Information Note 8 — Temporary Movement of CITES Specimens

Table of Contents

• What are the requirements of Article VII, paragraph 7?
• Can specimens not of the above status categories be temporarily traded?
• Are applications involving personal pets or personal effects considered following these same criteria?
• Other requirements?
• Further information

Specimens of CITES-controlled species temporarily imported into and exported from Canada are subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Their temporary movement may be authorized under CITES Article VII, paragraph 7.

What are the requirements of Article VII, paragraph 7?

CITES Article VII, paragraph 7, requires that the exporter or importer register full details of the specimens to be traded by completing an application (available from the CITES Administrator's office) for a CITES Temporary Import/Re-export Certificate or Temporary Export/Re-import Certificate. Also, the specimens must meet one of the following conditions defined under CITES:

– Pre-Convention. This means that, for live and dead animals or plants taken from the wild, the date of their initial removal from their habitat, or for parts and derivatives, the date of their introduction to personal possession, (whichever date is the earliest), must precede the date of the original listing in Canada of the species in any of the CITES Appendices. The Convention entered into force in Canada on July 3, 1975, which is the earliest date that may apply.

– Captive-bred. This means specimens born in captivity from parents that mated in a controlled environment and belonging to a species that is recognized to breed reliably in captivity. In the case of species that are not so recognized, the Canadian CITES authority may grant a certificate to allow the temporary movement of specimens that are themselves, at the minimum, of the second generation bred in captivity; however, this must not be construed as meaning that the specimen is captive-bred as defined by the Convention.

– Artificially propagated. This means plants grown by people from seeds, cuttings, divisions, callus tissues or other plant tissues, spores, or other propagules under controlled nursery conditions.

In addition, for animals, all living specimens must be so prepared and shipped for as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to health, or cruel treatment, in accordance with guidelines adopted by CITES.

Can specimens not of the above status categories be temporarily traded?

Specimens from Appendix I endangered species that do not qualify as pre-Convention or captive-bred (artificially propagated), as defined by CITES, cannot be allowed into or out of Canada temporarily under a CITES Temporary Import (Export)/Re-export (Re-import) Certificate if the purpose is "primarily commercial." Such specimens may only be traded under regular CITES import and export permits issued in accordance with stricter criteria established under CITES Article III.

Specimens from Appendix II or III species that do not qualify may be listed on a CITES Temporary Import (Export)/Re-export (Re-import) Certificate, but authorized only for export or re-export from Canada; authority for import into Canada is gained by obtaining a CITES export permit from the exporting country.

To obtain a copy of the list of species on Appendices I, II, and III, please contact the CITES Administrator or the wildlife service in your province or territory of residence.

Are applications involving personal pets or personal effects considered following these same criteria?

Not necessarily. Under these circumstance movement may be authorized for legally obtained specimens for the exclusive personal use of their owners. Pet owners must complete an application form for a Temporary Import (Export) / Re-export (Re-import) Certificate "concerning personal pets only." These Certificates may be made valid for up to three years and allow multiple shipments.

Other requirements?

Please note that the import of live animals or plants into Canada or another country may also require additional permits from the appropriate veterinary or phytosanitary service.

The procurement of a Canadian Certificate does not affect the obligation of the permittee to obtain any licence, permit, or certificate to import or to export such specimens that may be required under any other Canadian or foreign law. Therefore, please check with the government of the importing or exporting country for their CITES permit requirement before trading any specimen.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.