Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Canada customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Canada?

Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Canada instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Endangered species and the international traveller. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-20. The sentence it rests on reads: “It is illegal to bring a CITES-listed species or its parts and derivatives across Canadian and many international borders without the appropriate CITES permits.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products into Canada only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-20

Endangered species and the international traveller Environment and Climate Change Canada

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in Canada

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Canada?: Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Canada instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Endangered species and the international traveller. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-20. The sentence it rests on reads: “It is illegal to bring a CITES-listed species or its parts and derivatives across Canadian and many international borders without the appropriate CITES permits.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

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