The International Trade Controls on Endangered Species (CITES) Act, no. 13 of 2022.

This Act, divided into ten chapters and forty-three paragraphs, specifies procedures for regulating trade and transfer of endangered species and their parts and products, and also guarantees protection from unsustainable international trade and exploitation, through the implementation of the provisions of the “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora” (CITES), which Maldives has been party to in 2013. The Act covers the control of trade of living wild animals and their products; establishes a system to prohibit unlawful trade, unsustainable practices, including re-export and import from the sea. Matters covered by this Act include: classification of species, according to the International Convention; Law enforcement; tasks and responsibilities of the authorities, including: conduction of awareness programmes in accordance with the Convention and providing education, training and information on the animal species and their illegal seizure; organisation of national and international meetings relating to the trade in endangered species; improvement of the Maldives Marine Research Institute and of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Chapter four concerns terms of international trade of species, and specifically focuses on: conditions for export and for import of species and animal products; issuance of specific permits for import and export. Chapter five specifies measures concerning wildlife trade by the sea; conditions of release of trade permits; specific requirements in case of re-export; transport of wild animals and wild plants in accordance with international air transport rules; special rules for animals kept in traveling zoo circuses, and plant exhibition. Chapter six concerns registration of businesses and activities relating to trade in species. Chapter seven provides for rules and exceptions relating to transit and transshipment, including: breeding in captivity. Further chapters concern: financial measures; offences and penalties; destruction of items seized following an illegal possession; definition of relevant terms, including: certificate of origin; captive wild animal.