The role of France in wildlife trade: an analysis of CITES trade and Seizure data

A key European player for legal wildlife trade

Within the European Union (EU), France has an important role in the legal trade of wildlife, both as a demand country and as a transit zone. With more than 28 million specimens imported between 2008 and 2017 (mainly reptiles, corals, plants and leeches), it is one of the top three importers of wild species in Europe.

As a top EU (re)exporter of CITES species, France is a hub for wildlife trade and plays a key commercial role, including its hosting of major industries using wild species, its central geographic position, and having one of Europe’s busiest airports; Paris-Charles de Gaulle. 

France is also a country of origin in the trade reported under CITES. Its 12 overseas territories from the subarctic to the Antarctic, through the tropical zones of the three main oceans, make the country host to a remarkable biological diversity and endemism. A total of 45 million specimens of CITES-listed species were directly exported or originated from France between 2008 and 2017.

Having joined CITES in 1978, France – in its multiple trader roles: importer (re)exporter and country of origin – bears a responsibility to ensure that the trade in wild species is sustainable, legal and traceable.

A central role in illegal trade and a major responsibility to combat it

Despite its role in the legal trade of wildlife, France has been involved in illegal wildlife trade with nearly 4,000 seizures reported between 2008 and 2017 concerning both mainland France and the French overseas territories. During the period examined, a total of two million specimens were seized, including mammals (live and their bodies, parts or products), birds (live and their bodies, parts or products), and live reptiles.

Based on the seizure data available, the smuggling relies on air transport, with a quarter of seizures made in mainland France at airports, and in particular at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

While 2021 is a crucial year for biodiversity, illegal trade continues to threaten wildlife. This new joint TRAFFIC-WWF report shows that despite the efforts already made, France still plays a central role in wildlife trafficking. This is a reminder of France's responsibility in the fight against wildlife crime. France must be a driving force to obtain the renewal of EU Member States’ commitments to cooperate and to raise their ambitions on the subject.”

Stéphane Ringuet, Head of the Wildlife Trade Programme at WWF France

The illegal and unsustainable trade in wild plants and animals is contributing to biodiversity loss. France must make further efforts to stop the illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade through its borders. France can direct its efforts on enhancing co-ordination among the competent authorities and by targeting law enforcement action. People also have the power to take action by shifting their choices towards legally and sustainably sourced wildlife/products.”

Katalin Kecse-Nagy, Director of the Europe Programme at TRAFFIC

Focus on ivory

Analysis of ivory seizures involving France shows that the country is used as a transit point between Africa and Asia in this illegal trade. According to the French customs’ seizure data, 3,847 kg of raw ivory was seized in France between 2009 and 2017. While these were mainly seized at airports, ivory is also frequently seized at exhibitions, fairs, events and auctions houses, as well as at markets and shops.

Key recommendations to the French authorities and economic players

In order to ensure the effective implementation of CITES and stop illegal trade in wildlife, WWF and TRAFFIC call for:

• Enhanced cooperation, coordination and communication between all CITES authorities in France, and with the main countries of export and destination of specimens of wild species legally traded;
• Effective law enforcement at French airports, and in particular at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, as already highlighted in the Break the chain report published by WWF France in April 2020;
• Regular training of management, scientific and law enforcement authorities;
• Communication related to illegal wildlife trade involving France, including data provision, and on actions implemented by the French government to tackling it;
• Further research on wildlife trade in endangered species involving France to understand better its scope and features.