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Canada Requires Import Permits for All Bat (Chiroptera) Specimens

Trade Update • March 26, 2026

Key Points

  • All bat (Order Chiroptera) specimens require an import permit from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
  • Permits must be issued before the shipment arrives in Canada; shipments without permits face destruction or removal.
  • The rule applies to bats in any form (whole specimens, parts, encased products, and DNA), whether decorative, educational, or scientific.
  • Certain species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) require both CFIA import permits and CITES permits.
  • Importers must provide accurate scientific names and correct Harmonized System (HS) codes on customs documents when declaring bat specimens.
Row of Canadian flags with red maple leaves, symbolizing Canada’s new import permit requirements for bat specimens

C​​​anada issued Customs Notice 26‑08, reinforcing that importers must secure a CFIA import permit for any shipment containing bat (Chiroptera) specimens, parts, or derivatives before the goods reach the border. The requirement covers all forms of bats, including preserved specimens, educational models, decorative items, and biological materials. Permits cannot be issued once a shipment arrives at a Canadian port of entry. Shipments lacking valid permits will be ordered destroyed or removed from Canada. The notice aligns with CFIA’s broader animal health and plant protection import policies, which aim to control disease risks and ensure accurate declarations under the Customs Act.

Main Requirements

Import Permit

  • Importers must apply for and obtain a CFIA import permit via the MyCFIA portal before their shipment reaches Canada.
  • Permits are legal documents outlining import conditions and obligations for animal products and by‑products.

Declaration and Documentation

  • All bat specimens must be declared on commercial invoices and import declarations with correct scientific (taxonomic) names.
  • Correct HS codes and applicable AIRS (Automated Import Reference System) import conditions support compliance and proper risk assessment.

CITES Compliance

  • Bat species listed under CITES require additional export or re‑export documentation alongside CFIA permits to ensure compliance with international trade standards.

Enforcement Actions

  • Non‑compliant shipments without proper permits face destruction or removal from Canada at the importer’s expense.

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.

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