Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES)
Status
Objectives
Commitments
Action Required
Activities
Evidence of Compliance
Status
Signed July 2, 1974
Ratified April 10, 1975
Entered into force internationally on July 1, 1975
In force in Canada July 9, 1975
Objectives
The Convention seeks to control the trade in species of wild animals and plants that are, or
may be, threatened with extinction as a result of international trade. For purposes of the
Convention, international "trade" includes the international movement of plant and animal
species. The Convention applies to both live and dead specimens, as well as their parts and
derivatives. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES) uses an import/export permit system to regulate trade in species which
are listed by CITES in one of three Appendices. Appendix I includes species which are now
threatened with extinction and which may not be traded for primarily commercial purposes;
"trade" for scientific, captive breeding, and other limited uses is permitted under strict
conditions. Species in Appendix II are not currently threatened, but may become so if their
trade is not controlled. Appendix III contains species which individual countries have listed
because they are under special management regimes in that country and require the cooperation of other Parties in the control of trade. (Canada, for example, has listed the walrus
in Appendix III.) Changes to the Appendix listings are made at the Conferences of the Parties
(CoPs), which are held every two to three years. Currently, CITES lists over 30,000 species
of animals and plants. Parties also adopt resolutions at each CoP that provide clarification
and guidance on the provisions of the Convention and its implementation.
Commitments
Canada must:
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implement an international system of import/export permits for listed species;
designate Scientific and Management Authorities;
take measures to enforce the Convention; and
forward annual reports to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretariat with details on records of trade
and biennial reports on legislative, regulatory, and administrative actions taken to
implement the Convention.
Action Required
Environment Canada is the lead. It must:
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provide a Management and Scientific Authority to administer and oversee the system
of import/export;
issue Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES) import/export permits -- includes providing guidance to the Department
of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), which issues permits for fish and marine species and
provinces/territories (except Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec) which issues export
permits for provincially-managed species;
co-ordinate enforcement of the Convention through a network of national and
international partners (Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP], Customs, Interpol,
etc.);
submit annual and biennial reports to the CITES Secretariat, and report on Canadian
activities as required; and,
lead Canadian delegations to the Conference of the Parties and subsidiary committee
meetings.
Activities
Environment Canada administers and enforces the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and
Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) (1996), and Wild
Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (1996), which is the domestic legislation for
implementation of the Convention in Canada. The sixth annual report for WAPPRIITA for the
year 2001 was tabled by the minister in Parliament on Feburary 3, 2004.
Customs Memorandum D19-7-1, CITES, outlines the procedures Canada Border Services
Agency (CBSA) has in place to assist Environment Canada with the enforcement of CITES
with respect to the importation and exportation of CITES controlled goods.
Environment Canada co-ordinates joint enforcement operations with provinces, other
countries, and international wildlife enforcement agencies. Environment Canada represents
wildlife enforcement at Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with Alberta, British Columbia,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon for
co-operation on administration and enforcement of WAPPRIITA. Similar MOUs are being
negotiated with most of the remaining jurisdictions.
Evidence of Compliance
Reports to Parliament under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of
International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and Canada's national reports to
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) Secretariat.