the Chair of the SC decisions. CoP20 Doc. 95 96. Products containing specimens of Appendix-II orchids SC Propose deletion of draft Decisions 20.BB a) and b), 20.CC a) and (+) (Orchidaceae spp.) 20DD a). Support the deletion of implemented Decisions. CoP20 Doc. 96 97. Brazil wood (Paubrasilia echinata) Sec. in consultation with Support the adoption of the decisions and deletion of the (+) the Chair of the SC implemented decisions. The text might need to be adapted depending CoP20 Doc. 97 on the CoP decision on listing proposal 46. 98. African tree species PC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 98 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 27/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 99. Neotropical tree species PC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 99 100. Trade in medicinal and aromatic plant species SC Support the decisions and deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 100 Fungi 101. Resolving the implementation of the CoP12 decision United Kingdom of Great Support the adoption of the decisions. + that the Convention applies to fungi (correction of the Britain and Northern cross-references in the draft decisions) Ireland CoP20 Doc. 101 (Rev. 1) Appendices of the Convention 102. Considering the ‘look-alike’ criterion Annex 2B A of United Kingdom of Great Do not support the decisions as proposed in the document. Only if — Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) on Criteria for Britain and Northern a clear majority of parties supports the proposal, suggest instead that amendment of Appendices I and II Ireland the issue is discussed by the AC and PC, rather than initiating a process to develop a guideline. CoP10 Doc. 102 Annotations 103. Annotations SC Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.13, the + Interpretation section of the Appendices. Support the decision and the CoP20 Doc. 103 deletion of the implemented decisions. 104. Annotation #15 Sec. in consultation with Do not support recommendation a) and b). Support recommendation — the Vice-Chair of the SC c) and d). CoP20 Doc. 104 The Annotation is actively implemented, proves to be effective and the A3: Report on the impact of CITES exemptions for exemptions have low conservation impact. Dalbergia and Guibourtia 28/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position 105. Implications of the transfer of a species from one Appendix to another 105.1. Report of the Secretariat at the request of the Sec. at the request of the Support recommendation under 11. a) with an addition to the ‘DRAFT (+) Standing Committee SC GUIDANCE’ in Annex 2 under para. 15 b) i) concerning the documents that can serve as proof of export. CoP20 Doc. 105.1 Support Decision 20.AA in Annex I with some amendments. Support Deletion of Decision 18.151 (rev CoP19). 105.2. Facilitating legal trade and sustainable use United States of America Do not support amendments to Resolution 12.3 as pre-Convention (-) during periods of transition permits cannot be issued before a species is listed, and retrospective permits or certificates cannot be issued before a species is listed. CoP20 Doc. 105.2 Support amendments to Resolution 13.6, while noting that the ‘excessive acquisition’ concept is not defined and that this limitation might not be in line with national laws. 106. Information system for trade in specimens of SC Support the deletion of the relevant implemented decisions. + CITES-listed tree species CoP20 Doc. 106 107. Informal review mechanism of existing and proposed SC Support the draft decisions and the deletion of the implemented + annotations decisions. CoP20 Doc. 107 108. Orchids specimens exempted through annotation #4g) SC Support the draft decisions while insisting on clear labelling. + CoP20 Doc. 108 109. Annotation of Cape aloe (Aloe ferox) PC Support the deletion of the implemented decisions. + CoP20 Doc. 109 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 29/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo Agenda item Proponent(1) Comments Position Nomenclature matters 110. Standard nomenclature AC, PC Generally support with some modifications necessary for ‘bulb genera’ (+) and to align with other decisions taken by the CoP. CoP20 Doc. 110 111. Nomenclature of Appendix-III listings SC Support the amendments to the Resolutions and the deletion of the (+) decisions. CoP20 Doc. 111 Add explicit request for the Secretariat to inform the Parties affected by the changes. 