CITES is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival as a species in their natural range states. Nile crocodiles are listed on Appendix II of CITES, being described as a species that could potentially become endangered and therefore requires monitoring and management.

In Zimbabwe the CITES convention is enforced by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. A national management plan for Crocodiles has been drafted and formally approved by the government ministry responsible for conservation.

All exports of crocodile products (skins and meat) require the issuance of a CITES permit which is issued by the competent authority, and gives authenticity to the origin and credibility of the export products.