September 29, 2003

Subject: Trade Restrictions on CITES-Listed Species from Paraguay

Background:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Secretariat notified countries that Paraguay voluntarily suspended trade in all specimens of CITES-listed species until further notice (CITES Notification No. 2003/058). In April 2003, the CITES Standing Committee agreed to send a technical mission to Paraguay to assess the sustainability of trade and to provide technical assistance to implement the Convention. The moratorium will give Paraguay an opportunity to work with CITES to enhance it’s implementation of the Convention and to combat illicit trade. CITES countries were urged to support Paraguay in these efforts.

Action:
Effective immediately and until further notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will prohibit the import of any CITES-listed species exported directly from Paraguay. In addition, the Service will prohibit import of any CITES-listed species of Paraguayan origin from an intermediary country if the specimens were exported from Paraguay on or after September 29, 2003.

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