Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act

Annual Report to Parliament for 2024

Highlights included in the 2024 Report

International: Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) wildlife officers participated in the International Criminal Police Organization’s (INTERPOL) Operation Thunder 2024, an annual global enforcement operation working across borders to deter, disrupt, and dismantle criminal and organized crime networks involved in the illegal trafficking of protected wild plant and animal species (including timber species). Operation Thunder 2024 was the largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation to date and involved 138 countries and regions. Worldwide, it resulted in the seizure of nearly 20,000 live animals, the arrest of 365 suspects, and the identification of more than 100 companies involved in the illegal trafficking of protected species.

In November 2024, the listing of the Handroanthus, Tabebuia, and Roseodendron species (commonly known as “lpe” wood) and of the Dipteryx species (commonly known as “Cumaru” woods) on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II became effective after a 24-month delay following the decision made at the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) in November 2022. These tropical woods have various uses in Canada, such as for furniture, musical instruments, flooring or decking, and are therefore imported into and regularly re-exported from Canada. Since November 2024, a CITES permit is required for the import or export of logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood from these species of wood.

Domestic: On January 8, 2024, the strengthened requirements under the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) for the import and re-export of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn came into effect. Import and export permits for raw elephant ivory and raw rhinoceros horn (including hunting trophies) are no longer granted, except for zoos, museums, scientific purposes, or enforcement activities. The personal effects and household effects permit exemptions were removed for worked elephant tusk and rhinoceros horn (which is ivory and horn that has been carved, shaped or processed, either fully or partially), meaning that all elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn entering or leaving Canada now require a permit.

The Standing Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) Report to support the issuance of export permits for Polar Bear was updated in March 2024. Its overall assessment is that export of legally harvested polar bear from Canada is considered non-detrimental to the species in the wild.

Exports: In 2024, there were 6,898 permits issued for the export and re-export of CITES species from Canada, a 10% increase from 2023. These permits authorized 67,940 shipments of CITES species which represented a 21% increase from 2023. The largest share of multiple shipment permits included 59,506 shipments of American Ginseng and 7,822 shipments of biomedical samples.

Imports: In 2024, 166 CITES import permits were issued, the same quantity as in 2023. These were primarily for the import of old ivory, captive bred animals (for example, Arowana or pet parrots), animals for zoos, and live orchids. In addition, 12 permits were issued for the import of species which pose a risk to Canadian ecosystems, primarily for scientific research with the remainder for pets.

Enforcement: ECCC conducted 6,619 inspections under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). Most inspections focused on foreign species at high conservation risk. There were 405 suspected offences of WAPPRIITA or its regulations that resulted in 50 administrative monetary penalties, 8 tickets and 241 warnings. There were also 5 successful prosecutions related to offences under WAPPRIITA that involved unlawful trade of protected species or their parts or derivates (for example, live turtle and turtle eggs, European Eel meat, rosaries made from black coral, rings made of African elephant ivory, various taxidermy mounts including hippopotamus, giraffe, mountain lion, and baboon).

1. Introduction

Under section 28 of WAPPRIITA, the Minister of ECCC shall annually prepare a report with respect to the administration of the Act. This report covers the administration of the Act for the year 2024.

1.1 CITES and WAPPRIITA

CITES came into force in 1975 and has been adopted by 185 countries. CITES regulates the trade and international movement of animal and plant species that are, or may become, threatened with over-exploitation because of trade pressures. Motions to protect such species are considered and, where appropriate, adopted by the Parties to the Convention. When a motion is adopted, the species is listed in 1 of 3 Appendices according to the degree of protection needed.

Appendices to CITES
Appendix I	Species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
Appendix II	Species not currently threatened with extinction but in which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
Appendix III	Species that are protected in at least 1 country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade.

WAPPRIITA and the WAPTR, which came into force on May 14, 1996, provide Canada with the authority to regulate trade in animal and plant species to meet its international obligations under CITES.

The main purpose of WAPPRIITA is to implement CITES by protecting Canadian and foreign species of animals and plants that may be at risk of overexploitation because of unsustainable or illegal trade, and to safeguard the Canadian ecosystem from the introduction of harmful species of animals and plants. WAPPRIITA also prohibits the import of animal and plant species taken, possessed, distributed or transported in contravention of any law of any foreign state, and regulates the interprovincial trade of protected wildlife.

