International trade in animals and plants is regulated by what is known as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In Spain this international regulation has been applicable since May 16, 1986. And with the European regulation for the protection of species since December 9, 1996, which is even stricter than the original CITES.
According to this regulation, the animal or plant species that are subject to international control are divided into categories known as Appendices (three in the international CITES) or Annexes (four in the interpretation of the European CITES, which is much more restrictive). Around 5,000 animal species and 28,000 plant species are under observation because it is considered that their uncontrolled trade may threaten their survival in the natural environment.
The three original appendices of the CITES International Convention are:
• Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in individuals of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval from local regulatory bodies. Of all the 931 species included in this category , 136 are cactus species , belonging to 17 genera. This means that the cacti included in this category are almost 15% of all species in real danger of extinction on the planet.
• Appendix II includes species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to avoid use incompatible with their survival. In this category are the rest of the species of the cactus family, that is, about 2,220 species. Which represents almost 10% of all plant species. Its production is regulated at the European level.
• Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, and that have asked other CITES Parties for help to control their trade.
