19.150 to 19.152 Electronic systems and information technology

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Decision directed to
19.150
Decision directed to:
Parties

Parties are invited to:

a) use the eCITES Implementation Framework, the latest edition of the CITES electronic permitting toolkit, Guidelines and specifications for Electronic Permit Information eXchange (EPIX) of CITES permits and certificates, and the Guidance on CITES electronic signatures in planning and implementing electronic CITES systems;

b) consider the implementation of electronic CITES systems in a manner designed to meet CITES requirements, including those provided in Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP19) on Permits and certificates to increase transparency and efficiency of the permit issuance and control process, to prevent use of fraudulent permits, and to provide quality data for reporting and improved sustainability assessment;

c) work with the customs, National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) and other relevant agencies to ensure that trade in CITES-listed specimens is in compliance with CITES requirements and, where appropriate, in line with, or integrated into, other relevant national cross-border trade systems and procedures;

d) share experience, challenges and know-how with other Parties on the development and implementation of electronic CITES permit management systems and use of the electronic equivalent of paper-based permits and certificates, and provide inputs to the Secretariat for continuous improvement of eCITES reference materials;

e) take note of the eCITES BaseSolution as an automated permit management system option that is now available to Parties for implementation;

f) call upon donor countries and agencies to provide financial support towards the implementation of electronic CITES permit management systems in developing countries; and

g) submit to the Secretariat information on the use of HS codes for risk-based control procedures.

19.151
Decision directed to:
Standing Committee, in consultation with the Secretariat

The Standing Committee shall, in consultation with the Secretariat, undertake the following tasks:

a) work with the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Bank, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and other relevant partners, to continue the exchange of information and the development and implementation of joint projects that would facilitate Parties’ access to electronic permitting systems that comply with CITES requirements and where appropriate are aligned with international trade standards and norms;

b) work with relevant partners on the further development of standards and solutions for Electronic Permit Information eXchange (EPIX) for the exchange of CITES permit and certificate data and the improvement of the validation of CITES permit data by CITES Management Authorities and customs officials;

c) recognizing the importance of the requirement for endorsement of permits and certificates at export, explore possible alternatives to the physical endorsement;

d) monitor and advise on Parties’ work related to the development of traceability systems for specimens of CITES-listed species to facilitate their harmonization with CITES permits and certificates;

e) monitor the use of HS codes in implementing risk-based control procedures in different countries;

f) support the development of the capacity of Management Authorities, especially those with the greatest needs, to electronically collect, secure, maintain, and transmit data using systems compatible with those of the Secretariat and other Management Authorities;

g) consider ways in which electronic CITES permitting systems can simplify procedures for the non-commercial movement of musical instruments; and

h) submit reports on activities undertaken under paragraphs a) to g) of the present Decision and make recommendations to the Conference of the Parties at its 20th meeting.

19.152
Decision directed to:
Secretariat

The Secretariat shall, subject to the availability of external funding:

a) undertake a study on the information used by different Parties in a risk-based approach for CITES trade controls;

b) collect information from Parties on any issues encountered with regard to the application of national data protection laws that affect implementation of Electronic Permit Information eXchange (EPIX) for the exchange of CITES permits and certificates;

c) support the work of the Standing Committee under Decision 19.151 through the organization of workshops, consultations, preparation of studies and guidance materials on relevant topics as identified by the Standing Committee; and

d) provide capacity-building and advisory services to support Parties interested in implementing electronic solutions for the management and control of CITES permits and certificates and support Parties in establishing electronic permit systems and information exchanges.