In the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding,  signed by UNCTAD and the UNEP CITES Secretariat in 2014, the ASYCUDA Centre of Excellence, HM Customs Department Gibraltar and the CITES Secretariat have developed the aCITES system (Electronic CITES Certification System) to automate the electronic certification, control and monitoring of international trade in CITES-listed species of wild fauna and flora, and the exchange of electronic CITES certificates across the border.

The main goal of aCITES is to integrate the CITES controls in the global trade control system on the path to implementation of the UN SDGs targets 15.7 – Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products (Target illegal wildlife trade) and 16.5 – Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms (Target corruption).

It reduces the total costs of verification and certification, increases the transparency of trade transactions, reduces the likelihood of fraud, improves management of risks associated to import/export of CITES-listed species.

The aCITES system brings together best practices and international standards, and modern ICT technology. It improves the efficiency of the CITES certification process by the national CITES Management Authorities (MAs) and the controls by Customs of import and export of endangered species of wild fauna and flora, improve the monitoring of legal international trade and reducing the incidences of illegal wildlife trade.

aCITES allows the exchange of safe electronic messages between governmental authorities and businesses at a national level as well as between exporting and importing countries. It includes efficient risk-management and anti-fraud features. aCITES is based on international standards and recommendations such as the UN/CEFACT eBusiness standards and the WCO Data Model, and is fully compatible with the IPPC eSPS.

It can be used as generic electronic CITES certification system by any national CITES Management Authority and can easily be interfaced or integrated with any type of Customs IT system.