Food and Horticultural Products Import Guide for Trade Fairs and Shows in
Canada
Additional information for
exhibitors in the province of Quebec
Exhibitors' Responsibilities
You have decided to exhibit your products at a trade fair in Canada!
This guide sets out the special conditions that apply to importing food and
horticultural products for a show or trade fair. In Canada, the import of these products
is mainly regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Product safety: The importer or importers legal representative
is responsible for ensuring the safety of the food products that will be offered for
tasting during the course of the event. This means ensuring that the products are
transported, stored and displayed in conditions that prevent any deterioration of the
product. Unsafe or infested products must be returned to their place of origin or be
destroyed under our supervision.
Sales ban: Exemptions to the various laws and regulations enforced by
the CFIA are provided when the products are being imported solely to be presented at shows
or trade fairs. Selling such products at these events is prohibited. Distributing the
products outside the exhibition premises is also forbidden, unless prior special
permission has been obtained from the CFIA.
Permits and letters of authorization: A number of products are subject
to very strict controls and must comply with the conditions listed on the permit to import
or in the letter of authorization. If the products do not comply with the stated
conditions, they will not be allowed into Canada. Fees are charged for each permit.
Preauthorization: The permits and authorizations mentioned in this
guide should be obtained ahead of time if you want to avoid any unpleasant last-minute
surprises. Information about applying for the required documents can be obtained from
resource persons mentioned in this guide for each product category. You can find out from
the exhibit organizers whether there is an official broker for the event.
Other departments and agencies: In this guide you will also find
references to other government departments that may be involved in controlling the import
and export of some of the products mentioned.
Regulatory changes: A change in a countrys sanitary status or in
certain conditions set out in this guide may occur. It is therefore recommended you check
at the time of shipping that you are providing all the required documents, taking into
account last-minute changes.
![Meat and meat products](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/meavia.gif)
Definition: All meats, poultry and their products are subject to the
conditions set out below.
Products Import Conditions for show:
From the United States:
- 100 kg or less: Proof of origin, such as a customs invoice, is required upon arrival of
the goods.
- BSE-related restrictions apply. Please refer to:
From other countries:
- 100 kg or less: Permit to import required. The conditions are stipulated on the permit.
A copy of the permit must accompany each shipment.
Other Requirements:
The Department of International Trade Canada (ITCan) is responsible for issuing permits
for the import of certain meat products. These products may be imported without a permit,
but they will be subject to higher customs tariffs.
Some meat products are also regulated by Environment Canada which is responsible for
the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre.
![Milk and Dairy Products](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/dailai.gif)
Definition: Milk, butter, cream, cheese and other products made from
milk and consisting almost exclusively of dairy products.
Products Import Conditions for show:
From the United States:
- 100 kg or less: Proof of origin, such as customs invoice, label or import declaration
form.
From other countries:
- 100 kg or less: A permit to import or proof of sterilization (official certificate) is
required for the following products: partly skimmed milk, skim milk, cream, butter,
buttermilk, butter oil, whey, whey butter, whey cream.
- Other milk products: Proof of origin, such as customs invoice, label or import
declaration form.
- Soft and semisoft cheese (raw milk): Import declaration form and product inspection
mandatory for any new variety imported into Canada. When the goods arrive in Canada,
samples will be taken to test for E. Coli, S. Aureus, Salmonella and Listeria
monocytogenes. The analyses must be performed by an approved laboratory. The
cost of the inspection and testing must be paid by the importer. The importer or
importers legal representative must send the list of the varieties and their
origins, and point out that it is raw milk cheese, to Normand Giguère
of the CFIAs dairy products division.
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre.
Other Requirements:
A permit to import can be issued by the Department of International Trade Canada (ITCan).
Dairy products may be imported without the permit, but they will be subject to higher
customs tariffs.
![Eggs and Eggs Products](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/eggoeu.gif)
Definition: Shell eggs, whole eggs, egg yolks, egg whites, egg mix or
egg products (with eggs accounting for 50 % of the weight) in their liquid, frozen or
dehydrated states.
Products Import Conditions for show:
Maximum quantity :
- 5 cases (5 x 30 dozen) of shell eggs or 100 kg of processed eggs.
From the United States :
- Proof of origin, such as a customs invoice, label or customs import form.
From other countries :
- Import licence or proof of sterilization (official certificate) for whole eggs, egg
yolks egg whites and egg mix in their liquid, frozen or dehydrated states : proof of
origin, such as a customs invoice, label or customs import form.
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre
Other Requirements:
A permit to import can be issued by the Department of International Trade Canada (ITCan).
Egg products may be imported without a permit, but they will be subject to higher customs
tariffs.
Some eggs and egg products are also regulated by Environment Canada which is
responsible for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
![Fish, shell and other seafood](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/fispoi.gif)
Definition: Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, other seafood and marine
animals and all products that are composed thereof.
Products Import Conditions for show:
- 1000 kg or less: Written authorization. The letter requesting authorization must
describe the product and must specify the quantity and origin.
- The products must be accompanied by a safety certificate issued by the country of
origin.
- Vacuum-packed smoked fish products must be frozen at the time of production, imported
frozen and kept frozen until used when the oxygen permeability of the packaging material
is less than 2000 cubic centimetres per square metre over 24 hours at 24°C and 1
atmosphere.
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre
Other Requirements:
Some marine products are also regulated by Environment Canada which is responsible for
the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES).
![Fresh Fruits and Vegetables](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/fruit.gif)
Definition: Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and edible mushrooms
and truffles.
