Regulating International Trade in Endangered Species — Transhipments of Cites-Listed Species via Singapore
[2016] Singapore Journal of Legal Studies 277–306
30 Pages Posted: 23 Sep 2016
Date Written: September 2016
Abstract
A Singapore District Court recently considered certain key provisions of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, before acquitting a local trading company charged with importing approximately 30,000 rosewood logs into Singapore. This article examines the decision, and argues for a purposive construction of these provisions that furthers Singapore’s implementation of its obligations as a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This is particularly pertinent considering Singapore’s role as a significant transhipment hub for endangered species in combating the illegal wildlife trade. The article also argues for greater international cooperation and coordination between CITES Parties in the design and implementation of their respective national legal frameworks.
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