Nairobi, 23 October 2024 — E-permitting systems offer significant advantages across sectors. By digitalizing the process of issuing, tracking, and verifying trade permits, e-permitting systems streamline trade procedures, replacing traditional paper permits with more secure, efficient digital alternatives.
From a compliance and implementation perspective of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), there are several key advantages to adopting electronic permitting systems. These systems increase transparency, automate statistical reporting, and help prevent the issuance of fraudulent permits and certificates. They also strengthen collaboration with customs and border agencies, by streamlining border control, permit endorsements, and verification processes. Additionally, electronic systems facilitate the seamless exchange of permit information between CITES Parties, promoting more efficient and secure international cooperation for sustainable, legal and traceable wildlife trade.
At the Africa Regional Workshop on Electronic CITES Permitting Systems held on 9-10 October 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, 44 participants comprising representatives from 24 African nations, experts and international organizations gathered to take steps in harnessing these benefits. The workshop was generously funded by the government of Switzerland and organized by the CITES Secretariat.
The primary objectives of the workshop were to build the capacity of CITES Management Authorities responsible for overseeing permitting procedures and enhance collaboration with other national agencies across the African region. It provided a platform for discussion about a range of critical interrelated topics necessary for the effective implementation of eCITES and to exchange ideas and practical solutions.
Leveraging existing digital solutions
Participants suggested reviewing existing digital solutions—such as national single-window systems—to determine potential opportunities for integration with e-permitting systems. Such integration could result in cost savings and foster greater collaboration among the agencies involved in permitting procedures.
Several countries presented their existing e-permitting systems, while others shared their plans for future implementation. Morocco’s system, integrated with the PortNet platform, received widespread praise for its efficiency and effectiveness.
Participants emphasized the importance of using the recently updated CITES e-permitting toolkit during the design phase of any e-permitting system. To ensure greater interoperability and effective collaboration between countries, the toolkit provides updated advice on the use of common information exchange formats, protocols and standards, as well as information on new developments in the use of electronic documents for Parties implementing eCITES, or for Parties developing and implementing pilot projects on e-permitting systems.
Urgent call for action and future steps
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero urged African countries to accelerate the digitalization of their permitting systems.
"Digitalizing permitting systems is an urgent priority for African Parties that are engaged in international trade of CITES-listed species. The incremental benefits of e-permitting—ranging from permit issuance and control to exchange functionalities—are immense, particularly for countries facing compliance challenges,” said the Secretary-General.
In dedicated sessions, participants discussed common challenges encountered when launching an eCITES project, offering valuable insights to those in the early stages of implementation. The participants proposed a number of recommendations for the consideration of the Working Group on Electronic Systems and Information Technology (ESIT).
The recommendations include using 2D barcodes on permits, exploring integrating National Single Windows (NSW); planning electronic permitting systems holistically to ensure interoperability with national, regional, and global solutions; a phased approach for e-permitting systems and designate specific ports of entry for CITES species; enhancing capacity building and maintaining regular engagement with parties and organizations for permit authentication; ensuring reliable backup systems for electronic permits and recognizing the use of e-permits, and eliminating manual features like security stamps as stipulated in Res 12.3 (Rev. CoP19) on Permits and Certificates.
While the workshop increased overall understanding of eCITES, many participants indicated the need for greater financial resources for implementing such systems at national or regional levels for greater value for money.
A strong step toward combating wildlife crime
Upon successful completion of the workshop, Secretary-General Higuero highlighted the role of eCITES as a critical tool for combating wildlife crime.
“eCITES allows government agencies to conduct inspections more effectively, identify individuals or entities involved in illegal activities, and foster collaboration with customs and border control agencies,” Higuero noted.
The Secretary-General also expressed her gratitude to the experts and international representatives for their contributions to the workshop's success.
Global progress on eCITES implementation
According to the United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation 2023 and information received from the Parties, 32 CITES Parties have already made significant progress in implementing e-permitting systems, with an additional 12 countries in the early stages of planning. To assist Parties in this process, the CITES Secretariat has developed a suite of guidance materials, which are available on the CITES website.
Watch the eCITES video to learn more.
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About CITES
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. With 184 Parties (183 countries + the European Union), it remains one of the world's most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 40,900 species of wild animals and plants. CITES-listed species are used by people around the world in their daily lives for food, health care, furniture, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES seeks to ensure that international trade in such species is sustainable, legal and traceable and contributes to both the livelihoods of the communities that live closest to them and to national economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of the people in support of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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