African Wildlife Trophies: What Can and Cannot Be Imported Into Canada?

Written By Amber White

The Rigel Guide to Canadian Wildlife Trophy Import Rules

For Canadian hunters returning from an African safari, getting the animal home is only one part of the journey. Before an African wildlife trophy can cross the Canadian border, it may need to satisfy requirements under: CITESCanada's Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA)Canada's Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR)Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) animal-health requirements Import/export requirements of the country where the animal was harvested Canada Border Services Agency requirements Species-specific restrictions Country-of-origin requirements

And there is one particularly important rule that every African trophy hunter needs to understand: A trophy that is legal to hunt and legal to export from an African country is not necessarily legal to import into Canada. Canada can impose requirements that are stricter than the international CITES rules. This is particularly important for elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn.

Canada's Wildlife Trophy Import System

There are two major regulatory areas that hunters need to understand.

1. Wildlife Conservation & CITES

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), through the Canadian Wildlife Service, administers Canada's CITES program.CITES regulates international trade in protected species and applies to animals:AliveDeadWholeIn partsOr as products made from wildlifeCanada requires appropriate permits for CITES-listed species unless a specific exemption applies.

2. Animal Health

CFIA regulates animal products and by-products entering Canada to prevent the introduction of animal diseases.This includes:HidesSkinsBonesSkullsHornsAntlersTeethTusksHoovesClawsFeathersHunting trophiesTaxidermy specimensCFIA requirements can depend on the species, country of origin, disease status and degree of processing.That means a trophy can be acceptable under CITES but still require additional CFIA treatment, documentation or inspection.

The Most Important Canadian Rule: Elephant Ivory

🐘 African Elephant

Canadian import status: RAW IVORY HUNTING TROPHIES — PROHIBITED

CITES: Yes

African elephant trophies require particular attention because Canada strengthened its elephant ivory rules effective January 8, 2024.Under Canada's amended Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations, the import and export of raw elephant tusk/ivoryis prohibited without a permit.More importantly for hunters:Canada will not issue an import permit for raw elephant ivory that forms part of a hunting trophy.The limited permits available for raw elephant ivory are for purposes such as:MuseumsZoosScientific researchLaw enforcementThey are not available for ordinary sport-hunted elephant trophies.

What does this mean for an African safari hunter?

If a hunter legally harvested an elephant in Africa and the trophy includes raw elephant tusks, the hunter should not assume that the trophy can be imported into Canada.Canada's rules are stricter than simply asking whether the trophy has the appropriate CITES export permit from the country of origin.

Rigel classification:

🔴 PROHIBITED FOR RAW ELEPHANT IVORY HUNTING TROPHIES

What About a Fully Mounted Elephant?

This is where careful classification becomes extremely important.Canada's 2024 measures distinguish between:Raw elephant ivoryWorked elephant ivoryPersonal/household effectsHunting trophiesThe rules for worked ivory are different from raw ivory.However, a hunter should never assume that mounting, carving, painting or otherwise incorporating ivory into a trophy automatically makes an otherwise prohibited trophy importable.Canada's current guidance specifically states that raw elephant ivory hunting trophies will not receive an import permit.

Rigel recommendation:

Determine the exact condition and composition of the trophy before shipment.

🦏 Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros Horn

Canadian import status: RAW HUNTING TROPHY HORN — PROHIBITED

CITES: Yes

Canada's strengthened 2024 rules also apply to rhinoceros horn.Raw rhinoceros horn cannot be imported into Canada without a permit, and Canada states that permits for raw rhinoceros horn hunting trophies will not be granted.The limited exceptions are for:MuseumsZoosScientific researchLaw enforcementThis applies to raw horn from rhinoceros species.

Rigel classification:

🔴 PROHIBITED FOR RAW RHINOCEROS HORN HUNTING TROPHIES

Why This Is Different From Ordinary CITES Rules

This is an extremely important distinction for Rigel's customers.A hunter may be told:"Your rhino trophy has a CITES export permit."That does not automatically mean:"Canada will allow it into the country."Canada can impose additional domestic requirements beyond CITES.Canada specifically strengthened its legislation to restrict the import and export of raw elephant ivory and rhino horn.

🦁 African Lion

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED WITH CITES COMPLIANCE

CITES: Yes

African lion is a CITES-listed species.Depending on the population and applicable CITES listing, the appropriate permits and documentation may be required.A Canadian hunter returning from a lion hunt should therefore plan the import before the trophy leaves Africa.Canada's CITES program specifically provides a Hunting Trophy permit application for hunters importing qualifying CITES Appendix I hunting trophies.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES PERMITTING REQUIRED/VERIFY STATUS

Important:

The exact lion population, country of origin and trophy documentation matter.