WAPTR, among other things, defines the animals and plants that are subject to the different prohibitions under WAPPRIITA, clarifies permitting authorities, and provides exemptions to permitting requirements. WAPTR also specifies that the import of listed species that may be deemed injurious to Canadian ecosystems requires a permit. WAPTR includes 3 schedules that list animal and plant species for the following reasons:  

Schedule I	Includes all animals listed as fauna and all plants listed as flora in the 3 CITES appendices. These species require permits for import/export unless otherwise exempted.
Schedule II	Lists other plant and animal species that do not necessarily appear in the CITES appendices but require an import permit. These are species that may pose a risk to Canadian ecosystems.
Schedule III	Lists the Schedule I species that are recognized as endangered or threatened within Canada.

1.2 Responsibilities in administering WAPPRIITA

ECCC is responsible for the administration and enforcement of WAPPRIITA and WAPTR and is the designated Management Authority and Scientific Authority for the purpose of CITES.

As the Management Authority, ECCC has the overall responsibility for verifying and validating requests for international trade of specimens of animals and plants that are regulated under CITES originating from, or destined for, Canada. This responsibility includes issuing CITES permits and certificates.

As the Scientific Authority, ECCC has the overall responsibility for determining whether the international trade of a species is detrimental to its survival. This responsibility includes monitoring the international trade of wild animals and plants to and from Canada to ensure that current levels of trade are sustainable.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for the issuance of permits and validation of export requests for specimens of CITES-listed aquatic species. More information on the roles and responsibilities of federal departments in the implementation and administration of CITES can be found online.

Furthermore, ECCC oversees the enforcement of WAPPRIITA, which is carried out in cooperation with other federal departments and agencies, such as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and with provincial and territorial wildlife agencies. Border officials play an important role at ports of entry, manually verifying and validating permits and referring shipments to ECCC personnel for inspection, as required.

ECCC maintains enforcement agreements and memoranda of understanding with Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia and Nunavut. The collaboration between Canada and its provincial and territorial partners is advantageous because it results in better coordination of efforts and resources in undertaking wildlife enforcement actions, especially large-scale operations. 

2. Assessing the risk to species from trade

Countries exporting specimens of species listed in CITES Appendices I or II must provide a scientific determination that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. This determination is referred to as a non-detriment finding (NDF). Some countries, such as the United States and member countries of the European Union, enforce regulations that are stricter than CITES, leading to a higher level of scrutiny when they are considering exports and NDFs from exporting countries.

2.1 Non-detriment findings

NDFs are consistent with Resolutions adopted by the CITES Conference of the Parties (COP), the Guidance for CITES Scientific Authorities produced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and guidance provided by the CITES Secretariat.

In Canada, NDFs are determined on a permit-by-permit basis. For some of the most commonly-exported Canadian species, Canada has prepared reports to document the considerations of the Scientific Authority. These documents are called "Standing Non-Detriment Finding Reports" (Standing NDF Report). Canada’s species-specific Standing NDF Reports are developed by the federal-provincial/territorial CITES Scientific Authorities working group, with participation and review by species experts and Indigenous peoples. Canada has standing NDF reports that cover a large portion of Canada’s trade, which include: American Ginseng, Atlantic Sturgeon, Black Bear, Bobcat, Canadian Lynx, Cougar, Goldenseal, Grey Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Narwhal, Polar Bear, River Otter, and Sandhill Crane. Standing NDF reports are reviewed periodically and, if necessary, updated with the most recent information.

In March 2024, the Standing NDF Report to support the issuance of export permits for Polar Bear was updated. Its overall assessment is that export of legally harvested polar bear from Canada is considered non-detrimental. Each permit application is, however, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Canada’s Standing NDF Reports can be found online.

3. Management of wild animals and plants in trade

The effective implementation of CITES depends on international cooperation to regulate cross-border movement of listed species through a global system of permits that are verified at international borders.

3.1 Permitting overview

WAPPRIITA and WAPTR establish rules related to permitting for CITES-protected species, as well as certain species posing risks to Canadian ecosystems.

3.1.1 Requirements

In Canada, CITES permits are issued pursuant to WAPPRIITA. There are different permit requirements depending on the CITES appendix under which the species is listed:

• Appendix I species require both an import and export permit
• Appendix II species require an export permit
• Appendix III species require an export permit or a certificate of origin

Table 1 describes the various types of permits and certificates that are issued under WAPPRIITA.

