Effective March 27, 2023, all trade is suspended for any plant or wildlife product for which Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) documents are issued by Mexico.  This suspension of trade applies to imports, exports, or re-exports if the product has a CITES import or export certificate issued by Mexico. 

CITES imposed sanctions on Mexico for not doing enough to protect a small porpoise – the vaquita.  The vaquita is the world’s most endangered marine mammal.  The vaquita is present in the Gulf of California where the porpoises become entangled in illegal gillnets and drown. 

Mexico is working with CITES officials in Geneva to develop an action plan that will satisfy the organization.  Previous steps taken by Mexico were ineffective, resulting in these sanctions.   

More information can be found on the OLE Public Bulletin - CITES Trade Suspension- All Commercial Trade in CITES Species - Mexico 03-27-2023.pdf | FWS.gov