Canada to Implement CITES COP19 Decisions

Summary#

This notice from Environment and Climate Change Canada tells Canadians about decisions made at the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and says the federal government plans to bring those decisions into Canadian rules. COP19 adopted 45 proposals changing which species are listed or how listings are described; Canada expects to update the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR), with final changes anticipated in fall 2023.

What it does#

• Reminds the public that CITES exists to make sure international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES now covers more than 38 700 species.
• Summarizes the three CITES listing types and their practical effects:
  • Species in Appendix I are considered threatened with extinction and are generally not allowed to be traded for commercial purposes; limited non-commercial trade needs strict permits.
  • Appendix II species are not currently threatened with extinction but need controls on trade to avoid becoming threatened; export permits are required.
  • Appendix III lists species a single country wants help controlling; exports need either an export permit or a certificate of origin.
• Notes that COP19 adopted changes (additions, reclassifications, and edits to annotations and names) covering 45 proposals.
• States the federal government intends to implement the COP19 decisions in Canada by amending the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act rules and the WAPTR.
• Says the Minister will seek an exemption from prepublication of those regulatory changes and that final amendments are expected to appear in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in fall 2023.

Who's affected#

• People and businesses involved in importing or exporting animals, plants, or products made from them (for example, pet trade, aquarium and zoo exchanges, collectors, and some manufacturers).
• Museums, research institutions and universities that send or receive biological specimens across borders.
• Customs, wildlife enforcement officers and permitting offices who handle CITES permits and inspections.
• Conservation groups and people concerned about endangered species.
• If unclear: the notice does not list specific Canadian species names or say exactly which trades will change before the formal regulatory text is published.

Why it matters#

• Changes to CITES listings can mean new or different permit requirements, or bans on commercial trade for certain species. That affects anyone buying, selling, importing or exporting those species or products made from them.
• Businesses may face new paperwork, delays, or limits on trade. Institutions that move specimens internationally may need to update their procedures.
• For the public, the changes aim to strengthen protection for species at risk from trade and help conservation efforts internationally.
• The exact legal details and which Canadian activities will change will be clear once the final WAPTR amendments are published in fall 2023.