Food > Export 

Factsheet
INFORMATION to Food Exporters

EXPORT DECLARATION FORM for Foods Regulated Solely under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is informing Canadian food exporters that the CFIA has instituted a new form entitled the Manufacturer's Declaration to Cover Exports of Food Products Manufactured in Canada. It replaces the previous form, the Manufacturer's Certificate to Cover Exports of Food Products Offered for Sale in Canada. This new form is to be used only for food products regulated solely under the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations.

Historically, the previous form, entitled Manufacturer's Certificate to Cover the Export of Food Products Offered for Sale In Canada, had been developed by Health Canada to facilitate trade and, until recently, was being used by the CFIA. Upon review, it was determined that the form was inconsistent with authorities under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. Recognizing that foreign importers and governments may be requesting documentation as a means of facilitating the importation into foreign countries of Canadian goods, the new form has been developed and implemented to meet changing demands and to clarify the intent and the use of the form.

The new Manufacturer's Declaration to Cover the Export of Food Products Manufactured in Canada contains a manufacturer's solemn declaration that he/she is ". . . aware of the health and safety requirements under the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations . . . and has taken all necessary actions and steps to ensure that the product is manufactured in accordance with these requirements." The CFIA does not routinely conduct establishment or product inspections as a requirement for issuing these certificates.

The manufacturer will be required to complete the form and make a solemn declaration before a Commissioner of Oaths, or other person authorized to swear affidavits. Thus, it will be the manufacturer's responsibility to attest that the product is:

• made in Canada;
• regulated solely under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations (i.e., not regulated under the Meat Inspection Act, the Fish Inspection Act, or the Canada Agricultural Products Act);
• to be exported to a specified country.

Further, the form clearly identifies the product by common name, lot no., container sizes, total volume, and brand name(s).

The form cannot be changed to include additional claims or statements regarding the method of production or the quality or safety of the product.

It should be noted that the new form includes a statement to the effect that "any reference to this form or to the CFIA or its activities in any advertising or other promotion is strictly prohibited in Canada and elsewhere." This activity is prohibited by Section B.01.013 of the Food and Drug Regulations.

Once appropriately completed by the manufacturer, the CFIA inspector will sign, date, and affix the CFIA stamp, provided there are no known health and/or safety risks associated with the product(s).

The new Manufacturer's Declaration to Cover the Export of Food Products Manufactured in Canada is issued for the exportation of food products solely regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. Other food products intended for export and regulated under the Meat Inspection Act, the Fish Inspection Act or the Canada Agricultural Products Act will only be issued certificates consistent with the enabling authority.

This advisory will be forwarded to all Canadian associations that may have members exporting food products. Government officials in major export markets are also being informed through Canadian Embassies abroad.

In order to obtain further information, please contact the nearest CFIA office.