C.I.T.E.S. PROCEDURES

Protecting Trade and Biodiversity

The Washington Convention (CITES) is an international agreement regulating the trade of endangered wildlife and plant species. Its main objective is to protect these species by combating their commercial exploitation, one of the leading causes of rarity and extinction.

Adopted by over 180 countries, CITES is now the cornerstone of global biodiversity conservation.

How Are Species Protected?

The species protected by the Convention are divided into three main categories:

1. Highly Protected Species: Trade is prohibited except in rare cases.
2. Commercially Controlled Species: Trade is allowed only with a CITES certificate ensuring their survival is not compromised.
3. State-Protected Species: Some countries enforce specific regulations to protect endemic species.

Each nation can also adopt stricter measures to further safeguard local fauna and flora.

Regulations in Italy and EU

In Italy, the Convention is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economic Development, and the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policies. However, the CITES Unit of the Carabinieri plays a key role in:

• Issuing necessary authorizations for trade and re-exportation.
• Combating illegal trafficking of protected species.

Art and Antiques: Materials to Know

Many artworks and antique objects, especially from past centuries, may contain materials derived from protected species. Here are some common cases:

• Ivory: Used for carvings, inlays, sculptures, piano keys, cutlery handles, or luxury accessories.
• Tortoiseshell: Used in jewelry, artistic objects, furniture veneers, frames, and boxes.
• Corals, Mother-of-Pearl, or Shells: Crafted into jewelry, sculptures, or decorative art objects.
• Precious Woods: Such as mahogany or rosewood, used for art objects, furniture, and musical instruments.
• Exotic Skins and Furs: Used in upholstery, furnishings, and luxury goods.
• Bones, Horns, and Animal Teeth: Worked into walking sticks, jewelry, or ornamental elements.

Before Purchasing an Object or Artwork

If you are buying an object that may contain materials from protected species, it is essential to:

• Verify the presence of a CITES certificate, mandatory for any item regardless of its age or maker
• Request specific authorizations for sale in Italy or exportation.

The authorization process requires:

1. An expert appraisal to identify materials and period.
2. Obtaining a certificate of free circulation from the Superintendency.
3. The CITES certificate, indispensable for sale and export.

Why Is This Important?

Complying with CITES regulations is not just a legal obligation but a tangible contribution to protecting our planet and its natural resources. Every conscious purchase is a step towards biodiversity conservation.

The procedure can be summarized as follows:

PERIZIA

AUTHORIZATION of the SUPERINTENDENTS

C.I.T.E.S AUTHORIZATION