112. Higher taxon listings in the Appendices Sec. Support the amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.11 and the deletion + of the relevant implemented decisions. CoP20 Doc. 112 113. Taxonomy and nomenclature of African elephants Sec. at the request of the Support the decisions in recommendation b) and amendments to (+) (Loxodonta spp.) SC Resolution Conf. 10.10 and the deletion of implemented decisions. CoP20 Doc. 113 Regarding recommendation a) more information is necessary; the views of the range states should be sought. Proposals to amend the Appendices 114. Proposals to amend Appendices I and II 114.1 Secretariat’s assessment of the proposals to amend Appendices I and II 114.2 Comments from Parties 114.3 Comments from statutory consultees (1) Sec. = CITES Secretariat SC = Standing Committee AC = Animals Committee PC = Plants Committee 30/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.20252. LISTING PROPOSALS No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position FAUNA – MAMMALIA 1. Damaliscus pygargus pygargus II – 0 South Africa Support the proposal to remove Damaliscus + pygargus pygargus from the CITES Appendices as (Bontebok) Delete from Appendix II the species no longer meets the criteria for Appendix II. However, note the continued national threats to the species from hybridization and habitat loss and fragmentation and encourage South Africa to continue strengthening relevant measures including the development of a metapopulation management plan. 2. Gazella dorcas 0 – II Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Support the proposal if the proposal is also (+) Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, supported by non-proponent range stages. (Dorcas Gazelle) Include in Appendix II Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 31/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 3. Saiga tatarica Amend the annotation by adding the Kazakhstan Acknowledge the conservation success and (-) wording "except for specimens from the significant growth of the KZ population and (Saiga, Saiga Antelope, Steppe saiga) population Saiga tatarica of Kazakhstan agree in principle that well-regulated trade is unlikely to be detrimental to the population. However, further safeguards are necessary to ensure that trade in horns is sustainable, well managed and will not result in laundering of specimens illegally acquired from other populations. The proposal can therefore only be supported if limited to a one-off sale of horns already stockpiled and properly marked originating in Kazakhstan, conditioned to prior verification by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, that sufficient control mechanisms are in place in Kazakhstan, with the option to cease trade in case of non-compliance or proven detrimental impacts of the trade on wild populations. The importing countries should also put in place adequate control mechanisms. Add reporting requirements through additional decisions in WD 85.1 to assess trade impacts on the wild populations, including impact on smaller populations in other range states also of Saiga borealis, and whether control mechanisms in Kazakhstan and main consumer countries are robust enough to prevent laundering and loopholes for illegal trade. 32/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 4. Giraffa camelopardalis Delete the populations of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, United The populations in the range states relevant to 0 Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of Tanzania, the proposal show a positive trend and are not (Giraffe) South Africa and Zimbabwe from Zimbabwe considered to be threatened by trade. However, Appendix II further information and analysis is needed, especially with regard to the impact of the proposal on enforcement of the listing for other populations. Furthermore, recent changes in taxonomy of the genus needs to be taken into account. 5. Okapia johnstoni 0 – I Democratic Republic of the Biological criteria are met. Further information (+) Congo on the scope of international trade should be (Okapi) Include in Appendix I sought from the proponent. 6. Hyaena hyaena 0 – I Israel, Tajikistan The proposal does not demonstrate that the — species meets Appendix I listing criteria. (Striped Hyaena, Striped hyena) Include in Appendix I 7. Arctocephalus townsendi I – II Mexico, United States of The proposal demonstrates that the species no + America longer meets Appendix I criteria. (Guadalupe Fur Seal, Lower Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II Californian Fur Seal) 8. Monachus tropicalis I – 0 Mexico, United States of The proposal demonstrates that the species no + America longer meets CITES listing criteria. The species (Caribbean Monk seal, West Indian Delete from Appendix I is extinct. Monk Seal) ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 33/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 9. Ceratotherium simum simum Amend the annotation of the population of Namibia The proposal should not be supported unless (-) Ceratotherium simum simum of Namibia listed the scope is significantly reduced, in particular (Southern Square-lipped in Appendix II For the exclusive purpose of by excluding the trade in rhino horn, and Rhinoceros, Southern White allowing international trade in: additional safeguards are added for trade in live Rhinoceros) animals. Support is contingent on the a) live animals for in-situ conservation only; reintroduction of the phrase “Live animals for b) hunting trophies; and in-situ conservation only, and only within the species natural and historical range of c) trade in rhino horn stocks owned by the Ceratotherium simum in Africa. Government and the Private Landowners originating in the State (excluding seized rhinoceros horn and rhinoceros horns of unknown origin); subject to the following: i) only stocks registered with the