The Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) is established under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). It serves for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Canada is a Party. WAPTR contains three Schedules; two of these Schedules (Schedule I and II) list species that are subject to licensing requirements. Schedule I lists species that are listed in one of the three Appendices to the CITES. Schedule II of WAPTR lists species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems if ever released into the wild. Schedule III of WAPTR lists species which are recognized as endangered or threatened in Canada. The trade controls under WAPTR apply to live specimens as well as parts and derivative products.

Information on how to comply with the requirements of these controls is published in the Canada Gazette, on the Canada.ca website, in press releases and in Notices to Importers distributed to associations and traders and, in addition, available upon request from the Department of the Environment.

The purpose of this coverage is:

(a) to place a strict controls on trade in specimens of species classified as endangered or harmful to Canadian ecosystems;
(b) to establish a system of trade controls to monitor trade of species that are endangered or species that are susceptible to becoming endangered as a result of international trade; and
(c) to allow individual countries to exercise surveillance on importation in other countries specimens of species which are considered endangered by the exporting country only.

The system applies to specimens of endangered species (listed in one of the three Appendices of CITES, which are mirrored in Schedule I of WAPTR), or species harmful to Canadian ecosystems (listed in Schedule II of WAPTR), originating in and exported from all countries.

The purpose of the licensing system is to control importation of: i) specimens of species, listed in one of the three Appendices of CITES, under internationally agreed circumstances and; ii) species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR, in the case where there are sufficient safeguards and security to prevent harm to Canadian ecosystems.

Licensing is effected by the WAPTR made under the WAPPRIITA. Individual products are not designated in the Act. Species are placed in Schedule I of the WAPTR, established by the Governor- in-Council to implement an intergovernmental arrangement or commitment (see No. 1 above). In addition, species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems if ever released into the wild, are listed in Schedule II of WAPTR and are also subject to licensing requirements.

When importing a specimen of a species listed in either Appendix II or Appendix III of CITES, no Canadian import permit is required; the permit or certificate issued by the exporting country is sufficient to allow import into Canada. However, when importing a specimen of a species listed in Appendix I of CITES as indicated in Schedule I of the WAPTR, an application for a Canadian import permit should be made at least 35 days prior to the expected date of arrival. Individual import permits for species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR can be applied for at least 70 days prior to the expected date of arrival. Permits are not issued retrospectively.

An individual import permit for species listed in Appendix I of CITES, as indicated in Schedule I of the WAPTR, is normally granted within 35 days from receipt provided the criteria for issuing a permit are met. Import permits can be obtained within a shorter time limit in special circumstances, for instance where live animals are involved. An individual import permit for species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR is normally granted within 70 days from receipt provided the criteria for issuing a permit are met. Import permits for species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR can likewise be obtained within a shorter time limit in special circumstances, for instance where live animals are involved.

Permit applications are processed by the CITES Authorities of the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

If the criteria have not been met, the applicant will be informed. In such event, the applicant may request reconsideration by providing new information.

Citizenship and residency are not criteria.

The importer is required to provide all the information requested by the Act and regulations depending on the type of animal or plant specimen intended for import. There are many application forms specific to the type of animal or plant specimen and trade activity.

CITES documents issued by the appropriate CITES authorities in the country of origin or in any subsequent re-exporting country, must accompany applications for CITES import permits.

Same documents as in the response to Question 10. Specimens of CITES listed species arriving in Canada without a duly authentic CITES export permit will not be cleared by Canada Customs and are subject to seizure. Specimens of species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR must be accompanied by a Canadian permit issued under subsection 10(1) of WAPPRIITA. Specimens of species listed on Appendix I of CITES (as mirrored in Schedule I of the WAPTR) must be accompanied by a Canadian CITES import permit. Customs entry forms are also required.

No fees.

Import permits required under WAPTR are valid for one year from the date of issue. In cases of permit expiration before use, the applicant can apply for a replacement permit upon return of the expired permit.

No.

No.

No.

Applicants for import permits have to meet any provincial/territorial/federal administrative procedures with regards to the specimen such as provisions for possession or transport within Canada.