“Campaigning for Better Wildlife Protection Laws in Singapore”
Campaign Introduction:
Strengthening Wildlife Protection Laws in Singapore
The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act is Singapore’s national legislation that enforces the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It governs the import and export of endangered species to help protect wildlife from illegal trade.
In 2006, following years of advocacy by ACRES, the Act was repealed and re-enacted to bring it in closer alignment with international CITES standards. The updated Endangered Species (Import and Export) Bill was passed in Parliament in January 2006 and came into effect in March that same year.
Key Improvements to the Act
The revised legislation closed a major loophole in the former law, where penalties were applied per species involved rather than per individual animal or plant. Under the updated Act, each individual protected animal or plant—or part thereof—is now considered a separate offence, significantly enhancing deterrence.
Further enhancements include:
- Expanded enforcement powers for the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)
- Increased penalties, raising the maximum fine from $5,000 to $50,000 per animal, with an aggregate cap of $500,000 and/or up to two years’ imprisonment
- Stricter treatment of counterfeit wildlife products, allowing authorities to act on markings, labels, or claims without needing to prove the physical presence of endangered species in a product
- Equal penalties for attempted and abetted offences, in line with the Criminal Procedure Code
The AVA is now also empowered to investigate, search, inspect, detain, seize, or confiscate any illegal CITES-protected species, including those transiting through Singapore.
A Positive Step Forward, with More to Be Done
ACRES applauds the Singapore government for taking this significant step forward in strengthening our nation’s stance against the illegal wildlife trade. These legislative improvements send a strong message to wildlife traffickers and set a higher standard for protection.
However, our concern remains with the current cap of $500,000 on fines. This limit may still incentivise large-scale trafficking, as offenders could profit by smuggling greater quantities of wildlife at once, gambling on not being caught. We hope to see this cap removed in future amendments to allow for unlimited fines, thereby ensuring that penalties truly match the scale of harm inflicted.
With Gratitude
We extend our deepest appreciation to:
- Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources
- Dr. Geh Min, Nominated Member of Parliament
For championing the cause of wildlife protection and addressing critical gaps in the former Act.
We also thank the AVA and the Ministry of National Development for their positive response and commitment to strengthening Singapore’s role in combatting the illegal wildlife trade.
Together, we move closer to a world where all wild animals are treated with respect, protected by law, and free from exploitation.