Remarks by MOS Tan Kiat How at the Launch of the Public Consultation for Proposed Amendments to the Endangered Species (import and export) Act

Nov 13, 2021

Good afternoon.

The illegal trade in wildlife poses a very serious threat to the world’s biodiversity and ecosystems. It drives overexploitation of the natural environment and the destruction of habitats, and threatens the survival of many endangered species globally.

As an international trading hub, Singapore is committed to this global fight against illegal wildlife trade. We are a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.

We have put in place a robust Whole-Of-Government regulatory and enforcement framework to support our efforts, and we work closely with our regional and international partners on this front.

In particular, the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act or ESA for short, is the principal legislation that supports Singapore’s regulation of the trade in wildlife species protected under CITES, and it gives us powers to take enforcement action.

The threat posed by illegal wildlife trade around the world is constantly evolving. Illegal wildlife trade is highly profitable, and smugglers are constantly on the lookout for loopholes to exploit. We therefore need to take active steps to ensure that our regulations and enforcement tools remain up to date and effective.

Hence, we are looking to beef up the ESA. To this end, MND and NParks have been engaging various Government agencies and industry stakeholders over the past year. We are considering amendments to the ESA in three broad categories.

First, we are looking to introduce stiffer penalties for illegal trade for CITES-protected species. For example, we are proposing to increase the maximum penalties for illegal international trade in species threatened with extinction, such as the Sunda Pangolin. Penalties for repeat offenders and for illegal domestic trade in CITES-protected species will be similarly enhanced.

Second, we want to strengthen NParks’ enforcement powers so that it can tackle illegal wildlife trade more effectively. For example, to make it clear that NParks has the powers to seize and forfeit items and conveyances used to deliberately conceal or transport CITES-protected species. This will serve as an added deterrent to would-be illegal wildlife traders.

We are also looking to put in new safeguards to protect the identity of informers. For instance, to make explicit that their details may not be disclosed during court proceedings. This will encourage more individuals to come forward to support our investigations on illegal wildlife trade.

Third, we will make amendments to clarify certain provisions under the ESA.

For example, we intend to make clearer when CITES-protected species are considered to be in transit in Singapore, and the required documents for the transit of these species.

We will also align the ESA more closely with CITES’s recommendations. For example, we will clarify that animal hybrids of certain CITES-protected species are to be considered as full species, and should be accorded the same protections and subject to the same regulatory controls.

Today, I am glad to launch the public consultation for the proposed amendments to the ESA. This will be a month-long window for the public to share its views on the proposals.

We would very much like to hear from you not only on the proposed amendments to the ESA, but on Singapore’s approach to combating illegal wildlife trade. Members of the public can provide their views via an online survey form, or through email directly to NParks.

NParks will also be putting up a roving exhibition at some of our parks to increase public awareness on our efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.

Following the public consultation, MND and NParks will review the feedback received, before we finalise the proposed amendments to the ESA.

Everyone can play a part in stopping illegal wildlife trade. I encourage you to take some time to find out more about Singapore’s approach to combatting the illegal wildlife trade, and to contribute your views and suggestions.

Thank you.