The cross-border and transnational export,
import, sale, or purchase of wild animal and
plant resources becomes illegal when it is
conducted in contravention to international
commitments or domestic laws. Such
commitments and laws may variously prohibit
outright taking, transporting, or hunting of
selected species, as well as harvesting of
certain species beyond an established quota or
physical boundary. Laws and regulations also
prohibit the export, import, sale, or purchase
of certain species without appropriate permits,
authorization, or documentation. Further,
some laws regulate the processing of plant and
wildlife products. Chief among international
commitments pertaining to the protection of
wild animals and plants, including their parts,
products, and derivatives, is the Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES; see text
box).