Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

The Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (“ACES”) was enacted in June 1992 and came into effect in April 1993, stipulating necessary measures for the conservation of species that live or grown in Japan and internationally endangered species of wild fauna or flora.

As endangered species of wildlife subject to ACES, domestic rare species are designated as nationally endangered species of wild fauna and flora based on the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment, etc., and foreign rare species are designated as internationally endangered species of wild fauna and flora based on CITES Appendix I listed species (excluding species reserved by Japan) and species reported as endangered by other countries based on the Conventions and Agreements for Protection of Migratory Birds. Measures under ACES that are taken for endangered species of wild fauna and flora are divided into three major categories: regulation of treatment of individual organisms, etc., protection of habitat, etc., and programs for the rehabilitation of natural habitats and maintenance of viable populations.

Among these measures, the regulation of treatment of individual organisms, etc., which regulates the international trade of endangered wild animals and plants, is particularly closely related to CITES. ACES prohibits, in principle, the capture, etc., of nationally endangered species of wild fauna and flora, the transfer, etc., of all endangered species of wild fauna and flora, and the display and advertisement for sale leading to the transfer. Measures to implement CITES in Japan are border controls on imports and exports, which the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is in charge of based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. However, in order to enhance the practicability of the regulation of international trade of species of wild fauna and flora based on CITES, ACES regulates the transfer, etc. in Japan as necessary and regulates trade in Japan to ensure the implementation of the matters required by CITES.