Table 1: Types of Canadian permits and certificates under WAPPRIITA

Type of permit or certificate	Description
Import permit	Issued for all specimens of species included in Schedule I of the WAPTR that are also listed in CITES Appendix I. An export permit from the exporting country is also required to authorize the importation into Canada. Import permits are valid for up to 1 year.
Export permit	Issued for all specimens of species included in Schedule I of the WAPTR that are also listed in CITES Appendix I and II to be exported from Canada. An export permit is also required for species listed in CITES Appendix III that originate in Canada and proposed for listing by Canada (for example, Walrus). Multiple shipments under a permit can be authorized when the applicant intends to make multiple transactions during the period for which the permit is valid. Export permits are valid for up to 6 months.
Re-export certificate	Issued for all specimens of species included in Schedule I of the WAPTR to be exported from Canada after having been legally imported into Canada at an earlier time. Multiple shipments under a permit can be authorized when the applicant intends to make multiple transactions during the period for which the permit is valid. Re-export certificates are valid for up to 6 months.
Certificate of ownership	Issued to authorize frequent cross-border movement of personally owned live CITES-listed animals (also known as a pet passport). Certificates of ownership are valid for up to 3 years.
Temporary movement/ travelling exhibition certificate	Issued for specimens that are only temporarily exported from Canada and that will, within a limited amount of time, be returned to Canada. Authorization can be provided for orchestras, museum exhibits or circus specimens that are either pre-CITES, captive‑bred or artificially propagated. Authorization can also be provided for individuals travelling with musical instruments containing parts made from CITES-listed species (for example, elephant ivory, Brazilian Rosewood). Temporary movement certificates are valid for up to 3 years.
Scientific certificate	Issued for the exchange between CITES-registered scientific institutions of museum, research and herbarium specimens. Scientific certificates are valid for up to 3 years.
Injurious wildlife permit	An injurious wildlife permit is necessary for importing specimens of species posing risks to Canadian ecosystems that are included in Schedule II of the WAPTR. These could be for zoos and scientific institutions; or for the import of fur products or garments.

3.1.2 Exemptions

WAPPRIITA authorizes exemptions in specific situations for the import and export of CITES‑listed species without permits. The WAPTR specify 4 exemptions: tourist souvenirs, personal effects, household effects and certain hunting trophies. The hunting trophy exemption applies to fresh, frozen or salted trophies of Black Bear and Sandhill Crane, acquired and possessed by individuals through legal hunting in Canada or the United States.  

Canadian threatened or endangered species listed on Schedule III of the WAPTR are not included in these exemptions and require all necessary CITES permits. More information on exemptions is available online.

On January 8, 2024, the strengthened requirements under the WAPTR for the import and re-export of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn came into effect. Import and export permits for raw elephant ivory and raw rhinoceros horn (including hunting trophies) are no longer granted, except for zoos, museums, scientific purposes, or enforcement activities. The personal effects and household effects permit exemptions were removed for worked elephant tusk and rhinoceros horn (which is ivory and horn that has been carved, shaped or processed, either fully or partially), meaning that all elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn entering or leaving Canada now requires a permit.

3.1.3 Service standards under WAPPRIITA

ECCC has established service standards for WAPPRIITA permit decisions and the issuance of permits. ECCC’s goal is to provide permit decisions within a certain number of days (depending on the permit type), and to meet these standards for at least 90% of all permit applications. The performance is tracked on a fiscal year basis (which is, from April 1 to March 31 of the following year).

For the period covering April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, over 90% of the performance targets for all CITES and WAPTR permit categories were met (see Table 2).

Table 2: Service standards and performance for protected species trade from April 2024 to March 2025

Category	Number of Permits Issued	Target	Performance
CITES permits
Hunting trophy exports	1997	90% of permits issued within 21 days	94%
Polar bear exports	95	90% of permits issued within 70 days	96%
Other CITES permit types	4083	90% of permits issued within 35 days	99%
WAPTR permits
Injurious wildlife permits	10	90% of permits issued within 70 days	100%

3.2 CITES permits issued in 2024

When a species is protected under CITES, a permit is required for all specimens of that species (unless exemptions apply). A specimen can be the live species, parts or derivatives of the species, or finished products made from the species. There are over 40,900 species listed under CITES with 34,310 of those species being plants (such as Orchids, Cacti, and trees) and 6,610  species of animals. While there is a small number of species listed under CITES indigenous to Canada, many foreign species are imported into Canada and either re-exported, bred or propagated in Canada, or transformed into finished products in Canada.

CITES permits are issued by Canadian CITES permitting offices, which includes ECCC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Yukon. The following lists set out the division of responsibility for the issuing of permits and certificates.

