CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and is a treaty between member States for preventing over-exploitation of wild fauna and flora for international trade. Supported by national legislation, trade in species listed in the three CITES Appendices must conform to CITES requirements and provisions outlined in the text of the Convention.

Implementation of CITES is guided by Resolutions of the Conference of the Parties. Permits and certificates follow a standardized format. These are issued by competent authorities when certain conditions are met in the exporting country or in both the exporting and importing countries. These conditions vary according to the Appendix in which species are listed, and focus on purpose of trade, conservation impact (determined by a scientific authority), legal acquisition and, where relevant, humane treatment concerns. Permits and certificates are endorsed (usually by Customs) upon exit, and presented (usually to Customs) on entry. Data collected from permits and certificates contribute to a body of information that allows Parties to follow international trade trends and to adapt national and international conservation and trade policies as necessary.

In Australia, CITE permits are administered by the federal Department  of Environment and Heritage; further information can be found at www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use.