🐆 Leopard

Canadian import status: RESTRICTED

CITES: Appendix I

Leopard is listed under CITES Appendix I.This means international movement is highly regulated.A Canadian hunter returning with a leopard trophy should expect to need appropriate CITES documentation and should verify the Canadian import requirements before the trophy leaves the country of origin.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES

Typical documentation may include:

Foreign CITES export permitCanadian CITES import permit where requiredProof of legal acquisitionHunting documentationTrophy identificationExport documentation

🐆 Cheetah

Canadian import status: RESTRICTED

CITES: Yes

Cheetahs are CITES protected.A Canadian hunter bringing home a cheetah trophy should confirm the applicable CITES appendix and Canadian import requirements before shipment.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES

🦛 Hippopotamus

Canadian import status: RESTRICTED

CITES: Yes

Hippopotamus is CITES-listed.Hippo trophies can include:HideSkullTeethTusksOther biological materialEach component should be properly identified and documented.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES

🦒 Giraffe

Canadian import status: CITES REVIEW REQUIRED

CITES: Yes

Giraffe is CITES-listed, and the applicable rules can depend on the species/population and country of origin.A giraffe trophy should therefore be reviewed under Canada's CITES requirements before shipment.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES

Rigel recommendation:

Always identify the giraffe by scientific name, not simply "giraffe."

🐊 Nile Crocodile

Canadian import status: RESTRICTED

CITES: Yes

Nile crocodile is regulated under CITES.Canadian import requirements may depend on the population and country of origin.Crocodile trophies can contain several regulated wildlife components, including:SkinSkullTeeth

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES

🐕 African Wild Dog

Canadian import status: HIGHLY RESTRICTED

CITES: Yes

African wild dog is one of the highly protected African species.Because of its conservation status and international protections, import requirements need to be established before attempting to ship the trophy.

Rigel classification:

🔴 HIGHLY RESTRICTED — VERIFY BEFORE HUNT/SHIPMENT

🦓 Grevy's Zebra

Canadian import status: RESTRICTED

CITES: Yes

Grevy's zebra is internationally protected.A trophy should be reviewed under CITES and Canadian requirements before shipment.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED — CITES

🦓 Hartmann's Mountain Zebra

Canadian import status: CITES REVIEW REQUIRED

Hartmann's mountain zebra can require additional regulatory consideration compared with common plains zebra.

Rigel classification:

🟡 RESTRICTED / VERIFY BEFORE SHIPMENT

🦓 Plains Zebra

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Common plains zebra are generally much less complicated from a CITES perspective than several other zebra species.However, "generally permitted" does not mean "no paperwork."The trophy can still be subject to:CFIA animal-health requirementsCountry-of-origin export rulesCustoms requirementsWildlife declaration requirementsTreatment requirements

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA REQUIREMENTS

🦬 African Buffalo

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

African buffalo is not one of the major CITES-regulated African hunting trophies.However, importing a buffalo trophy into Canada can still involve CFIA requirements.Depending on how the trophy is prepared, CFIA may require treatment, inspection or routing through an approved facility.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — CFIA REQUIREMENTS APPLY

🦌 Greater Kudu

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Greater kudu are generally not subject to the same CITES restrictions as lion, leopard, elephant or rhino.However, the hide, skull, horns and other biological materials can still fall under Canadian animal-health requirements.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🦌 Sable Antelope

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Sable is generally treated as a less-restricted African game species.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🦌 Roan Antelope

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Roan antelope are generally not subject to the same major CITES restrictions as the iconic protected species.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🦌 Waterbuck

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Waterbuck are generally not one of the heavily regulated African trophy species.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🦌 Nyala

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Nyala are generally a relatively straightforward African game trophy from a CITES perspective.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🦌 Impala

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Impala are generally not subject to the same CITES restrictions as lion, leopard, elephant or rhino.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🐗 Warthog

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Warthog trophies are generally not among the heavily CITES-restricted African hunting trophies.However, animal-health requirements still need to be considered.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🐃 Common Eland

Canadian import status: GENERALLY PERMITTED

Common eland are generally not subject to the major CITES restrictions applicable to African elephant, rhino, leopard or lion.

Rigel classification:

🟢 GENERALLY PERMITTED — VERIFY CFIA

🐐 Oryx / Gemsbok

Canadian import status: SPECIES DEPENDENT

This is an excellent example of why common names can cause problems."Oryx" can refer to several different species.A trophy shipment should identify the scientific species rather than simply stating "oryx."