ECCC

• export permits and re-export permits for non-indigenous species
• exports permits and re-exports certificates for specimens of indigenous species harvested in Canada
• imports permits and other specialized CITES certificates
• imports permits for species that may pose a risk to Canadian ecosystems (listed in Schedule II of WAPTR)

New Brunswick, British Columbia, Yukon

• export permits for indigenous species harvested in their jurisdiction

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• the majority of the export permits for CITES-listed aquatic species

3.2.1 Export permits and re-export certificates

Canadian CITES permitting offices issued 6,898 export permits and re-export certificates under WAPPRIITA. The number of permits issued increased by 10% compared to 2023 (6,250). Figure 1 shows the total number of export permits and re-export certificates issued over the previous 10 years. Table 3 shows the number of export permits and re-export certificates issued in 2024 by Canadian CITES permitting offices.

Figure 1: Total CITES export permits and re-export certificates issued in the previous 10 years

Table 3: CITES export permits and re-export certificates issued in Canadian CITES permitting offices in 2024

Canadian jurisdiction	Number of export permits and re-export certificates issued	Percentage of total export permits and re-export certificates issued by Canada (Percentages are rounded)
Federal Government
ECCC	5,605	81.3%
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	142	2.1%
Provinces/ Territories
British Columbia	904	13.1%
New Brunswick	141	2%
Yukon	106	1.5%
Total	6,898	100%

The number of permits issued is not indicative of trade volumes as there is not a one-to-one relationship between permits issued and the quantity of specimens on the permit. Each species and their parts or derivatives are listed on a permit. An export permit or re-export certificate may authorize the export of multiple specimens (such as biomedical samples, meaning blood, serum, or microscope slides), or it may authorize large quantities of a specimen (such as Bobcat or Lynx skins from a fur auction).

In 2024, Canada issued export permits and re-export certificates for the following purposes of transaction^{Footnote 1}:

• hunting trophies
• personal use
• scientific research
• commercial purposes
• biomedical research
• breeding
• other

Figure 2 shows the percentage of distribution of export permits and re-export certificates, by purpose of transaction, issued in 2024. Figure 3 shows the percentage of distribution of export permits and re-export certificates, by purpose of transaction, issued between 2015 and 2024.

Figure 2: Percentage of CITES export permits and re-export certificates issued in 2024, by purpose of transaction

Figure 3: Percentages of CITES export permits and re-export certificates issued in previous years by purpose of transaction (some numbers have been rounded)

Table 4 indicates the number of permits issued in each of the past 11 calendar years for the export of Polar Bears harvested in Canada. The permits may include any Polar Bear specimen, for example, skin, skull, claws, or baculum. Permits for scientific samples or museum exhibits are not included in this analysis. Since an export permit may relate to polar bears harvested many years prior, there is no correlation between the bears harvested and the export permits issued each year. The number of export permits issued per year for polar bear exports continues to decline.

Table 4: Number of CITES export permits issued per year for Polar Bears harvested in Canada, and breakdown by the season in which the bears were harvested

Year permit issued	Total export permits issued	2023-2024	2022-2023	2021-2022	2020-2021	2019-2020	2018-2019	2017-2018	2016-2017	2015-2016	2014-2015	2013-2014	N/A
2024	78	12	13	13	9	9	2	7	4	0	0	5	4
2023	116	0	10	31	8	10	6	14	19	5	3	4	6
2022	99	0	0	9	16	18	14	12	10	7	2	3	8
2021	169	0	0	0	20	29	22	21	14	13	6	21	23
2020	109	0	0	0	20	31	16	16	8	4	6	2	6
2019	148	0	0	0	0	29	45	21	20	7	12	6	8
2018	206	0	0	0	0	0	1	57	40	45	27	18	18
2017	215	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	45	79	29	24	38
2016	232	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	67	57	50	58
2015	292	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	50	87	155
2014	237	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	56	181

*Harvest season is counted from July to June of the following year. For example, harvest season 2018-2019 started on July 1, 2018, and finished on June 30, 2019.

*N/A would be for bear specimens that were harvested prior to 2013-2014 or found specimens (such as skulls).

Note: Even if a permit for a specific Polar Bear is issued in a calendar year, the actual export may not take place for various reasons (for example, the permit expired before shipment could take place, cancelled shipment, or changes from rug to full mount). A permit could be reissued in the same calendar year or subsequent years for a specific Polar Bear, procedures are in place to ensure no duplication.

Note: Following a review of data, the number of Polar Bears by harvest season was revised for the permit years 2022 and 2023.

