Food Import

Eligibility Criteria

Summary

CFIA Web site - Import

Contains a vast amount of information on importing food into Canada. They provide information on import by commodity, import procedures, and useful guides that are designed to assist food importers. Example of available guides:

• Guide to Importing Food Products Commercially

Presents an overview of the federal regulatory and policy requirements for the commercial importation of food into Canada. It is designed for importers, consultants and those considering embarking on an import venture.

• Food Recalls - Importers' Guide

Provides an overview of how to develop a recall plan and how to put that plan in action in the event of a recall. It can also assist in identifying unsafe products that may have been received and sold.

Import Service Centres

The CFIA, in cooperation with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has established three regional Import Service Centres (ISC). ISCs process import request documentation/data sent electronically or by fax by the importing community across Canada. They review the information and return the decision either electronically to CBSA, which then relays it to the client; or by fax directly to the broker/importer, who then submits the release package to CBSA. In addition, ISC staff handles telephone inquiries regarding import requirements for all commodities inspected by the CFIA, and coordinates inspections for import shipments when necessary.

Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)

The purpose of the AIRS is to provide accurate and timely information on import requirements. The Web application uses a question and answer approach to guide the user through a series of questions about the Harmonized System (HS) Codes, origin, destination, end use and miscellaneous qualifiers of the product they wish to bring into Canada. The system leads the user through the applicable regulations and policies to information on documentation requirements and any other conditions that apply to the importation of the product in question.

Other Import Services

The Frequent Importer Release System (FIRST)  is a CBSA release system for frequent importers of low risk commodities who have a high degree of compliance with CBSA and CFIA regulations.

The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) is a system to review imported fish, food and agriculture products before their arrival. It is one of many CFIA initiatives aimed at improving service and compliance. It is available at all automated CBSA commercial offices.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
Regional Director, New Brunswick
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
850 Lincoln Road
P.O. Box 2222
Fredericton, New Brunswick  E3B 5G4
Telephone: 506-452-4964
Fax: 506-452-3923
Toll-free (information): 1-800-442-2342
Web site: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml