Commercial Trade
in Wildlife
In Canada and around the world, wild plants and animals are
threatened with extinction as a result of habitat loss and
over-harvesting for commercial and personal purposes. Ontario
is a major port for the international movement of endangered
species of wild plants and animals, and related products.
The Wildlife Enforcement Division collaborates with other
federal, provincial and international organizations to ensure
that the interprovincial and international trade of native
and non-native wild plants and animals and their products
is carried out in a legal manner.
Legislation
Commercial trade in wildlife must be conducted in compliance
with the Wild
Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International
and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). This law stipulates
the federal permit requirements for the international trade
of wildlife, their parts, and products made from them. WAPPRIITA
is the legislation through which Canada enforces and administers
its responsibilities under the Convention
on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora
and Fauna (CITES), an international agreement to protect
endangered species. Canada is one of more than 150 countries
which have signed the Convention.
CITES Plant and Animal Listing
Check the CITES
Control List to determine whether a particular wild species
or derived product is protected under CITES.
Permit Requirements
If you are trading species or products that contain CITES
listed species you will need a CITES permit in addition to
any other trade documents.
To understand how CITES works and the permit requirements,
please read the Rules and Regulations
for Importing and Exporting Endangered Species.
CITES Permit Application and Issuing Agencies in Ontario
In Ontario, if you require a CITES Import
Permit; CITES Multiple Use Permit;
or a CITES Export Permit for plants
(orchids, cacti, ginseng, mahogany, etc.), please contact
the CITES Administrator:
Telephone: (819) 997-1840
Mailing address: CITES Administrator,
351 St. Joseph Blvd,
Ottawa, Ontario, KIA 0H3
If you require a CITES Export Permit
for non-indigenous animals, please
contact the Ontario Region Permit Officer:
Telephone: (905) 336-4464
Mailing address: Permits Officer,
Environment Canada,
Canadian Wildlife Service,
867 Lakeshore Road,
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4A6
If you require a CITES Export Permit
for indigenous plants and animals,
please contact your local Ontairo Ministry of Natural Resources
Office. In the Greater Toronto Area, please contact:
Telephone: (905) 713-7345
Mailing address: OMNR,
Aurora District,
50 Bloomington Street West,
Aurora, Ontario, L4G 3G8
If you require a CITES Export Permit
for a marine mammal, please contact
the Ontario Regional Office of the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans at:
Telephone: (905) 336-6472
Mailing address: Permit Officer,
Department of Fisheries and Oceans,
867 Lakeshore Road, 4th Floor,
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4A6
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