Jaap started his career researching fresh water fish and water quality. From 1992 he has worked as a CITES Enforcement Officer, and has become a recognised expert in the protection of flora and fauna covered by both CITES and European Commission regulations, and has worked throughout the European Union. From 2008 he was also acted as an animal welfare officer investigating welfare and cruelty cases.

Since 2003 Jaap has worked closely with several European government departments and non-governmental organizations; particularly in providing training courses and workshops. Jaap has helped protect endangered species world wide, by developing CITES Enforcement staff's knowledge of: regulatory policies, investigative methodology, professional and legal standards, specialised techniques and databases.

After 18 years working as Enforcement Officer, it was time for a change and Jaap started his company REIJNGOUD CoNCEPT.

Regulatory protection by CITES and EC regulations, not only regulates trade in live specimens but also dead specimens including their manufactured derivatives like: timber, taxidermy specimens, cosmetics, food, incense, ivory, skins, bone, herbs, coral, medicines and tourist souvenirs.

The demand for live plants and animal specimens and their products is still increasing in Europe. Information is the key to prevent this illegal trade, not only for enforcement officers; but also for companies and individuals to protect themselves from inadvertent illegal trading when importing, exporting or wholesaling.