Apply for an import permit

Apply to import live wildlife or eggs into B.C.

Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying:

  • Applicant must be at least 19 years old, unless a parent or guardian has given written consent to the application
  • Wildlife must be wildlife as defined under the Wildlife Act

Overview

This application allows individuals and businesses to apply for a permit under sections 4(b)(i) and 4(b)(ii) of the Wildlife Act Permit Regulation to import live wildlife or the egg of a wildlife species into B.C.

Controlled alien species are animal species that are not native to our province and are therefore not considered wildlife. It is illegal for anyone in B.C. to possess, ship, transport or breed these controlled animals without a special permit.

Costs

  • Personal use permit fee is $30
  • Commercial or other use permit fee is $55

Fees are payable at the time of application. Applications will not be processed until the fee has been paid. 

Fees can be paid online at the time of application, or at a FrontCounter BC location. See payment guidelines for more information.

The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund surcharge is included in the above fee.

Fees calculated on the electronic fish and wildlife application may not be the complete final fee. A permit clerk will contact you if late fees are owed or if other licence specific fees are outstanding.

Apply

Collect the following information and documents before you start your online application.

Information requirements

  • Activity details:
    • Address and contact information for both the applicant and the source (the person possessing the live wildlife outside of B.C.)
    • Location of activity, dates and detailed description of activity
    • For film industry: location(s) for film shoot
  • Species details:
    • Number, age and gender of the wildlife to be imported as well as description of any bands, tags or tattoos on the wildlife
    • For import of eggs provide species of wildlife eggs to be imported
  • Public Safety and Wildlife Welfare Plan (PDF, 1.8MB) detailing how wildlife is being:
    • Transported into or from B.C.
    • Transported while in B.C.
    • Contained while in B.C.
    • Prevented from escape as well as detail on measures in place should wildlife escape
  • Vet health certificate for each animal and, or each egg to be imported
  • Valid permit to possess live wildlife

Potential additional requirements

If you do not already have a possession permit for the wildlife you would like to import into B.C., a possession permit must be obtained.

Note that persons cannot possess live wildlife to keep as pets.

Register for BCeID to submit an application to FrontCounter BC

A BCeID allows you to save, reopen and check the status of your natural resource application: 

  • Basic BCeID can be used in a personal capacity
  • Business BCeID is used when representing a legal entity 
Register

Submit an application

Once you have assembled the required documents for your application, apply online.

Apply

Update your application

After you have submitted an application, you can amend or cancel it:

After you apply

The target time frame for decision on your permit is 5 days*

*Processing time within the Northeast Region will be considerably longer as there is a required consultation process.

Your application will go through the following process before any decision is made:

  1. Receiving the application
    Your application will be reviewed to ensure that it is complete. Your payment and documents will be entered into the appropriate systems. When necessary, you will be contacted for more information. 

    An application will not be accepted and processed until all required information as well as payment has been received.

  1. Decision making
    A decision will be made on whether to issue a permit or not after a full review of your submission.

  2. Issuance of permit
    If your application is approved, the permit will be issued and sent to you by FrontCounter BC. If your application is not approved, you will be notified. 

    NOTE: If you applied with a BCeID, you can use it to log in to the Manage your Natural Resource Applications webpage, where you can download your licence or permit if one has been issued.

Application enquiries

Read more about application processing and how to check the status of your application.

Contact information

Find the FrontCounter BC office closest to you.

FrontCounter BC Toll Free
1-877-855-3222
Email
FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca

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