Export permits for CITES Appendix II species, or parts or products derived from these, require that the Scientific Authority of the exporting country carries out a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) and submits the finding to the respective Management Authority. NDFs are a procedure to scientifically evaluate parameters such as species distribution and habitats, population status and trends, harvest practices, as well as volumes and impact of trade in target species. VS 4.0 has advanced by implementing experts’ and users’ recommendations made at various workshops, including the International Expert Workshop on NDF in Nairobi in 2023 and its results published on the CITES-website.

This Guidance breaks down the very complex evaluation of sustainability of trade in species into key aspects and suggests nine steps that a Scientific Authority can take to make a science-based NDF:

• Steps 1–3 involve the evaluation of whether a detailed, science-based NDF is needed (“early exit”) for the species and specimens concerned. 
• Steps 4 and 5 involve the evaluation of conservation concerns and potential biological risks. 
• Steps 6 and 7 involve the evaluation of harvest impacts, and trade impacts relevant to the species concerned.
• Step 8 involves the evaluation of whether the management measures in place are sufficiently rigorous to mitigate the concerns, risks, and impacts identified in steps 4–7.
• Step 9 involves the making of an NDF or other advice to the Management Authority based on the outcomes of Steps 1–8.