Government; ii) only horns with RHODIS certificates; iii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing; Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestics trade controls; and iv) not before the Secretariat has verified prospective importing countries and the registered stocks. All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I, and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly. 34/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 10. Diceros bicornis Transfer the population of Diceros bicornis Namibia Do not support the proposal as it would result — bicornis of Namibia from Appendix I to in the opening of the international trade in (Black Rhinoceros, Hook-lipped Appendix II with the following annotation: rhino horns. Rhinoceros) For the exclusive purpose of allowing trade in registered rhinoceros horn, whole or pieces subject to the following: i) only registered Government-owned stock, originating in the State (excluding seized rhinoceros horn and rhinoceros horns of unknown origin); ii) only horns with RHODIS certificates; iii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls; iv) not before the Secretariat has verified prospective importing countries and the registered stocks; and v) the proceeds of this trade are used exclusively for rhinoceros conservation and community development programmes within or adjacent to the rhinoceros range. All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 35/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 11. Choloepus didactylus 0 – II Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama Listing criteria do not seem to be met. Request 0 additional information on national protection Choloepus hoffmanni Include in Appendix II measures and the extent of international trade (Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth, with Choloepus hoffmanni and its impact on wild Hoffmann’s Two-fingered Sloth) populations. If additional information supports the inclusion of Choloepus hoffmanni in Appendix II, Choloepus didactylus should be included according to Annex 2b of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17). 12. Cercocebus chrysogaster II – I Democratic Republic of the The proposal demonstrates that the species + Congo meets Appendix I criteria. (Golden-bellied Mangabey) Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I 13. Loxodonta africana To allow Namibia to trade in registered Namibia Do not support the proposal as it would result — stocks of raw ivory (whole tusks and pieces) in the opening of the international trade in (African Elephant, African Savannah of Namibian origin, owned by the ivory. Elephant) Government of the Republic of Namibia, for commercial purposes with trading partners that have been verified by the CITES Secretariat as having sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls. This ensures that ivory imported from Namibia will not be re-exported and will be managed following all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 concerning domestic manufacturing and trade. Furthermore, to enable Namibia to achieve full Appendix II status for its elephants, as provided for in Article IV of the Convention, thereby permitting the regulated and legal trade in Namibian elephant products, including ivory. 36/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 14. Loxodonta africana Amend annotation A10 pertaining to the Botswana, Cameroon, Côte The proposal is one of the outcomes of the (+) elephant populations of Botswana, Namibia, d’Ivoire, Namibia, Zimbabwe CITES Dialogue Meeting for African elephant (African Elephant, African Savannah South Africa and Zimbabwe to harmonize range states that took place from 23 to Elephant) the conditions of trade in live African 26 September 2024 in Botswana. Support the elephants (deleted text reflected as strike proposal if supported by the majority of the through and text inserted underlined: range states in Africa. For the exclusive purpose of allowing: a) trade in hunting trophies for non-commercial purposes; b) trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations, as defined in Resolution Conf. 11.20 (Rev. CoP18), for Botswana and Zimbabwe and for in situ conservation programmes for Namibia and South Africa; c) trade in hides; d) trade in hair; e) trade in leather goods for commercial or non-commercial purposes for Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and for non-commercial purposes for Zimbabwe; f) trade for non-commercial purposes in individually marked and certified ekipas incorporated in finished jewellery for non-commercial purposes for Namibia and ivory carvings for non-commercial purposes for Zimbabwe; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 37/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position g) trade in registered raw ivory (for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, whole tusks and pieces) subject to the following: i) only registered government-owned stocks, originating in the State (excluding seized ivory and ivory of unknown origin); ii) only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls to ensure that the imported ivory will not be re-exported and will