What is a CITES?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) sets controls on the movement of animal and plant species that are, or maybe, threatened due to excessive commercial exploitation.

Environment Canada (EC) is the lead agency responsible for implementing CITES on behalf of the federal government.

Within EC, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) administers CITES and interacts with provincial, territorial and other federal agencies.