February 25, 2005

Subject: Trade Restrictions on CITES-Listed Wildlife from Liberia Still in Effect

Background: On February 8, 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received notice from the CITES Secretariat that Liberia had gathered permit information from the years 1997 - 2004 for use in completing its required annual reports. The FWS/Office of Law Enforcement informed the public of this action and, under the guidance given by the CITES Secretariat, lifted the trade ban on CITES wildlife from Liberia.

On February 23, 2005 however, the CITES Secretariat provided a supplemental announcement relating to the trade status of Liberia. This new information reminds the trade community that Liberia is still not allowed to trade in CITES - listed wildlife because of its failure to provide written information on the progress it has made in the enactment of adequate legislation.

Action: Effective immediately, Liberia remains subject to a suspension of trade. The United States will suspend trade of CITES species with Liberia until further notice. This announcement is in addition and replaces guidance issued in the previous public bulletin posted on February 15, 2005.

Contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
703-358-1949 703-358-2271 (fax)