3.2.2 Export or re-export permits for multiple shipments

An export permit or re-export certificate may authorize multiple shipments of specimens. The permit or certificate holder is responsible for identifying the destination, specific specimens and quantities that make up each shipment. This provides a simplified procedure for permit holders who trade in specimens with very little or no impact to the conservation of species. Of the 6,898 export permits and re-export certificates listed in Table 3, there were 1,028 permits issued for multiple shipments, authorizing 67,940 shipments. By far, the largest share of multiple shipment permits was issued to growers and distributors of American Ginseng (59,506), with the next largest share being for shipments of biomedical samples (7,822).

3.2.3 Imports into Canada

Figure 4 indicates the total number of CITES import permits issued over the past 10 years.

Figure 5 indicates the distribution of the 166 CITES import permits issued in 2024, by purpose of transaction. Figure 7 indicates the percentage of overall CITES import permits issued from 2015 to 2024, by purpose of transaction.

Figure 4: Total number of CITES import permits issued over the past 10 years

Figure 5: Percentage of CITES import permits issued in 2024, by purpose of transaction

Figure 6: Percentage of CITES import permits issued from 2015 to 2024 by purpose of transaction

3.2.4 Specialized CITES certificates

As indicated in Table 1, there are 3 types of specialized CITES certificates that allow movement of CITES-listed specimens under specific circumstances: certificates of ownership, temporary movement certificates, and scientific certificates. While these specialized certificates represent a modest number of permits issued each year, they serve a very important function by facilitating the movement of specimens of CITES-listed species in low-risk situations.

Table 5: CITES certificates issued from 2013 to 2024 by type

Year	Certificate of ownership	Temporary movement certificate	Scientific certificate	Total
2024	72	43	14	129
2023	66	21	3	90
2022	122	16	10	148
2021	62	10	11	83
2020	41	11	3	55
2019	81	52	5	138
2018	49	37	7	93
2017	65	41	11	117
2016	104	40	1	145
2015	68	27	5	100
2014	68	45	13	126
2013	88	33	5	126

3.2.5 Annual report to CITES

Every country that is Party to CITES is required to submit to the CITES Secretariat an annual report by October 31 covering actions in the preceding calendar year (for example, the 2023 annual report was due on October 31, 2024). The data from the annual reports are included in the database maintained for the CITES Secretariat and provide the basis for comparative trade analysis, the Review of Significant Trade, quota management, identification of Parties with high trade volumes under the National Legislation Project, reports to various fora and overall compliance and enforcement. In 2023, Canada issued permits for nearly 450 different CITES-listed species^{Footnote 2}. 

Figure 7 highlights some of the most important animal exports and re-exports reported by Canada in its 2023 CITES annual report.

Figure 7: High volume of animal exports or re-exports listed in Canada’s 2023 CITES annual report (Canadian species)

*May include skin, body, trophy, garment or skulls.

In 2023, other notable volumes of export or re-exports of animals included:

• macaques as scientific specimens: 215,313 grams, 71,414 millilitres, and 239,348 specimens^{Footnote 3} 
• Crocodile species: 1,904 leather products or skin pieces
• Elephant ivory: 710 carvings or pieces (1 piano = 52 ivory pieces)

Notable volumes of animal imports included:

• Live arowana: 273 individuals
• Siamese crocodile meat: 1,742 kg
• Elephant ivory: 280 carvings or pieces

Figure 8 highlights some of the most important plant exports and re-exports reported by Canada in its 2023 CITES annual report.

Figure 8: High volume of plant exports or re-exports listed in Canada’s 2023 CITES annual report

In 2023, 4,629 live orchid plants were imported in Canada under various CITES permits.

3.3 Injurious wildlife permits (import only)

In addition to import permits required under CITES, Canada requires import permits, referred to as injurious wildlife permits, for certain species that may pose a risk to Canadian ecosystems, but do not necessarily appear in the CITES appendices. Injurious wildlife permits are most commonly issued to allow the import of live animals for exhibits at zoos or for research by scientific institutions. The targeted species are listed in Schedule II of WAPTR and include Raccoon Dogs, Mongooses, Starlings, Mynas, and Oxpeckers as well as all species under the order Caudata, which includes Salamanders, Newts and Mudpuppies.

