CITES Committee on India’s Wildlife Import Permits

A committee of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has recommended that India pause the issuance of import permits for endangered animals to zoos, wildlife rescue, and rehabilitation centres.

The recommendation comes after a review visit to Vantara’s Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The findings were published in a CITES report dated October 31, 2025.

Full form: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Adopted: 1973 (Washington D.C.); Came into force: 1975.

India: Signatory since 1976.

Objective: To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Legally binding on parties, but it does not replace national laws — it sets a framework that each country implements via domestic legislation (in India → Wildlife Protection Act, 1972).

Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction — trade permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened but may become so unless trade is regulated.

Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country which requests assistance from others in controlling trade.

Import and export of live or dead specimens of CITES-listed species require:

• CITES import/export/re-export permits, and

• Clearance from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) oversees the import of exotic animals for zoos and rescue centres.

The committee did not find evidence that the Vantara facilities imported animals for commercial profit.

However, it found gaps in due diligence related to:

• Verification of the origin of specimens,

• Use of source and transaction codes, and

• Consistency in implementing CITES processes across India.

Therefore, it recommended a temporary pause on new import permits until:

• India reviews and strengthens its permit issuance system,

• Ensures systematic due diligence, and

• Confirms full compliance with CITES regulations.

Origin verification: Whether imported animals were bred in captivity or taken from the wild.

Permit consistency: Uniform procedures were not followed across Indian institutions.

Transparency: Lack of publicly available records on species source and import purpose.

Risk of misuse: Potential loopholes in the use of rescue/research permits for private acquisitions.

India is a major CITES signatory and must maintain strict compliance to avoid trade sanctions.

Strengthening due diligence prevents:

• Illegal wildlife trade,

• Smuggling of exotic animals, and

• Breach of international conservation norms.

It also ensures credibility of India’s wildlife management systems.

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – amended in 2022 to include CITES schedules for better alignment.

CZA (Central Zoo Authority) – regulates import of exotic animals for captive breeding.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) – monitors illegal trade and trafficking.

DGFT (Foreign Trade Authority) – issues NOCs for import/export of live species.

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA) is India’s primary legislation for protecting wild animals, birds, and plants.

It provides the legal framework for conservation, regulates hunting, and controls trade in wildlife and its derivatives.

The 2022 Amendment (passed in December 2022, notified in April 2023) aims to:

• Align Indian law with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

• Strengthen the protection regime.

• Streamline permits, management, and enforcement.

Introduced a new Chapter IV A to regulate trade and possession of species listed under CITES.

CITES Schedules added to the Act:

• Schedule IV A — species listed in Appendices I, II, and III of CITES.

India’s obligations under CITES are now legally enforceable domestically.

Any import, export, or re-export of CITES-listed species will require a valid permit.

6 schedules (I–VI) → complex and overlapping.

“Exotic live species” means animals not native to India and listed under CITES Appendices.

Owners must register such species with the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Prohibits possession, trade, or transfer of exotic species without authorization.

First time legal recognition of exotic species management in Indian law.

Centre can notify Conservation Reserves and Eco-sensitive Areas (ESAs).

Empowers Central Government to delegate authority to State/Union Territory Administrations for wildlife protection measures.

Introduced a new definition:

“Invasive alien species” means any plant or animal not native to India, whose introduction may threaten the ecosystem or native species.”

The Central Government is empowered to regulate, restrict, or prohibit their import and trade.

Enhanced penalties for wildlife offences:

• Minimum fine raised from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh for most offences.

• Higher fines for Schedule I species violations (up to ₹25 lakh).

Objective: Strengthen deterrence and compliance.

Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves:

• Clearer rules on management committees, buffer zones, and local participation.

• Emphasis on people’s role in conservation (Gram Sabha, local stakeholders).

Aligns with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) frameworks.

Designation of Management and Scientific Authorities under CITES:

• Management Authority: MoEFCC (responsible for permits and compliance).

• Scientific Authority: Experts evaluating trade impact on species survival.

Amended to allow transfer or transport of captive elephants for religious or heritage purposes, with State approval.

Criticized by some conservationists for potential misuse under cultural pretext.

The Act now promotes scientific research, rehabilitation of rescued wildlife, and sustainable conservation.

Introduces scope for digital permits and online registration to improve monitoring.