The CMA CGM Group commits to fight illicit trafficking in protected species and tightens its shipment control procedures

09 Jul 2020 10:18 Shipping News

  • Tighter procedures introduced for transporting protected species and creation of a black list of shippers involved in the collapse of biodiversity.
  • Suspension of all timber exports from the Gambia following suspicions of illicit rosewood trafficking.
  • A landmark decision and a responsible choice to protect biodiversity.
Tighter procedures and creation of a black list of shippers
The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, is reinforcing its procedures for shipping protected species, the trade in which is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As part of these tighter procedures, shippers must expressly state whether a species is covered by the CITES convention and, where appropriate, provide the requisite export permit whenever any animal or plant goods are carried. In parallel, the CMA CGM Group will draw up a black list of exporters suspected to be involved in illicit trafficking. We are also enhancing the training of our sales agents around the world and tightening up our “know-your-customer” audit procedures, in coordination with the CMA CGM Academy and the CITES.
 
Suspension of all timber exports from the Gambia
Following several suspicions that undeclared rosewood may have been part of cargo shipments from the Gambia, the Group has decided to halt its timber exports from the country until further notice. Rosewood is a protected species, and trade in it is regulated by the CITES. This highly sought-after wood is felled illegally in the region and then exported under various different guises. This illicit trade is heavily implicated in the deforestation of West Africa.
 
A landmark decision and a responsible choice to protect biodiversity
With these measures, the CMA CGM Group is again demonstrating its leadership within the shipping industry in the protection of the environment. This decision, which is part of the strengthening of the Group's CSR policy, illustrates CMA CGM’s resolve to help conserve global biodiversity and not to further imperil our planet’s future.
 
About CMA CGM
Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group is a world leader in shipping and logistics. Its 489 vessels serve more than 420 ports on five continents around the world and carried nearly 22 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2019. With CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics services, CMA CGM handles more than 500,000 tons of airfreight and 1.9 million tons of inland freight every year. CMA CGM is constantly innovating to offer customers new maritime, inland and logistics solutions. Present on every continent and in 160 countries through its network of 755 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs 110,000 people worldwide, of which 2,400 in Marseille where its head office is located.
 
 
 

The CMA CGM Group commits to fight illicit trafficking in protected species

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