be managed in accordance with all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) concerning domestic manufacturing and trade; iii) not before the Secretariat has verified the prospective importing countries and the registered government-owned stocks; iv) raw ivory pursuant to the conditional sale of registered government-owned ivory stocks agreed at CoP12, which are 20 000 kg (Botswana), 10 000 kg (Namibia) and 30 000 kg (South Africa); 38/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position v) in addition to the quantities agreed at CoP12, government-owned ivory from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe registered by 31 January 2007 and verified by the Secretariat may be traded and dispatched, with the ivory in paragraph g) iv) above, in a single sale per destination under strict supervision of the Secretariat; vi) the proceeds of the trade are used exclusively for elephant conservation and community conservation and development Programmes within or adjacent to the elephant range; and vii) the additional quantities specified in paragraph g) v) above shall be traded only after the Standing Committee has agreed that the above conditions have been met; and h) no further proposals to allow trade in elephant ivory from populations already in Appendix II shall be submitted to the Conference of the Parties for the period from CoP14 and ending nine years from the date of the single sale of ivory that is to take place in accordance with provisions in paragraphs g) i), g) ii), g) iii), g) vi) and g) vii). In addition, such further proposals shall be dealt with in accordance with Decisions 16.55 and 14.78 (Rev. CoP16). ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 39/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position On a proposal from the Secretariat, tThe Standing Committee can decide to cause this trade to cease partially or completely in the event of non-compliance by exporting or importing countries, or in the case of proven detrimental impacts of the trade on other elephant populations. All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly. FAUNA – AVES 15. Bycanistes spp. 0 – II Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, The species meet Appendix II criteria. + Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Ceratogymna spp. Include in Appendix II Leone, Togo 16. Gyps africanus II – I Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, The species meet Appendix I criteria. + Cameroon, Chad, Congo, (White-backed Vulture) Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I Gambia, Guinea, Niger, Gyps rueppelli Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo (Ruppell’s Vulture) 17. Falco peregrinus I – II Canada, United States of Although the population shows an increasing (-) America trend and most of the trade is likely to remain (Duck Hawk, Peregrine, Peregrine Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II in captive-bred specimens, downlisting to Falcon) Appendix II could lead to an increased demand for wild-caught birds and thus potentially threaten the populations in the wild. The proposal could possibly be supported if it is accompanied by a zero-export quota for wild-caught specimens. 40/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 18. Sporophila angolensis Include Sporophila maximiliani in Brazil The species meet the listing criteria in + Appendix I and include Sporophila Appendix I and II, as respectively proposed. Sporophila atrirostris angolensis, Sporophila atrirostris, Sporophila crassirostris Sporophila crassirostris, Sporophila funerea and Sporophila nuttingi in Appendix II Sporophila funerea Sporophila maximiliani Sporophila nuttingi (Great-billed seed-finch) FAUNA – REPTILIA 19. Caribicus warreni 0 – I Dominican Republic Suggest Appendix II listing with zero quota and (+) invite Dominican Republic to list Caribicus (Hispaniolan Giant Galliwasp, Include in Appendix I anelpistus and Caribicus darlingtoni in Haitian Giant Galliwasp) Appendix III. 20. Phyllurus amnicola III – II Australia Support the proposal as listing criteria appear + to be met. International trade mainly consists of (Mount Elliot Leaf-tailed Gecko, Include in Appendix II captive-bred specimens. Mount Elliot Broad-tailed Gecko) 21. Phyllurus caudiannulatus III – II Australia Trade in the species is considered extremely 0 rare. (Ringed Thin-tail Gecko) Include in Appendix II 22. Amblyrhynchus spp. II – I Ecuador Do not support as listing criteria do not seem 0 to be met. (Marine Iguana, Galápagos Marine Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I Iguana) ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 41/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 23. Conolophus spp. II – I Ecuador Support the proposal based on the (+) precautionary approach and the indication of (Galápagos Land Iguana, Common Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I international demand for the species. Land Iguana) 24. Bitis harenna 0 – I Ethiopia Support as biological criteria seem to be met (+) for both species. Bitis parviocula known to be in (Ethiopian Mountain Adder, Include in Appendix I trade, however no secured evidence for trade in Ethiopian Viper) Bitis harenna. Bitis parviocula (Bale Mountains Adder) 25. Crotalus spp. 0 – II Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Do not support the proposal as it is unclear — Mexico whether the listing criteria are met for Crotalus Sistrurus spp. Include in Appendix II ravus and Crotalus lepidus. Listing in Appendix III could be the first appropriate step to understand trade patterns in rattle snakes. 