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Instructions For Completing the CFIA Import Service Centre Cover Sheet

Request for Customs Release of Live and Raw Molluscan Bivalve Shellfish

The fax cover sheet "Request for Release" should be completed as follows:

Complete sections to identify the name of the importer, the name of a contact person for the importer and their fax and telephone numbers.

The Customs Transaction Number is recommended but not mandatory.

Original Certificates are not needed for the release of live and raw shellfish products.

Identify the type of shellfish being imported in the section for "COMMODITY/PRODUITS"

Identify the location where the shellfish will be available for inspection in section for "Delivery Address/ Adresse de livraison"

Do not complete section for "AND FOR MEAT SHIPMENTS/ET POUR EXPÉDITIOINS DE VIANDE"

Completion of the "CONTAINER SHIPMENTS/EXPÉDITIONS DE CONTENEUR" section is optional and can be used to identify the means of transport (e.g., trucking company, vessel, container number, airline).

Identify the name and registration number of the shellfish shipper number (e.g. 9876 SS) in the "COMMENTS/COMMENTAIRES" section.

No further information is needed. There will be no additional CFIA charges for customs release of live and raw shellfish shipments as this service is included with the CFIA Fish Inspection Service Fee for imported fish products.

Fax the cover sheet to the appropriate ISC before importing your product. The Eastern ISC located in Québec releases all the shipments being imported through the Québec area and the Atlantic area. The Western ISC located in British Columbia releases all the shipments for Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The Central ISC located in Ontario, deals only with shipments being imported through the Ontario area. After regular working hours for Eastern and Central ISCs, all shipments can be released by the Western ISC until their closing time. Early morning, the Eastern ISC can clear shipments for Mid-West, Alberta and British Columbia before the Western ISC opening time.

The carrier of any shipments of live or raw shellfish will need a stamped cover sheet for Customs release.

The Import Service Centres can be contacted as follows:

Request for Release Approval (download in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format)