Coalition Prohibited Wildlife Policy Framework

The aim of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online is to reduce wildlife trafficking through Internet and app-based platforms. This includes the prohibition of online trade in endangered species and species where the trade is highly detrimental and unlikely to be legally sourced. Each Coalition company is responsible for designing a policy that best fits and protects their users and business operations around the world, while preventing wildlife trafficking.

Why do companies need this framework?

Online platforms that are members of the Coalition are not conservation or wildlife crime experts and cannot determine the range of species that may be trafficked. The Prohibited Wildlife Policy Framework provides companies with a simplified list of endangered and threatened species to prohibit from the platform, aligning efforts across the tech sector to shut down wildlife trafficking online. This framework was created by WWF, TRAFFIC and IFAW in consultation with Coalition companies and wildlife experts to provide structured, clear guidance that can be readily aligned with existing company policies and procedures.

This industry-wide framework can help companies navigate the issue of illegal wildlife trade, educate their users and explain why the company is taking a stand against it. Ultimately, the aim is to create a deterrent for wildlife criminals to prevent them from posting illegal wildlife products for sale and switching between platforms to avoid detection. This policy framework aligns with international wildlife trade law, the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), that applies to all 184 countries that are Parties to CITES. It is a consistent and globally recognized system that forms the basis of the Coalition list of prohibited wildlife, and therefore is a standard that companies can justify and rely on.

What items are prohibited?

Endangered live animals and products derived from endangered species that are protected under international law through CITES are prohibited on Coalition company platforms. This is primarily species listed on Appendix I where commercial trade is prohibited internationally.

Additionally, some species listed on CITES Appendix II (these can be commercially traded internationally with permits), are prohibited where scientists or experts have identified there is extensive illegal trade and unsustainable harvest and where the legality of the items sold online are too difficult to determine due to the nature of virtual trade.

Further, there may be prohibitions tailored to local circumstances by some companies for trade in wildlife that is protected by national law, such as the Endangered Species Act in the United States, the Wild Animal Protection Law in China and the Wildlife Trade Regulations of the European Union.

Protecting the Rarest Species

The Prohibited Wildlife Policy Framework was revised in 2020 to include species that are not listed by CITES but are very rare and could be at risk from online trade. The species that meet this category fall into two groups: newly discovered and rediscovered species that were thought previously to be extinct, and critically endangered endemic species.

Occasionally, new species and species previously thought to be extinct may be rediscovered, mostly found in small isolated locations, and awareness of rediscovery may result in their collection for trade. These species are not or may not always be protected under CITES or other laws, for example because laws might not apply to species considered to be extinct or newly discovered species. Therefore, recently described and rediscovered species that are being collected for trade are prohibited from sale online.

Many critically endangered endemic species, occurring only within a single nation’s geographic boundaries, are often not included under CITES as they rarely, if ever, appear in international trade. The severe threats faced by these species means that any removal of the species from the wild would have a major impact on their future existence. In some instances, such species have appeared for sale online, but without any regulation to prevent it. Therefore, critically endangered endemic species are also prohibited from sale online.

Where Can I Find Additional Information?

For more information contact your local government department responsible for wildlife trade regulations or law enforcement. Further information on wildlife conservation and threats to species from illegal trade and additional protections at the national level can be found through these organizations and their websites.

Reference Sites
• Species+: Quick CITES listing reference website
• CITES Checklist: Interactive interface of CITES-listed species