26. Kinixys homeana I – I Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria, Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to + Togo be met. (Home’s Hinged-backed Tortoise, Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I Home’s Hinged Tortoise) FAUNA – AMPHIBIA 27. Pelophylax epeiroticus 0 – II European Union, Israel, North EU proposal (position established in Council Macedonia Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025) Pelophylax lessonae Include in Appendix II (Entry into effect of the inclusion in Appendix II would be Pelophylax ridibundus delayed by 18 months, i.e. until 5 June Pelophylax shqipericus 2027.) 42/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position FAUNA – ELASMOBRANCHII (Sharks) 28. Carcharhinus longimanus II – I Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, EU co-proponent (position established in Comoros, Dominican Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June (Oceanic whitetip shark, Whitetip Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I Republic, Ecuador, European 2025) oceanic shark, White-tipped shark, Union, Fiji, Gabon, Honduras, Whitetip shark) Lebanon, Oman, Panama, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Togo, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 29. Galeorhinus galeus 0 – II Brazil, Ecuador, European EU co-proponent (position established in Union, Panama, Senegal Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June (Tope, Flake, Oil Shark, School Include in Appendix II 2025) Shark) Mustelus spp 30. Mobulidae spp. II – I Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to + Comoros, Dominican be met. Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Gabon, Jamaica, Maldives, Panama, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Togo 31. Rhincodon typus II – I Argentina, Bahamas, Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to + Bangladesh, Belize, Comoros, be met and the listing would align with the (Whale Shark) Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I Dominican Republic, Ecuador, protection under the Convention on Migratory Fiji, Gabon, Maldives, Panama, Species. Philippines, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Togo ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 43/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 32. Glaucostegus spp. Add the following annotation "A zero Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, The establishment of the zero-export quota is + annual export quota for wild-taken Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo justified given the decline in the species. specimens traded for commercial purposes Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo 33. Rhinidae spp. Add the following annotation ‘A zero annual Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, The establishment of the zero-export quota is + export quota for wild-taken specimens Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central justified given the decline in the species. (Wedgefishes) traded for commercial purposes’ African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo 34. Centrophoridae spp. Include in Appendix II Brazil, Comoros, Dominican EU proposal (position established in Council Republic, Ecuador, European Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025) Union, Lebanon, Nigeria, Panama, Senegal, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland FAUNA- ACTINOPTERI 35. Anguilla spp. 0 – II European Union, Honduras, EU proposal (position established in Council Panama Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025) Include in Appendix II (Entry into effect would be delayed by 18 months, i.e. until 5 June 2027.) 44/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position FAUNA – HOLOTHUROIDEA 36. Actinopyga echinites 0 – II European Union EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025) Actinopyga lecanora Include in Appendix II Actinopyga mauritiana Actinopyga miliaris Actinopyga palauensis Actinopyga varians 37. Holothuria lessoni 0 – II European Union EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025) (Golden Sandfish) Include in Appendix II FAUNA – Arthropoda 38. Acanthoscurria chacoana 0 – II Argentina, Bolivia The species do not appear to meet the listing (-) (Plurinational State of), criteria. Listing of some of the species in Acanthoscurria insubtilis Include in Appendix II Panama Appendix III by the range States could provide Acanthoscurria musculosa the necessary information about the trade in wild specimens and its impact Acanthoscurria theraphosoides Avicularia hirschii Avicularia rufa Avicularia avicularia Catumiri argentinense Cyriocosmus berate Cyriocosmus perezmilesi Grammostola rosea Hapalotremus albipes Holothele