- Recommend, when appropriate, that the import, export, and introduction from the sea of wild flora and fauna specimens included in the appendices pose no danger or harm to the survival of the national populations.
Re-export certificates are excepted, as they do not require the advice of the Scientific Authority.
- Issue required opinions on the capacity of the recipient to adequately house and care for live specimens of species included in Appendix I that are imported or introduced from the sea, or formulate recommendations to the Administrative Authority before it issues its opinion and grants the permits or certificates.
- Monitor the status of populations and compile biological information on native species affected by trade, and data on exports, in order to recommend effective corrective measures that limit the export of specimens to maintain them throughout their range at a level consistent with the role they perform in the ecosystem or well above the level at which they might become eligible for inclusion in Appendix I.
- Inform the Administrative Authority whether the scientific institutions applying for registration to obtain scientific exchange labels comply or not with the criteria set out in Resol 2.14 of the Conference of the Parties and in other stricter national norms or regulations.
- Ensure that opinions and advice for export permits for species included in the Appendices are based on scientific analyses of available information on population status, distribution, and trends, harvest, and other biological and ecological factors, as appropriate, and on information on the trade of the species concerned.
- Examine all applications submitted under paragraphs 4 or 5 of Article VII of the Convention and inform the Administrative Authority whether the requesting establishment meets the criteria for producing specimens considered to be bred in captivity or artificially propagated in accordance with the Convention and relevant resolutions.
- Compile and analyze information on the biological status of species affected by trade to facilitate the preparation of proposals necessary to amend the Appendices.
- Analyze the proposals for amending the Appendices presented by other Parties and formulate recommendations regarding the position that the national delegation should assume on the matter.