Table 6: Injurious wildlife permits issued from 2017 to 2024

Year	Live animals (Salamanders or Mongooses)	Garments/scientific specimens	Total
2024	4	8	12
2023	4	1	5
2022	4	0	4
2021	9	0	9
2020	2	1	3
2019	4	6	10
2018	5	5	10
2017	4	1	5

3.4 Canada’s trading partners

The United States, the member countries of the European Union and the countries of East and Southeast Asia continue to be Canada’s major trading partners under CITES, particularly for exports. In 2024, exports to the United States and the European Union covered a wide range of specimens and species. In the case of East and Southeast Asia, cultivated American Ginseng was the most commonly exported species from Canada, with these regions accounting for the majority of Canada’s exports for ginseng. Canada also exported a large number of captive bred falcons (464 in 2024) primarily to Middle Eastern countries (Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates).

4. Compliance promotion and enforcement of CITES and WAPPRIITA

ECCC works in partnership with a broad range of law enforcement organizations to promote and verify compliance with WAPPRIITA. These partners include the CBSA, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Transport Canada (TC), Natural Resources Canada (NRC), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial and territorial law enforcement and conservation authorities, as well as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

ECCC also promotes and verifies compliance with CITES on the international stage. ECCC is an active partner with the INTERPOL participating yearly in Operation Thunder, an INTERPOL and World Customs Organization operation targeting the illegal trafficking of CITES species.

4.1 Compliance promotion

Compliance promotion initiatives educate Canadians about the impacts of illegal wildlife trade and provide information to regulated communities on the species that cannot be moved across Canadian borders without a permit issued under WAPPRIITA.

In 2024, ECCC continued to promote compliance with CITES and WAPPRIITA by responding to public inquiries and providing guidance on its website. The website includes information on trade impacts on animals and plants, WAPPRIITA (and its regulations) and CITES.  ECCC was also able to continue to promote compliance through informational displays located at various venues, including airports, science centres, zoos, customs offices, and border crossings.

With respect to the November 2024 coming into force of the permit requirements for the genuses Handroanthus spp., Roseodendron spp., and Tabebuia spp., most commonly known as “Ipe” wood, as well as Dipteryx spp, most commonly known as “Cumaru” or “Brazilian teak”, ECCC promoted compliance through new information that was posted online as well as letters emailed to known stakeholders.

Premiere of the documentary Rhino Man: would you risk your life to save a species?

On June 20, 2024, ECCC’s Wildlife Enforcement officers set up a display table of confiscated illegal wildlife products at the premiere of Rhino Man, a documentary film that aims to inspire more people to protect rhinos from poachers and habitat loss. The display table created a visceral reminder of the reality of these crimes. They also provided information regarding Canada’s recent implementation of additional measures to control the trade of elephant ivory and rhinoceros’ horns in January 2024.

4.2 Enforcement activities

ECCC wildlife officers conduct inspections, review permits, audit import and export declarations, and verify items at ports of entry and exit. They also conduct investigations to determine penal liability and collect evidence to support prosecutions. They collect data, share information with provincial, territorial and national partners, as well as international enforcement organizations. They also follow up on valuable tips provided by partners and the public.

4.2.1 Inspections

Inspections verify that the import and export of protected animals and plants comply with the requirements under WAPPRIITA. Inspections are either proactively planned or conducted in response to a referral from another federal department or agency (such as the CBSA), a provincial or territorial government, or the public. Most of the inspections conducted under WAPPRIITA focus on foreign species at high conservation risk through ECCC’s use of a risk-based approach to guide its efforts.

In 2024, ECCC wildlife officers conducted 6,619 inspections compared to 6,431 inspections in 2023.

4.2.2 Investigations

ECCC wildlife officers conduct investigations when there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been, is being, or is about to be committed under its legislation. Investigations involve gathering evidence and information relevant to a suspected violation.

During a search, ECCC wildlife officers may detain and seize any item that they reasonably believe may have been used to commit an offence under the legislation, is related to the commission of an offence or will provide evidence of an offence. ECCC wildlife officers will use their powers of seizure and detention when they believe that this is necessary and in the public interest.

In 2024, ECCC initiated 62 new investigations involving international and interprovincial movements of wildlife.

4.2.3 Offences

ECCC wildlife officers review suspected or alleged offences. If it is determined that no offence has occurred or that there is insufficient evidence to warrant further investigation, no additional enforcement action is taken. If they can substantiate that an offence took place, they have a legal obligation to enforce the law and use their discretionary power to choose the most appropriate enforcement response to violations. Before deciding on how to respond to violations, ECCC wildlife officers will consider factors described in the Compliance and Enforcement Policy for Wildlife Legislation.

In 2024, there were 405 suspected or alleged offences of WAPPRIITA or its regulations. Inspections and investigations resulted in 8 tickets (totalling $1,110), 50 administrative monetary penalties (totalling $61,800), and 5 new prosecutions, 1 alternative measure, 1 removal notice, and 241 warnings (no fine amount associated).

