Trade in protected species: non-detriment findings

International trade in CITES-listed species must only occur if it is non-detrimental to the survival of the species. A Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Scientific Authority makes this decision, which is called a non-detriment finding, or NDF. Non-detriment findings are made for CITES-listed wildlife specimens (individuals or parts or derivatives) when they are exported.

Scientific Authorities make non-detriment findings for permits on a case-by-case basis. Considerations in making an NDF include the biology, conservation status, trade levels and harvest management of the species. In making our NDFs, we follow guidance from the IUCN's Guidance for CITES Scientific Authorities for making NDFs, and the CITES Resolution on NDFs.

Canada has prepared reports to document the considerations of the Scientific Authority for some of the most commonly-exported Canadian species. These documents are called "Standing Non-Detriment Finding Reports" and they are publicly available.

To access the Standing Non-Detriment Finding Reports, click on the species of interest, below .  

• Atlantic sturgeon^Footnote1
• Black bear
• Bobcat
• Cougar
• Ginseng
• Goldenseal
• Grey wolf
• Grizzly bear
• Lynx
• Narwhal^Footnote1
• Polar bear (Inuktitut: ᓇᓄᖅ)
• River otter
• Sandhill crane

Related links

• Trade in protected species: primates
• Notice to exporters of american ginseng