Taking coral & seashells out of Canada
Corals are CITES-listed — taking coral out of Canada requires permits, while ordinary non-protected seashells move freely in small quantities.
Details
All stony corals (and black coral) are listed in CITES Appendix II, so exporting coral from Canada — including souvenir pieces and jewellery — requires a CITES export permit; beach-collected fragments are covered the same as purchased items and are routinely seized at airports. Giant clams and queen conch are similarly listed. Ordinary non-protected seashells in small personal quantities generally move freely, though some origin countries protect specific species and destination biosecurity rules (Australia, New Zealand) require declaration of all shell material on arrival.
Quantity limits
Coral: CITES permit required. Common shells: small personal quantities
Documentation required
- CITES export permit for coral and listed species
The other direction
Bringing coral & seashells into Canada(restricted)