Wild animal and plant trade and protection act 2018 annual report: chapter 3

3. Assessing the risk to species from trade

3.1. Non-detriment findings

Countries exporting specimens of species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendices I or II must provide a scientific determination that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. This determination is referred to as a non-detriment finding (NDF). Some countries, such as the United States and member countries of the European Union, enforce regulations that are stricter than those of CITES, leading to a higher level of scrutiny by those countries when they are considering exports and NDFs from exporting countries.

Canada’s NDFs are consistent with a Resolution adopted by the CITES Conference of the Parties as well as the international guidance for CITES Scientific Authorities, and guidance provided by the CITES Secretariat.

In Canada, NDFs are determined on a permit-by-permit basis. For heavily traded species, standing NDF reports are prepared to support the issuance of export permits. Canada’s species-specific standing NDF reports are developed following the process that involves the federal-provincial/territorial CITES Scientific Authorities working group, as well as participation and review by species experts and Indigenous peoples. Canada has standing NDFs that cover the majority of Canada’s trade including for American Ginseng, Atlantic Sturgeon, Black Bear, Bobcat, Canadian Lynx, Cougar, Goldenseal, Grey Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Narwhal, Polar Bear, River Otter and Sandhill Crane. Every three years, standing NDF reports are reviewed and, if necessary, updated with the most recent information. Canada’s Standing Non-Detriment Finding Reports can be found online.