Fur Trader

Fur Trader

Fur Trader: Fur Trader Licence authorizing a person to engage in the business of buying and/or selling furs.

"Fur trader" means a person who is engaged in the business of buying, selling or trading in pelts or skins of fur bearing animals or other wildlife prescribed for the purpose of this definition, whether as principal, agent or employee, and whether the pelts or skins were obtained, taken or trapped by the fur trader or another person;

Related Activities: Trapping Licence

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Fur trader Licence, Wildlife Act (Section 15 and 72 (2)) Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Licence fees - BC resident Licence fee plus Habitat Conservation Trust Fund (HCTF) $100 Permit Fee Details
Licence fee - Transient Licence fee for a fur trader to trade from a place of business in another Province. $400 Permit Fee Details
Fur royalty fees Royalty fee must be paid if pelt or skin will be sold. To not pay a fee is an offence. Variable depending on species. Fur Royalty Schedule

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Fur Trader Licence (resident or transient) Applicant must be a person who is a citizen of Canada or a permanent resident of Canada. A separate Fur Trade Licence must be applied for, for each established place of business in B.C.
Reporting Requirements Applies to renewals Reporting requirements for previous year licence must have been met. For each calendar month, make a full and complete return on the form contained in Wildlife Act Commercial Activities Regulation Schedule 2.06 of all wildlife or wildlife parts that have been received during that calendar month for processing, manufacturing, curing, selling or trading.
Royalty Payments Paid Applies to renewals In order to renew a Fur Trader Licence, fur royalties from the previous licence must be paid in full.

Information Requirements

Requirement Description Link to Details
Fur Trader Licence application
  1. Identification if new licence or renewal;
  2. Applicant information;
  3. Acknowledgement that information submitted is true; and
  4. Location of where licence should be sent to.
Note: The form provided is to be submitted online at virtual FrontCounter BC (see link provided).
Fur Trader's Monthly Purchase Record Reports (hard copy of official, carbonated form) Monthly purchase record reports from the previous year must have been received.
Link Description
Fish and Wildlife Online Application A web page providing information, resources and an online application form for submitting Fish and Wildlife applications.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023