While CITES sets the international rules and regulations for the import/export of exotic skins, Article 14 of the CITES treaty states that the provisions in CITES shall in no way affect the right of party countries to adopt stricter domestic legislation regarding the trade in CITES specimens.
An example of this is a rule regarding the import of the saltwater crocodile (crocodylus porosus), commonly used for exotic leather into the US. The saltwater crocodile is a protected species and is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), except for the populations in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, which are included in Appendix II. In addition, the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, is listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) throughout its range, except for Australia and Papua New Guinea. Therefore, specimens of Crocodylus porosus will only be allowed for importation from Australia and Papua New Guinea, and not from Indonesia.
The ESA is the "stricter domestic legislation." Under the ESA, it is unlawful to import, export, take, transport, sell, purchase, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any species listed as endangered or threatened. You can view the list of species protected under the ESA at:
