CITES CoP20 tope and smoothhound stakeholder letter

This letter informs stakeholders of recent actions taken by the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regarding international trade in tope (Galeorhinus galeus), and smoothhounds (Mustelus spp.). At the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20), held November 24 to December 5, 2025, the species proposal to include the tope shark and all species in the genus Mustelus (smoothhounds) in CITES Appendix II was adopted with a delayed implementation date of 18 months. This letter outlines certain requirements for international trade in these species, which will be effective upon entry into force on June 5, 2027.