Rigel classification:

🟢/🟡 DEPENDS ON EXACT SPECIES

Why CFIA Is So Important

CITES is only half of the equation.Canada also has animal-health requirements for wildlife products and hunting trophies.CFIA's import policy specifically covers:Hides and skinsFursBonesSkullsTeethTusksHoovesHornsClawsAntlersFeathersGame/hunting trophiesTaxidermy specimensThe country of origin matters because Canada considers the disease status of the country when determining requirements.

Fully Finished Taxidermy Can Be Much Easier

This is an important distinction for hunters. CFIA states that certain fully processed animal-origin display items may enter Canada without CFIA import requirements. Examples include: Fully tanned leather Fully dressed fur Certain processed feathers Professionally mounted fish Professionally prepared and fully preserved taxidermy specimens CFIA specifically recognizes professionally prepared taxidermy specimens in display form, including fully preserved and mounted hunting trophies. However, this does not override CITES.A fully mounted CITES-listed animal is still a CITES specimen. Note: All taxidermy entering Canada is subject to GST on the taxidermy invoice.

In other words:

Taxidermy processing can address animal-health requirements, but it does not automatically eliminate wildlife-trade requirements.

What If the Trophy Is Not Fully Processed?

This is where shipments can become more complicated.CFIA states that unprocessed hunting trophies of wild animals from countries other than the United States that require further taxidermy or preservation must be directed to an approved disinfection facility in Canada.That means a raw or partially processed African trophy should not simply be shipped to an ordinary residence or taxidermist without checking the applicable CFIA requirements.

The Canadian Trophy Import Process

For an African trophy coming into Canada, Rigel recommends thinking about the shipment in this order:

STEP 1 — Identify the Animal

Determine:Common nameScientific nameSpecies/subspeciesCountry of harvestPopulation where relevant

STEP 2 — Check CITES

Determine:Is the species CITES listed?Which appendix?Is a Canadian import permit required?Is an export permit required from the country of origin?Canada states that CITES permits must be obtained before the import or export. Permits cannot simply be issued retroactively after a shipment is stopped at the border.

STEP 3 — Check Canada's Special Restrictions

This is especially important for:Elephant ivoryRhino hornOther highly protected wildlifeCanada's 2024 elephant and rhino rules are significantly stricter than many hunters may expect.

STEP 4 — Check CFIA

Determine:

  • Country disease status

  • Trophy condition

  • Required treatment

  • Required certification whether inspection is required

  • Whether an approved Canadian facility must perform disinfection

STEP 5 — Check the Exporting Country

The African country may require:

  • CITES export permit

  • Veterinary certificate

  • Hunting license

  • Trophy ownership documentation

  • Export permit

  • Game department documentation

  • Other country-specific paperwork

What About a Hunter Shipping Through Rigel?

This is an important point for hunters. Canada's CITES hunting-trophy permit guidance contemplates a trophy being imported by or on behalf of the hunter, as part of a transfer from outside Canada ultimately intended to arrive at the hunter's residence. This means using a logistics company or customs broker does not necessarily change the underlying wildlife requirements. The important question is: Who is the legal owner, what is the purpose of the shipment, what species is involved, and what documentation is required?

Rigel can coordinate the logistics, an ensure the required wildlife permits still need to be properly obtained.

A Critical Point About Commercial Shipments

Hunters sometimes assume that putting a trophy into a commercial freight shipment changes its regulatory status.It doesn't. Changing the transportation method does not remove:

  • CITES requirements

  • WAPPRIITA requirements

  • WAPTR requirements

  • CFIA requirements

  • Wildlife documentation requirements

  • The shipment still has to comply with the applicable legislation.

Canada's 2024 Elephant & Rhino Changes

🚨 IMPORTANT

Canada significantly strengthened its rules for elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn effective January 8, 2024.For raw elephant ivory and raw rhinoceros horn:Hunting trophies are not eligible for Canadian import permits.The limited permits available for raw material are restricted to purposes such as:MuseumsZoosScientific researchLaw enforcementThis is one of the most important changes African trophy hunters need to understand before arranging transportation to Canada.

Canada's "Traffic Light" System

For hunters, Rigel can simplify the discussion into three categories.

🟢 GREEN — Generally Importable

Examples:African buffaloImpalaKuduElandSableRoanWaterbuckNyalaWarthogMany other common African game speciesStill verify CFIA and export requirements.

