1. The functions of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) are defined under Section 38 Z (1) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which reads as follows:

"Subject to the Provisions of this Act, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau shall take measures with respect to:-

(i) Collect and collate intelligence related to organized Wildlife Crime activities and to disseminate the same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals and to establish a centralized Wildlife Crime data bank;

(ii) Co-ordination of actions by various officers, State Governments and other authorities in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, either directly or through regional and border units set up by the Bureau;

(iii) Implementation of obligations under the various international Conventions and protocols that are in force at present or which may be ratified or acceded to by India in future;

(iv) Assistance to concerned authorities in foreign countries and concerned international organizations to facilitate co-ordination and universal action for wildlife crime control;

(v) Develop infrastructure and capacity building for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes;

(vi) Advice the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, and suggest changes required in relevant policy and laws from time to time."

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau shall exercise —

(i). Such powers as may be delegated to it under sub-section (1) of section 5; sub - sections (1) and (8) of section 50 and section 55 of this Act; and

(ii). Such other powers as may be prescribed.

2. The Regional Deputy Directors of the Bureau at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are designated CITES Assistant Management Authorities. These offices assist and advise Customs authorities in the inspection of consignments of flora and fauna as per the provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item.