Animal Pathogen Import Program
For importation of animal products and tissues that are free of animal pathogens, contact your CFIA Area Office.
Issuance of Import Permits for Animal Pathogens
The Health of Animals Act and its regulations give the CFIA the legislative authority to control the use of imported animal pathogens and pathogens associated with reportable animal diseases. Permits are required for the importation of all animal pathogens into Canada. For an agent brought into Canada under an import permit which restricts its distribution, further approval must be obtained before transferring the agent to another location.
The Office of Biohazard Containment & Safety (BCS) also establishes the conditions under which animal pathogens will be maintained and work will be carried out. The containment level required for working with specific pathogens is kept in a listing maintained by the office.
An application to import animal pathogens into Canada must be made to the CFIA. After evaluation and approval by the Office of BCS, an import permit will be issued which must accompany the pathogen into Canada. A single- or multiple-entry permit will be issued according to the particular situation. The import permit will specify the conditions under which the pathogen is to be maintained and work is to be carried out.
The form Application for Permit to Import (CFIA/ACIA 5083) must be completed and signed by the applicant. Applicants are also required to submit the application form Facility Certification for the Importation of Animal Pathogens (CFIA/ACIA 5083), which must be signed by both the applicant and the institutional safety officer. The applicant must complete Part I and II of the facility certification questionnaire if the request is for use of the pathogen in vitro only. Part III must also be completed if the pathogen is to be used in vivo.
Application forms may be typed (preferred method) or handwritten. Handwritten forms must be legibly written. Unreadable or incomplete forms may delay permit issuance. If more space is needed for a section, use additional sheet(s), noting the relevant section of the application form.
**Note: CFIA policy does not allow for the issuance of a permit for material that has already arrived in Canada. If the product is in Canada without a valid import permit it must be returned to the exporter or destroyed.
Facility Certification for the Importation of Animal Pathogens
Laboratories handling animal pathogens should refer to the Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities to verify that their operational practices and physical containment facilities are adequate for the animal pathogen they wish to work with. Laboratories importing pathogens at Animal Pathogen (AP) containment level 2 may be inspected by regional CFIA inspectors to ensure compliance with the conditions specified in the import permit, or they may be requested to fill in a detailed inspection checklist. Applicants importing pathogens at AP containment level 3 or 4 will have their facilities inspected and approved prior to issuance of the import permit.
All non-conformities identified during an on-site inspection will be immediately communicated to the applicant together with a corrective action request. The inspector’s report will be submitted to the Office of BCS. Follow-up inspections will be periodically performed to ensure permit conditions are being complied with.
Importing Zoonotic Pathogens
The importation of agents of zoonotic or communicable diseases common to humans and animals also requires application to Health Canada under the Human Pathogens Importation Regulations. Click here to connect to Public Health Agency of Canada Office of Laboratory Security website for information about importing these agents.
*Note: 'The Canadian Food inspection Agency does not regulate export of pathogens and toxins from Canada. The Export and Import Control Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is responsible for administering the Export and Import Permits Act. DFAIT produces an Export Control List with Group 7 Chemical and Biological Weapons, Non-Proliferation List containing the list of human, animal and plant pathogens and toxins that require an export permit. For general enquiries telephone (613) 996-2387. The Export and Import Controls Bureau (EPD) website contains useful information for exporters as well as a downloadable form EXT1455-Application for Import/Export Permit.'
Permit fees:
$35 Single Entry Permit (valid for 3 months)
$60 Multiple Entry Permit (valid for 1 year)
$20 Amendment to an existing permit
Checklists and Forms
For further information about the Animal Pathogen Importation Program, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions.
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