Electronic systems and information technology

Decision directed to Parties

Parties are invited to: a) use the eCITES Implementation Framework, the latest edition of the CITES electronic permitting toolkit, Guidelines and specifications for Electronic Permit Information eXchange (EPIX) of CITES permits and certificates, the Guidance on CITES electronic signatures, and the Guidelines on the use of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes on CITES permits/certificates in planning and implementing electronic CITES systems; b) consider the implementation of electronic CITES systems in a manner designed to meet CITES requirements, including those provided in Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP20) on Permits and certificates to increase transparency and efficiency of the permit issuance and control process, to prevent use of fraudulent permits, and to provide quality data for reporting and improved sustainability assessment; c) work with the customs, National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) and other relevant agencies to ensure that trade in CITES-listed specimens is in compliance with CITES requirements and, where appropriate, in line with, or integrated into, other relevant national cross-border trade systems and procedures; d) share experience, challenges and know-how with other Parties on the development and implementation of electronic CITES permit management systems and use of the electronic equivalent of paper-based permits and certificates, and provide inputs to the Secretariat for continuous improvement of eCITES reference materials; e) take note of the eCITES BaseSolution as an automated permit management system option that is now available to Parties for implementation; f) call upon donor countries and agencies to provide financial support towards the implementation of electronic CITES permit management systems in developing countries; g) submit to the Secretariat information on the use of HS codes for risk-based control procedures; h) maintain reliable back-up systems for ensuring continuity of electronic permits systems; i) plan the electronic permitting system in a holistic manner considering the interoperability and integration between the CITES systems and other national, regional or global solutions, as appropriate; in particular explore opportunities for integrating National Single Windows systems in their respective countries; j) follow a phased approach for implementation of the e-permitting systems; k) consider designating specific ports of entry and exit for streamlining trade controls of CITES species; l) recognizing the importance of the requirement for endorsement of permits and certificates at export, consider implementing pilot projects on possible alternatives to the physical endorsement of CITES permits/certificates based on the Guidelines on the use of 2D barcodes on CITES permits/certificates; and m) notify the Secretariat when QR codes are used in electronic permits and certificates, the security features implemented and the standards being used in them.