Wild species trade and protection regulations: frequently asked questions
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below are meant to provide Canadians and businesses with basic information about the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of this Act and its regulations?
The purpose of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) is to protect Canadian and foreign species of animals and plants that may be at risk of overexploitation due to unsustainable or illegal trade. They also serve to safeguard Canadian ecosystems from the introduction of harmful species.
WAPPRIITA and WAPTR are the mechanism for implementing Canada's international commitment on wild species trade as set out in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES ensures that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants is carefully regulated and controlled by Member Parties so that is does not threaten their survival. CITES is an international agreement to which over 170 countries adhere voluntarily and which has been in force in Canada since its inception in 1975.
2. What are the key elements of this Act and its regulations?
WAPPRIITA and WAPTR accomplish their objectives by regulating the international trade in wild animals and plants, as well as their parts and derivatives. The act and regulation also prohibit the transport of illegally obtained wildlife between provinces or between Canada and other countries.
It is an offence to import and export species listed in the CITES Appendices, which are included in Schedule I of WAPTR, their parts or derivatives in contravention of the legislation (see section on Possession Exemption under WAPTR). This import or export for either commercial or personal use may be authorized with a CITES permit.
3. How does this Act and regulations affect Canadian businesses?
WAPRIITA and WAPTR affect any business that trades in specimens of protected species. The major sectors include taxidermists, outfitters, fur garment industry, ginseng producers, biomedical research facilities (including universities), captive breeders of protected species and zoological facilities.
4. What is the timeline for implementation?
WAPPRIITA is the Canadian federal law through which Canada meets its obligations under CITES. The law was adopted in 1992 and came into force on May 14, 1996, when the enabling regulation, WAPTR, was adopted.
Schedule I of WAPTR lists the CITES species regulated in Canada. The regulations are amended to reflect any updates to the list of species after each meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP), which occurs every three years.
5. Where can I get more information?
For more information on WAPPRIITA and WAPTR, please visit: Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act or communicate with the CITES Management Authority at Environment Canada by e-mail: cites@ec.gc.ca or by phone or fax as follows:
Telephone: 1-855-869-8670 (toll-free number)
Fax: 1-855-869-8671
This document is intended to provide contextual information on the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations . It does not replace the Act and its regulations. In the event of any discrepancies between this document and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations, the Act and Regulations prevail.
For more information
- The Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management
- The Red Tape Reduction Action Plan
- The Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council
To learn more about any upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, please visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.
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