Trade in protected species: Canadian act and regulation for wild animal and plant protection

The Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) is the legislative vehicle by which Canada meets its obligations under The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

It received royal assent on December 17, 1992 and came into force on May 14, 1996, when the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations took effect.

The purpose of WAPPRIITA is to protect Canadian and foreign species of animals and plants that may be at risk of overexploitation due to illegal trade and also to safeguard Canadian ecosystems from the introduction of species considered to be harmful. It accomplishes these objectives by controlling the international trade and interprovincial transport of certain wild animals and plants, as well as their parts and derivatives.

WAPPRIITA also makes it an offence to transport illegally obtained wildlife between provinces and territories or between Canada and other countries.

Related links

• Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA)
• Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations
• WAPPRIITA annual reports
• Frequently asked questions about WAPPRIITA
• Trade in protected species: stricter measures
• Travelling to the US with eagle items: guidelines for Aboriginal people
• Trade in protected species: permitting exemptions