Eiderdown commerce permits
The Eiderdown Commerce permit, issued under the Migratory Bird Regulations (MBR), authorizes its holder to collect, possess or sell eiderdown.
Application and record keeping forms
The service standard for Eiderdown Commerce permit applications is that 100% of decisions are made within 14 calendar days.
Eiderdown Commerce permits require a $10 application fee, and are valid until the expiration date stated on the permit, or, if no date is indicated on the permit, on December 31 of the year in which it was issued.
Submit applications to the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) office in the region where the activities will be conducted. In cases where activities will be conducted in multiple regions, submit applications to the CWS office in the regions where the majority of activities will be conducted.
Contact information for regional CWS offices is found below.
Who can apply
A person who is authorized to collect eiderdown is required to have enough knowledge or training to undertake the activity. In addition, then applicant must ensure that they have proof of authorization granting access to land for eiderdown collection activities. The Minister may refuse to issue a permit if the applicant fails to produce this authorization.
Indigenous peoples who have the right to “domestic harvest” are not required to hold an Eiderdown Commerce permit to collect or possess eiderdown for domestic use, although a permit is required for Indigenous peoples for ventures undertaken purely for commercial profit.
Responsibilities of an Eiderdown Commerce permit holder
Permit holders must ensure that all permit conditions are met; including record-keeping requirements, and that provincial, territorial, and municipal bylaws and regulations are respected.
While transporting the eiderdown, the Eiderdown Commerce permit holder must ensure that the exterior of the package containing the eiderdown is marked with the appropriate information listed below. The permit holder must be able to demonstrate that the eiderdown was collected legally under a permit. A copy of the eiderdown commerce permit must therefore accompany and remain with the eiderdown.
Packages containing eiderdown must be marked with the following:
- the number of the permit under which the eiderdown was taken;
- the full name and contact information of the holder of the permit and of the current owner of the eiderdown; and
- an accurate statement of the contents of the package.
It is prohibited to collect eiderdown in Migratory Bird Sanctuary or National Wildlife Area unless additional authorisation is obtained.
Reporting requirements
As per their permit conditions, Eiderdown Commerce permit holders must submit reports regarding the activities undertaken under the permit. The CWS collects information, including the colony size, reproductive success and other biological factors, to monitor the effects of the permitted activities.
Contact information for Canadian Wildlife Service offices (by region)
Atlantic region: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
17 Waterfowl Lane
P.O. Box 6227
Sackville, NB E4L 1G6
Telephone: 506-364-5068
Fax: 506-364-5062
Email: Permi.Atl@ec.gc.ca
Quebec region
801-1550 Avenue d'Estimauville
Quebec, QC G1J 0C3
Telephone: 418-649-6129
Fax: 418-648-4871
Email: PermisSCFQuebec-CWSQuebecPermit@ec.gc.ca
Ontario region
335 River Road
Ottawa, ON K1V 1C7
Telephone: 613-990-8355
Fax: 613-990-8400
Email: wildlifeontario@ec.gc.ca
Prairie region: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
115 Perimeter Road
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4
Telephone: 306-975-6794
Fax: 306-975-4089
Email: prpermisscf-cwspermitpr@ec.gc.ca
Pacific region: British Columbia
60 Front Street L3
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7
Telephone: 250-327-4101
Email: scfpacpermitscwspacpermits@ec.gc.ca
Northern region: Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon
PO Box 1870
Suite 301, 933 Mivvik St.
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Telephone: 867-975-4636
Fax: 867-975-4645
Email: CWSPermitNorth-PermisNordSCF@ec.gc.ca
Related links
- Note to all applicants: Service standards for migratory bird permits can be found online. Please note that when incomplete applications are received, Environment and Climate Change Canada will notify the applicant and the time limit will be “paused” or “suspended” until all the missing information is received
- It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the appropriate provincial/territorial wildlife agency and municipal office for information about possible additional permits required for the planned activity