Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act

National Parks Board

Consultation Period: 12 Nov 2021 - 12 Dec 2021

Status: Closed

Detailed Description

Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act

Aim

The Ministry of National Development (MND) and the National Parks Board (NParks) are seeking feedback from the public on proposed amendments to the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.

Background

2 Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance stance on the illegal sale or keeping of wildlife, and illegal trade of endangered species and their parts and derivatives. We are a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and we have put in place robust legislation, strict controls, and a Whole-of-Government enforcement framework to deter and stop illegal wildlife trade through Singapore’s borders. 

3 The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act (ESA) is the principal legislation that supports NParks’ regulation of the trade of animal and plant species protected under CITES in Singapore. Protected species are listed under CITES Appendices I, II and III based on the level of threat to each species’ survival, and these appendices are duplicated in the ESA.

Examples of animal and plant species listed under CITES Appendices I, II and III

 
4 MND and NParks are reviewing the ESA to ensure that it remains updated and effective, and are proposing amendments to strengthen Singapore’s regulatory regime and enforcement against illegal wildlife trade. 

5 As part of the review, MND and NParks have consulted major stakeholders such as traders, shipping companies, the Singapore Logistics Association, academic experts, and non-governmental organisations. We are now launching a wider public consultation on the proposed amendments. 

Online Public Consultation 

6 The public is encouraged to provide your views through the online public consultation exercise. The link to our online survey is valid for a month, starting on 12 November 2021 and ending on 12 December 2021.

Roving Exhibition

7 You can find out more about Singapore’s approach to CITES and Illegal Wildlife Trade by visiting NParks’ roving exhibition at our green spaces from 12 November 2021, or visit the NParks website on CITES.