Regulatory steps on wild fauna and flora circulation, including alignment with CITES requirements, discussed at EPMIB

Today, under the leadership of the Head of the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, Hovhannes Martirosyan, the inaugural meeting of the interagency working group established for the legislative regulation of the export, import, and keeping conditions of wild animals and plants was held at the EPMIB.

The working group was established by Order No. 12-L of April 28, 2026, issued by the Head of the Inspection Body, based on agreements reached during previous consultations.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Head of the Inspection Body Vrezh Galoyan, representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office Coordination Bureau for Inspection Bodies, the Food Safety Inspection Body, the State Revenue Committee, and other relevant experts.

Welcoming the participants, Hovhannes Martirosyan emphasized that the main objective of the group is to develop a legal and digital framework ensuring compliance with international standards and the provisions of the Convention.

During the meeting, participants discussed measures to strengthen permitting procedures and inspection mechanisms in line with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as regulatory provisions governing import, export, re-export, possession, and ownership, aimed at preventing smuggling.

The discussion also addressed the refinement of legal terminology and the establishment of minimum standards for animals kept in captivity and semi-captivity, which, through a comprehensive registration system, will ensure full traceability of animal movements.

Special emphasis was placed on clarifying the mandates of border and domestic market control authorities through the introduction of digital solutions for efficient information exchange.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the next steps of the working group were outlined and relevant instructions were issued regarding deadlines for the preparation of a package of proposals.