Trade in protected species: international convention

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement protecting wild animals and plants. It sets controls on international trade so that the survival of species in the wild is not threatened. 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

• Import and export of elephant tusk (ivory) and rhinoceros horn
• 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