importing Turtles to Canada

[CB Shwa]

hello
Just wondering if anyone out there has imported turtles from The U.S and if it worth it

[jjaj02]

I'm wondering the same thing. I work at a pet store and every second person that comes in wants one.

[Buddha]

hopefully there is answer out there as Im interested as well

[zappaguy]

i have and its not

[Cham911]

I did MANY MANY years ago (10+). Red Ear eggs...hatched them out in large quantities.

The Canadian Food & Inspection Agency handles that now...

From a quick read, it looks like you can't anymore....

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/turtlese.shtml


Turtles and Tortoises

An import permit** is required for turtles and tortoises from all countries.

For personal pets, these animals must have been in the owner’s personal possession in the country of origin and accompany the owner to Canada.

For research and scientific purposes within a laboratory, display in a recognized zoo, they do not need to be accompanied, but still require a permit

Turtle and Tortoise Eggs

An import permit** is required for turtle and tortoise eggs from all countries, BUT WILL ONLY BE ISSUED TO ZOOS AND RESEARCH LABORATORIES.

The reason for restrictions on turtles, tortoises and their eggs is that there is a great danger of transmitting serious diseases, such as salmonella. Until a Risk Assessment demonstrates safety, no permits will be issued for turtle and tortoise eggs for personal use or commercial purposes (ie. Pet Shops).

**Please complete an Application for Permit to Import and forward it to the CFIA Area Import Office in the province into which you wish to import the animal(s).

[CB Shwa]

Thanks for the info. I am trying to get into Asian Turtles but there is not much on our side of the border. I dont think these restrictions will be relaxed anytime soon, especially if Bush is back for four.

[zappaguy]

there are lots on this side+legal 1's to as i have broght them in.

[CB Shwa]

What types are around? I dont know many people who have Asians.

[Wu-Gwei]

It's actually easy to import into Canada, but hard to export from the US. You're dealing with two gov'ts here. For the US, you need an import/export license (a fee) and then go to a designated port. When you're there, you need to fill out an inspection form and pay a fee again. This is for non-CITES turts. If you want torts or CITES turts, many nice Asian species fall under this category, you'll be hard pressed to get CITES permits for CB turtles. It's easier to get CITES permits in the US for WC imports. Go figure. But from my sources, they say it is b/c you need to prove the orgin of the CB turts, while WC imports are easier to prove since they were imported to the US with papers. That is what I was told about CITES permits in the US.

Importing non-CITES is not that hard, but you need to do your homework. The challenge is finding a breeder in the US that isn't in Florida. Oh, importing one or two is just not worth your time, money and effort.


Cheers,
JJ;)

[Jeff Hathaway]

No fan of Bush, but he has no effect on whether Ag. Canada's turtle import rules get changed:-)

You can import most species for personal use only, with a permit and an inspection. It's a pain in the butt, but it can be done. You cannot import them for resale.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!