Electronic systems and information technology

Decision directed to Secretariat

Subject to the availability of extrabudgetary resources, the Secretariat shall: a) finalize the study on the information used by different Parties in a risk-based approach for CITES trade controls ; b) conduct an assessment of the long term technical, legal and financial feasibility and options for using a voluntary hub model for CITES electronic permit data exchange, which is fully interoperable with and does not replace existing national or P2P systems; c) collect information from Parties on any issues encountered with regard to the application of national data protection laws that affect implementation of Electronic Permit Information eXchange (EPIX) for the exchange of CITES permits and certificates; d) support the work of the Standing Committee under Decision 20.128 through the organization of workshops, consultations, preparation of studies and guidance materials on relevant topics as identified by the Standing Committee; e) provide capacity-building and advisory services including feasibility studies to support Parties interested in implementing electronic solutions for the management and control of CITES permits and certificates and support Parties in establishing electronic permit systems and information exchanges; f) work with the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Bank, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and other relevant partners, to continue the exchange of information and the development and implementation of joint projects that would facilitate Parties’ access to advance the implementation of the electronic permitting systems that comply with CITES requirements and where appropriate are aligned with international trade standards and norms; g) continue to exchange information with relevant partners and participate in relevant fora for contributing to the use of HS codes in implementing risk-based control procedures. h) in accordance with the Guidelines on the use of 2D barcodes on CITES permits/certificates, continue to work with Parties and relevant partners to advance the use of 2D bar codes, in particular with the view of ensuring security aspects to prevent fraudulent use of electronic permits and certificates and developing standards for their use; and i) report to the Standing Committee on the activities undertaken under paragraph a) to h) of the present Decision.