The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), referred to as CITES, is a multilateral agreement aimed at protecting endangered species. The agreement originated from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UICN) in 1963, was opened for signature in 1973, and came into effect on July 1, 1975. The goal of CITES is to prevent international trade in wildlife from endangering their natural survival. It provides varying degrees of protection to more than 35,000 species.
The trade in crocodile leather is legally complex and requires sourcing it from farms where alligators are treated humanely. Unregulated commercial hunting has impacted crocodile populations, so governments have implemented conservation measures. CITES was established in 1973 and signed by 164 countries to protect endangered species. Legally imported crocodile leather must come from CITES certified farms. Uncertified leather will be seized, and selling inherited (pre-CITES) or illegally imported leather is a criminal offence.