Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Act No. 3 of 2023.

This Act lays down provisions on the designation, establishment, composition and functions of the Management Authority and the Scientific Authority; trade in endangered CITES listed species and exemptions; terms and conditions of trade permit or certificate; bred in captivity and artificially propagated certificates; powers of the customs officers for inspection; penalties for illegal trade in endangered species and possession of illegally traded specimen; and the establishment of CITES Fund and its committee. The trade in any specimen of species listed in Appendix I, Appendix II or Appendix III shall only be carried out with the appropriate permit or certificate as follows: (a) an export permit; (b) an import permit; (c) a re-export certificate; or (d) an introduction from the sea certificate.
The functions of the Management Authority are: (I) liaise and communicate with the Secretariat and other countries on administrative, enforcement and other issues related to implementation of the CITES; (II) grant permits and certificates in accordance with the provisions of the CITES and this Act, in case the specimen was not obtained in contravention of the laws for the protection of fauna and flora of Belize or the exporting State; (III) obtain the advice from the Scientific Authority before issuing permits and certificates; (IV) establish rescue centers or facilities for the holding of living specimens seized or forfeited; (V) prepare and submit annual reports to the Secretariat regarding trade in the CITES listed species; (VI) advise the Minister responsible for forestry and the Minister responsible for fisheries on matters relating to the CITES; (VII) create public awareness of the importance of the CITES and its decisions and this Act for the conservation and protection of the CITES listed species; (VIII) maintain registers and records in respect of the trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora; (IX) appoint authorized officers to carry out its functions under this Act; (X) collaborate with the Scientific Authority in the preparation of non-detriment findings by making available all data and information in its possession; (XI) maintain a database of records in relation to all applications and permits issued under this Act; and (XII) perform such other functions as are necessary and expedient to secure the proper execution of the purposes of this Act.