longipes Pamphobeteus antinous Umbyquyra acuminatum ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 45/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position FAUNA – MOLLUSCA 39. Haliotis midae Include the population of South Africa in South Africa The listing criteria appear to be met. — Appendix II with the annotation ‘dried (South African Abalone, Midas Ear However, the proposal seems not to be in specimens only’ Abalone) alignment with text of the Convention. FLORA 40. Panax quinquefolius Amend annotation #3 to exempt finished United States of America Do not support the proposal in its current (-) products packaged and ready for retail trade form. The amendment might result in increased (American Ginseng, American of thin-sliced roots derived from artificially risk of laundering of wild species. The Ginseng Root, Canadian Ginseng, propagated plants of Panax quinquefolius proposed exemption can only be Dwarf-Groundroot, Five-Fingers, enforced/implemented if accompanied by clear Ginseng, Man’s Health, Occidental labelling requirements that indicate the source Ginseng, Red Berry, Sang, Tartar from artificial propagation, or other Root) documentation of the origin from cultivation. Consequently, the EU could support the comment by the Secretariat in its assessment in document 114.1 of CoP20. 41. Jubaea chilensis 0 – I Chile Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to + be met. (Chilean palm) Include in Appendix I 42. Beaucarnea glassiana Include in Appendix II as part of the listing Mexico, Switzerland Support as Appendix II listing criteria appear to + of the genus Beaucarnea spp. be met. Beaucarnea hookeri (Ponytail Palm, Elephant-foot Tree, Bottle Palm) 43. Commiphora wightii 0 – II European Union EU proposal (position established in Council Decision (EU) 2025/1314 of 23 June 2025) (Indian Bdellium, Guggul) Include in Appendix II 46/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025No. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 44. Euphorbia bupleurifolia II – I South Africa Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to + be met. (Cycad Spurge, Pinecone Euphorbia) Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I 45. Afzelia bipindensis Delete the populations of Cameroon, the Burundi, Cameroon, Central The species continues to fulfil the listing criteria — Central African Republic, Congo, the African Republic, Congo, for Appendix II. (Red Doussié) Democratic Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Appendix II Gabon 46. Paubrasilia echinata II – I Brazil Acknowledge the need for strengthening the 0 conservation efforts of Paubrasilia, while (Brazil Wood, pernambuco wood) Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I recognizing the importance of Paubrasilia for musical instruments. Regarding concerns about unregistered stockpiles, the EU could potentially propose that Parties must send updated information on national stockpiles to the CITES Secretariat before SC81 (end of 2026) or CoP21. Listing in Appendix I as originally proposed is unlikely to address the identified problems concerning illegal trade. Potentially support a solution within Appendix II, while strengthening controls and providing a solution to travelling musicians. Further work is needed prior to adopting a proposal, in which further discussions with the proponent is necessary. 47. Pterocarpus soyauxii Delete the populations of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central The species continues to fulfil the listing criteria — Cameroon, the Central African Republic, African Republic, Congo, for Appendix II. (African Padauk, African Padouk, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Democratic Republic of the Barwood, African Coral Wood) Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Appendix II Gabon ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj 47/48 OJ L, 10.12.2025 ENNo. Taxon / Detail Proposal Proponent Comments Position 48. Aloe bergeriana Amend the listing of Aloe spp. in South Africa, Switzerland, Support as Appendix II listing criteria appear to + Appendix II to also include the four species Zimbabwe be met. Aloe jeppeae previously treated in the non-listed genus Aloe subspicata Chortolirion, but now included in Aloe section Chortolirion, namely Aloe bergeriana, Aloe welwitschii Aloe jeppeae, Aloe subspicata, and Aloe welwitschia 49. Podocarpus parlatorei I – II Argentina Do not support unless the data on population (-) in Bolivia is provided. (Parlatore’s Podocarp, Pino blanco) Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II 50. Avonia quinaria II – I South Africa Support as Appendix I listing criteria appear to + be met. Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I 51. Aloe ferox Amend annotation #4 as follows: United Kingdom of Great Support as the minor amendment simplifies + Britain and Northern Ireland and clarifies the annotation text without Euphorbia antisyphilitica f) finished products packaged and ready for changing the scope or meaning. retail trade of Aloe ferox and Euphorbia antisyphilitica packaged and ready for retail trade; 48/48 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/2437/oj EN OJ L, 10.12.2025