Frequently asked questions for the Regulations amending the Wild Animal and Plant Protection Regulations

The Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR), protect wildlife by regulating their international and interprovincial trade.  They also serve to safeguard Canadian ecosystems from the introduction of harmful species.

The purpose of the Regulations Amending the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations made in 2017, is to prevent the introduction of a disease-causing fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), into Canadian ecosystems by temporarily prohibiting the importation of species of the order Caudata (i.e. salamander) without a permit.  The temporary prohibition will provide the Government of Canada with the opportunity to consider longer-term measures to protect Canadian salamanders.

The amendment made to WAPTR in 2017 temporarily prohibits the importation without a permit of any salamander (i.e., whole Caudata order), whether living or dead, or any part or derivative of salamander, for the period of one year from the date the regulations are registered.  The amendment is a precautionary measure to prevent the introduction of Bsal, a disease-causing fungus that may be carried by salamanders, into Canadian ecosystems. 

During the one-year period of restriction, importation of salamanders, whether living or dead, or any parts or derivative or salamander, will require a permit issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Based on the current permitting policy, which may change as more information becomes available, each permit application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and in light of the precautionary principle.  The purpose of the importation will be considered in addition to the capacity of the organization or the individual applying for a permit to comply with any terms and conditions that would be attached to the permit.  It is not anticipated that permits will be issued for commercial or personal reasons based on the current permitting policy.  

The importation of salamanders without a permit is prohibited for the period of one year from the date that the Regulations Amending the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations are registered.

For additional information and guidance documents regarding the permitting for salamander at imports, please visit Permitting Policy for Salamanders.