CITES Stamp

Protection of wild nature

At the beginning of the 20th century the number of crocodiles decreased greatly due to the non-controlled hunt, and later due to ruining the dwelling places of the crocodiles. Today they are protected animals, though the protecting status varies depending on different species. Besides, all the crocodiles are included into the lists of CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Almost all the countries, interested in crocodile trade, signed the convention in 1975. CITES prohibits the wild crocodile hunt. The animals whose skin is used to make shoes, accessories, and design elements are bred in special farms.

Countries, ecologists and corporations of fashion industry strive after complete transparency of the crocodile business. All the European countries and CIS joined CITES. The customs bodies of these states control import of the crocodile skin. According to the convention, a certificate with information about every skin, its qualities and a seal number is issued for every skin consignment. The crocodile skin sold without necessary documents is the object of illegal trade. Under the convention, if the certificate CITES is not produced at customs of the importing country (or if it expired or has data which don't correspond to the imported skins of the consignment), the skins must be confiscated and annihilated. Legislation of some countries demand indication of the CITES certificate number on the ware's packing while producing goods of crocodile leather.

© Art Work Design Bt., 2004-2007