A total of 78 suspected or alleged offences did not lead to the issuance of an enforcement measure. In some cases, the information, tips or referrals received were unfounded or erroneous. In others, the return to compliance was carried out before inspection.

4.2.4 Convictions

In 2024, there were 5 successful prosecutions following offences of WAPPRIITA. More information is available online.

Court penalties may be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) [PDF], a program administered by ECCC. The Fund helps ensure that court-awarded penalties are used to repair environmental damage or benefit the environment. The Fund receives and redirects the money from court penalties and settlements and aims to invest in areas where the environmental damage occurred.

Operation Northern Fur leads to $20,000 in fines and a prohibition order for a Manitoba resident who illegally imported, exported, and transported wildlife

On January 10, 2024, an individual was fined a total of $20,000 at the Provincial Court of Manitoba after pleading guilty to 4 counts of violating WAPPRIITA. In addition to the fine, the individual is prohibited from exporting, importing, selling, purchasing, and trading any wild animal species or respective parts and derivatives and from applying for a permit under the Act, for 3 years. The charges were laid by ECCC following a 3-year joint investigation conducted by ECCC, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service. The investigation dismantled a network of illegal wildlife trade of protected Wolf and Cougar (among other species) within Canada, and between Canada and the United States.

An Alberta resident sentenced to $35,000 fine and prohibition order for illegally importing and possessing protected turtles and turtle eggs

On April 19, 2024, an individual was sentenced to pay a total of $35,000 after pleading guilty in the Alberta Court of Justice to 2 charges under WAPPRIITA. In addition to the fine, the individual is prohibited from possessing any live animal for a period of 2 years. In May 2022, ECCC wildlife officers, working with Canada Border Services Agency officers, Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers and the Calgary Police Service had seized 63 turtles and 58 turtle eggs from a package imported from China by this individual. DNA analysis, conducted at an ECCC laboratory, determined that 76 of the turtles and turtle eggs were species listed under either Appendix II or III of CITES. All live turtles were forfeited and have been moved to professional care facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

An Alberta company fined $60,000 for illegally importing and possessing protected wildlife species

On June 11, 2024, at the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, an Alberta company was fined $60,000 after pleading guilty to 2 offences under WAPPRIITA related to importing animal parts without a permit and knowingly possessing protected species that were imported or transported in contravention of the Act. ECCC wildlife officers inspected shipments and discovered taxidermy mounts, including Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Mountain Lion, Black Bear and Baboon, which are CITES-listed species. Officers also found the company was in possession of numerous mounts made from non-CITES listed species (for example, kangaroo and boar) that were taken in contravention of laws from other jurisdictions, which is also prohibited under WAPPRIITA.

A company ordered to pay a $25,000 fine for illegally importing protected European Eel meat

On August 2, 2024, a company was fined $25,000 by the Ontario Court of Justice, in Brampton. The company pleaded guilty, on August 1, 2024, to 1 charge of importing European Eel, a CITES-listed species, without a permit, which is a contravention of subsection 6(2) of WAPPRIITA. In addition to the fine, approximately 662 kilograms of eel meat was ordered to be forfeited, which ensures that the illegally imported product is removed from the commercial market. In April 2023, the company had imported 662 kilograms of what was declared as processed eel into Canada from the Netherlands. ECCC wildlife officers inspected the shipment and took samples for DNA analysis. An ECCC laboratory determined that the majority of the imported product was European Eel.

A Saskatchewan resident fined a total of $10,000 under WAPPRIITA for illegal trade activities involving protected species

On November 19, 2024, at the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, a resident from Saskatchewan was fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to 2 counts of violating WAPPRIITA. In addition to the fine, the individual is prohibited from importing or exporting any species listed under CITES for a period of 5 years. In April 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency officers had inspected the individual’s luggage at Toronto Pearson International Airport. They discovered that he was importing 19 rosaries made from black coral, a CITES Appendix II species, without the required CITES export permit from the country of origin. ECCC wildlife officers then launched investigation and seized other specimens, including 3 rings made of African elephant ivory, a CITES Appendix I species. Officers determined that the individual was exporting items to the United States without required permits. In this case, all seized items have been forfeited to the Crown.

For information on convictions of corporations obtained under certain federal environmental laws please refer to the Environmental Offenders Registry. For information about environmental and wildlife enforcement successful prosecutions across Canada, please consult the Enforcement notifications.

