The purpose of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) is to protect certain species of animals and plants by regulating their interprovincial and international trade and to protect Canadian ecosystems from the introduction of harmful species. The Act prohibits the import, export and interprovincial transportation of certain species, except they are accompanied by appropriate documentation (licenses or permits).
The Act applies to species listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) control list; foreign species whose capture, possession, and export are prohibited or regulated by laws in their country of origin; Canadian species whose capture, possession, and transportation are regulated by provincial or territorial laws; and, species whose introduction into Canadian ecosystems could endanger Canadian species.
Polar bears are listed on Appendix II of CITES and as such the trade in polar bear specimens is regulated by WAPPRIITA.
For more information, please visit Canada's Justice Laws Website.