ESCS  |  Overview of the Certification Scheme  |  Purposes of the Certification Scheme  |  Benefits of the Certification Scheme  |  What the Certification Scheme is not  |  Who can participate  |  Legislation Framework  |  How to apply  |  Assessment  |  Certification  |  Annual Renewal  |  Complaints Process  |  Links

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Endangered Species Certification Scheme (ESCS) is an innovative program funded by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) and administered by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd (AACMA). The aims of the scheme are to:

-                 raise the level of awareness, education and compliance with the legal requirements associated with international wildlife trade;

-        recognise professionals and traders involved in the ethical research, recommendation, prescription, supply, export or import of traditional Chinese medicines; and

-        provide a credible mechanism to acknowledge and support professionals and traders to publicly promote that they do not use or support the use of Chinese medicines containing illegally traded wildlife ingredients.

Participation in the certification system is open to TCM practitioners, traders and other organisations and individuals involved in the research, recommendation, prescription, supply, import of export of traditional Chinese medicines.

In order to take part in the scheme, participants must complete and return an application, including a certification examination. The purpose of the examination is to ascertain the applicants knowledge of wildlife and trade issues, including wildlife law (required reading materials included). The pass mark on all sections 100%.  Unsatisfactory responses will be sent back to the applicant to be reviewed and re-submitted.

AACMA will issue the successful applicants with following items for display at their business premises: 

-           the ESCS Certificate of participation;

-           an ESCS window decal or door sticker for each business premises;

-           two ESCS posters.

For more information on the ESCS or to apply, use the following links:

     Overview of the Certification Scheme

     Purposes of the Certification Scheme

     Benefits of the Certification Scheme 

     What the Certification Scheme is not 

     Who can participate

     Legislation Framework

     How to apply

     Assessment

     Certification

     Annual Renewal

     Complaints Process

     Links

For further information about wildlife trade, including contacts for government departments and offical resources, go to the ESCS links page.