5. International cooperation

5.1. CITES Conferences of the Parties

Under CITES, decisions with respect to its implementation are made by the Conference of the Parties (COP). Committees and working groups provide advice to the COP and help implement CITES in accordance with instructions from and delegated authorities by the COP (see Figure 9).

Figure 9: The structure of CITES

The CITES COP meets once every 2 or 3 years. No COP was held in 2024.

5.2 CITES committees and working groups

During the period between meetings of the COP, the Animals Committee, the Plants Committee and the Standing Committee implement directives received from the preceding COP and prepare for the next COP. Canada participated in several committees and working groups to foster ongoing cooperation with international partners under CITES. The meetings of these committees are instrumental in developing international policy for the implementation of CITES. Decisions made by these bodies may affect Canada’s obligations under CITES and greatly influence the decisions ultimately adopted by the COP.

Members of these committees represent 6 major geographical regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. The North American region is comprised of Canada, the United States and Mexico. For the intersessional period between COP19 and COP20, ECCC continued to support CITES Scientific and Management Authorities as the North American Region representative on the Plants Committee and as the alternate representative for the North American Region on the Standing Committee.

Canada continued to lead and participate in the work of these Committees via email or virtual meetings and participated in various intersessional working groups to help advance the implementation of CITES. As well, Canada is Chair of the working group on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities and co-Chair of the working group on the Review of CITES provisions related to trade in specimens of animals and plants not of wild source.

 In 2024, Canada participated in 2 CITES meetings held in Geneva, Switzerland:

• the 27th Plants Committee meeting was held from July 8-13, 2024
• the 33rd Animals Committee meeting was held from July 12-19, 2024

There was no meeting of the CITES Standing Committee in 2024.

5.3. International cooperation in enforcement operations

5.3.1 INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization’s Operation Thunder 2024

In November 2024, ECCC wildlife officers participated in Operation Thunder 2024, an annual global enforcement operation across borders aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling criminal and organized crime networks involved in trafficking wild plant and animal species and also timber species. Operation Thunder 2024 involved 138 countries and regions worldwide, an increase of 5 countries in relation to the previous year’s operation and the largest number of participating countries since the launch of the Thunder series in 2017. Worldwide, it resulted in the seizure of nearly 20,000 live animals, the arrest of 365 suspects, and the identification of more than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species.

ECCC wildlife officers led multiple enforcement operations across Canada, with support from CBSA and their provincial and territorial counterparts, and carried out targeted inspections at mail centres, airports, cargo centres, and ports of entry across Canada. Their efforts resulted in the identification of numerous violations, resulting in the seizure or detainment of numerous species (or their respective parts and derivatives), which are protected by CITES. In total, 858 items were seized including:

• 1 pair of reptile boots (animal)
• 10 boxes with caviar (animal)
• 172 pots of cream with caviar (animal)
• 1 watch with alligator leather strap (animal)
• 2 packages of supplements containing hippocampus (animal)
• 628 cacti (plant)
• 6 items made of wood (plant)
• 6 bags of wood chips and bark (plant)
• 2 pairs of orchids earrings (plant)
• 1 box of lotion containing dendrobium (plant)
• 1 costus bag (plant)
• 12 boxes of candies containing cistanche (plant)
• 1 aloe (plant)
• 3 pitcher / pitfall traps (plant)
• 1 venus flytrap (plant)
• box with Lithops (Aizoaceae plant family), Echeveria (Crassulaceae plant family) and other succulents (plant)

Cooperation between various jurisdictions is essential for effectively combating transnational criminal networks, as it enables the sharing of intelligence, harmonization of legal frameworks, and coordinated enforcement actions across borders.

6. How to report wildlife and environmental crimes

Report a wildlife crime

Members of the public can contact the Department’s Public Inquiries Centre (contact information in section 7 below) if they suspect a wildlife crime was committed. 

Additionally, individuals can submit anonymous tips on wildlife crime (poaching, smuggling, trafficking, etc.) by calling the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association at 1-800-222-8477 or in the Province of Quebec, at 1-800-711-1800.

7. Additional information

People can also contact ECCC’s Public inquiries centre by phone and email to ask questions or submit information:

Public Inquiries Centre

Place Vincent Massey Building
351, Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-938-3860
Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

Media Relations

Toll-free (within Canada): 1-844-836-7799
Outside of Canada: +1 819-938-3338
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Email: media@ec.gc.ca

For more information about international trade in protected animal and plants or WAPPRIITA, please visit International trade in protected animals and plants, Environmental and wildlife enforcement, or contact ECCC.