The international treaty regulating trade in endangered species is CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
CITES was opened for signature in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1973, and entered into force on July 1, 1975. Its purpose is to ensure that international trade in listed animals, plants, and their parts does not threaten wild populations.
The treaty uses three appendices. Appendix I gives the highest protection and generally restricts commercial trade; Appendix II covers species whose trade must be controlled to prevent harmful exploitation; and Appendix III contains species protected in at least one country that seeks international assistance with enforcement.
CITES does not simply ban all trade in endangered wildlife. Instead, it relies on permits and certificates, while each participating country must adopt domestic laws to enforce the system. Ramsar concerns wetlands, UNFCCC concerns climate change, and the CBD addresses biodiversity more broadly.