Trade in protected species: international convention

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a treaty protecting wild plants or animals. It sets controls on international trade so that the species are not harmed. CITES protection applies to endangered animals and plants in any form:

• alive or dead
• whole or in parts
• or any products made from them

A permit is needed to import or export CITES protected species.

CITES has 3 levels of protection:

• Level 1 (Appendix I) are species at risk. Commercial trade is generally not allowed.
• Level 2 (Appendix II) are species that need controls to protect them. Trade is possible with the right permits.
• Level 3 (Appendix III) are species at risk in a country needing help monitoring the trade.

Notices

• All exporters: CITES permit validation at the border

Publications

• Travelling with your exotic pet: poster
• Travelling abroad or visiting Canada: poster

Related links

• Trade in protected species: Conference of the Parties
• Import permits for species harmful to Canadian ecosystems
• Trade in protected species: non-detriment findings
• Permits for trade in protected species
• Trade in protected species: publications
• Trade in protected species: roles and responsibilities in Canada
• Trade in protected species: Canadian act and regulation for wild animal and plant protection
• Trade in protected species: relevant authorities
• Endangered species trade: background documents
• Trade in protected species: contact us
• Trade in protected species: useful Canadian and international sites
• Trade in protected species: frequently asked questions
• Endangered species list
• Endangered species and trade
• Endangered species and the international traveller
• Animal and plant ingredients in traditional medicine
• American ginseng