A public consultation is currently underway on proposals to amend the assimilated UK Wildlife Trade Regulations, which implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in the UK.
This consultation is being led by Defra and seeks views on a wide-ranging package of reforms designed to:
- Improve the clarity, effectiveness and efficiency of CITES implementation in the UK;
- Strengthen conservation outcomes and enforcement mechanisms;
- Support legitimate, traceable and sustainable trade in CITES-listed species;
- Update the associated fees and charges framework;
- Finalise the statutory guidance on the use of civil sanctions under the COTES Regulations.
The consultation is open to all, and responses from businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), scientific institutions, academics, and individuals involved in or affected by CITES-regulated trade, are particularly welcome.
You can respond to the consultation in one of the following ways:
- Online via Gov.uk or the Citizen Space consultation hub: CITES Reform proposals – Defra – Citizen Space
- By email to: CITES.UKMA@defra.gov.uk
- By post to:
Defra CITES Policy Team
4th Floor, Horizon House
Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH
The consultation will close at 23:59 on the 23rd October 2025.
To support stakeholders in responding, there is an online drop-in consultation support session:
- 16th October: 4:00 – 5:30pm (link takes you to the Teams meeting)
Your feedback will help shape the final package of reforms and ensure that the UK’s CITES regime remains robust, proportionate, and fit for purpose.
If you have any questions or accessibility requirements, please contact CITES.UKMA@defra.gov.uk.