Exotic leathers and CITES explained

What is CITES?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in Washington in 1973, regulates trade in several thousand species. It sorts them into three appendices according to their level of protection.

Appendix I, II, III

Appendix I bans trade in the most endangered species, with rare exceptions. Appendix II allows controlled trade, with permits ensuring that harvesting does not harm the species. Appendix III covers species protected by one country that asks others for cooperation. In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 338/97 applies these rules, sometimes more strictly.

Skin by skin

Alligator: the American alligator is listed in Appendix II; its skins travel with an export permit. Lizard and python: the monitor lizards, tegus and pythons used in leather goods are also in Appendix II. Ostrich: farmed ostrich is not concerned; only a wild North African subspecies is protected. Stingray: the marine rays used for shagreen are generally not listed. Toad: the cane toad is not concerned.

What it means for you

A strap made from an Appendix II skin must come from legally imported skins. It is up to the seller to make sure of this and be able to prove it. If you travel outside the EU with such a strap, check the rules of your destination country.

Our commitment

We detail where our skins come from on our leather origin and traceability page. For a question about a specific strap, write to us.