🟡 YELLOW — Restricted / CITES

Examples:LionLeopardCheetahHippoGiraffeNile crocodileCertain zebra speciesOther CITES-listed wildlifeVerify CITES requirements before the trophy leaves Africa.

🔴 RED — Highly Restricted / Prohibited

Most importantly:

Raw elephant ivory hunting trophies

Raw rhinoceros horn hunting trophies

Canada will not issue the required import permits for these hunting trophies under the current rules.Other species can also have restrictions depending on their CITES status, country of origin and circumstances.

A Trophy Can Be Legal in Africa but Not Legal in Canada

This is perhaps the most important concept for hunters.

Imagine:

  • A Canadian hunter legally harvests an African elephant.

  • The exporting country legally authorizes the trophy to leave.

  • The hunter receives a valid CITES export document.

  • That still does not mean the raw elephant ivory can enter Canada.

  • Canada's domestic rules can be more restrictive.The same principle can apply to other wildlife where Canada has specific requirements.

Don't Wait Until Your Trophy Is Finished

The biggest mistake a hunter can make is waiting until the taxidermist says:

"Your trophy is ready to ship."For heavily regulated species, that may be too late. The import process should begin before the trophy leaves Africa. Ideally, the hunter should know:

  • What species they are hunting

  • The scientific name

  • Where it will be hunted

  • CITES status

  • Canadian import requirements

  • African export requirements

  • CFIA requirements

  • Whether special permits are needed

  • How the trophy will be prepared

  • Where the trophy will be processed

  • Where it will ultimately be delivered

What Rigel Logistics Can Do

International wildlife transportation requires much more than booking a flight.Rigel Logistics works with:

Hunters

We help coordinate the movement of trophies from the country of harvest through Canada and ultimately to the hunter.

Outfitters

We can help outfitters understand the documentation and logistics required to get their clients' trophies home.

Taxidermists

We can coordinate international trophy transportation and help ensure the appropriate documentation and shipping requirements are addressed.

International Partners

Rigel can coordinate the movement of wildlife trophies between countries while working with the appropriate customs, wildlife and animal-health requirements.

The Rigel Pre-Shipment Checklist

Before an African trophy leaves its country of origin:

  • Confirm the exact species

  • Confirm the scientific name

  • Confirm the country of harvest

  • Determine CITES status

  • Determine CITES appendix

  • Obtain required foreign CITES export documentation

  • Determine whether a Canadian CITES import permit is required

  • Check Canada's WAPTR restrictions

  • Check for elephant ivory or rhino horn

  • Determine CFIA requirements

  • Confirm required treatment

  • Confirm whether a Canadian approved disinfection facility is required

  • Confirm taxidermy requirements

  • Confirm customs documentation

  • Confirm final destination

  • Review the complete shipment before it leaves the country of origin

The Golden Rule of African Trophy Shipping

Don't ask:

"Can this animal be hunted legally?"And don't ask only:"Can this trophy leave Africa?"Ask:

"Can this specific trophy legally enter Canada?"

That requires looking at:Species + Country + CITES + Canadian wildlife law + CFIA + Trophy condition + Documentation

Bringing an African Trophy Home?

Your safari doesn't end when the animal is harvested.The final leg of the journey is getting your trophy home safely, legally and efficiently.Whether you're bringing home:Lion • Leopard • Cheetah • Elephant • Rhino • Hippo • Giraffe • Crocodile • Buffalo • Kudu • Eland • Sable • Roan • Zebra • or another African speciesRigel Logistics can help coordinate the international transportation process.

Plan Early. Ship Properly. Bring Your Trophy Home.

Rigel Logistics International Wildlife & Trophy Shipping

Important Regulatory Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not legal advice or a determination that any particular wildlife trophy is admissible into Canada.Canadian wildlife import requirements can depend on the species, subspecies, population, country of origin, CITES appendix, date of harvest, condition of the trophy, purpose of importation, documentation and applicable animal-health requirements.Regulations can change.Always verify the current requirements with Environment and Climate Change Canada/CITES, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the appropriate authorities in the country of origin before shipping a wildlife trophy.For CITES-listed species, permits must be obtained before import or export. Canadian authorities state that permits will not be issued retroactively after an item has been stopped at the border.

Official Canadian Resources

Environment and Climate Change Canada — CITESCanadian CITES programCanadian CITES permitsCITES permits and applicationsElephant ivory and rhinoceros hornCanada's elephant ivory and rhino horn requirementsCFIA — Terrestrial animal products and by-productsCFIA import policy for animal products and trophies

Amber White
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