Products Import Conditions for show:
- Written authorization: A letter of authorization issued by the CFIA to the attention of
the importer or broker must accompany each consignment of the product. This letter of
exemption is valid only for the duration of the show.
- Permit to import and phytosanitary certificate depending on the origin and nature of the
product. A permit must accompany shipments of root vegetables, but no permit is required
for other vegetables without soil. No permit is needed for tropical fruits, but fruits
grown in temperate regions (in Canada) are subject to evaluation, and a permit must be
applied for.
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre
Other Requirements:
None
![Processed fruits and vegetables / honey and maple products](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/protra.gif)
Definition: Fruits and vegetables that have been canned, cooked,
frozen, concentrated, marinated or otherwise processed / Honey and Maple products such as
syrup, sugar and maple taffy.
Products Import Conditions for show:
- 100 kg or less: Customs invoice or import declaration form marked for exhibit -
food show.
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre
Other Requirements:
None
![Alcoholic Beverages](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/alcboi.gif)
Definition: All beverages with more than 5% of alcohol.
Products Import Conditions for show:
- Import control is ensured by the provincial and territorial liquor control boards.
For more information, please contact:
NOTE: The information on the websites available through the links in
this section may not be available in both English and French.
Other Requirements:
Some alcoholic beverages contain animals that might be regulated by Environment Canada
which is responsible for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
![Other products for human consumption](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/autresa.gif)
Definition: All other food products not included in the
above-mentioned categories.
Products Import Conditions for show:
- Presentation of customs invoice upon reception of the merchandise. No specific
conditions apply, provided the products are not being offered for sale.
- The importers, exhibitors or their legal representatives are responsible for ensuring
that the products offered for tasting are safe and are not in any way dangerous for
consumers.
Other Requirements:
Some plants intended for infusion may be regulated by Environment Canada which is
responsible for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
![Pet Food](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/petani.gif)
Definition: All food products intended for household pets such as dogs
and cats.
Products Import Conditions for show:
From the United States:
- 100 kg or less: Proof of origin, such as customs invoice, label or import declaration
form.
- BSE-related restrictions apply. Please refer to:
From other countries:
- 100 kg or less: Permit to import required when product contains meat, meat products or
meat byproducts (see meat section).
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre
Other Requirements:
None
![Horticultural Products](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/horticol.gif)
Import Conditions for Seed Grains:
- No specific conditions, provided no seed grain is distributed during the show
- 500 g or less may be imported for personal use
- Over 500 g requires an analysis certificate (germination and purity)
Import Conditions for Dried and Cut Flowers:
- No specific conditions. However, the products must be free of earth and insects and any
other pests.
Import Conditions for All Other Types of Plants:
- Permits to import: The person in charge of the event in Canada must submit a permit
application request to the CFIA permit office in Ottawa. The application must specify the
scientific and common names and precise origin of each plants. The permit application must
be filed at least two months in advance.
Resource Person: To arrange for import permits (if required) and
documentation, your initial contact should be your local CFIA Import
Service Centre
Other Requirements:
Some seed grains and horticultural products may be regulated by Environment Canada
which is responsible for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Other Requirements: International Trade Canada
Department of International Trade Canada (ITCan)
The Export and Import Controls Bureau of the Department of International Trade Canada
is responsible for the issuance of permits for goods on the Import Control List and Export
Control List under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act. The
following agricultural products are or will be subject to controls:
Agricultural Products subject to Import Controls:
- Chicken, Turkey
- Broiler Hatching Eggs and Chicks, Shell Eggs and Egg Products
- Cheese
- Butter, Margarine
- Ice Cream, Yogurt, Other Dairy Products
- Barley and Barley Products
- Wheat and Wheat Products
- Beef and Veal from Non-NAFTA countries (North American Free Trade Agreement)
Contact:
International Trade Canada
Export and Import Controls Bureau
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive,
4th Floor C Tower
Ottawa Ont K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 996-2594
Fax: (613) 996-0612
epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
![Other requirements: Environment Canada](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/canada.gif)
Environment Canada
Canada is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This international agreement allows more than 160 countries
to exercise control over the import and export of more than 30,000 plant and animal
species and their derivatives listed in one of the three appendixes of the Convention.
Appendix I lists the most endangered species which international trade is not
permitted. Canadian regulation forbids all trade activities including sale, distribution
or promotion of these species or their derivatives unless it is subject to a specific
exemption. As examples within animal species: primates, felines, cetaceans, cervids,
bovids, parrots, turtles, crocodiles, molluscs and others. Within plants: cacti, orchids,
euphorbias and others. The scientific name (genus and species) must be known to obtain the
permit prior to import and the importer must ensure that the species are not listed on the
appendix I.
Appendix II and III list the species that are allowed for international trade with a
valid foreign CITES export permit. The CITES must be obtained prior export from the CITES
Management Authority of the country of export. The permit is valid only for one use unless
other indication on the permit. An export permit from Canadian authority is required to
return the merchandise to the origin. As examples, you will find in appendix II some
mammal species, birds, reptiles, amphibians (some frogs), fish (sturgeons). Within plants,
you will find American ginseng and Asiatic ginseng.
In Canada, CITES is enforced under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and
Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). The Canada
Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) assist the Canadian Wildlife Services law enforcement
officers from Environment Canada in the implementation of the CITES.
For more information:
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-800-668-6767
Fax: 819-953-6283
Web sites:
Environment Canada: http://www.cites.ec.gc.ca
Secretariat CITES (Suisse) : http://www.cites.org/
![Import Service Centre](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/isc.gif)
The importing community across Canada is served mainly by three CFIAs Import
Service Centres. The ISC process import request documentation and data sent electronically
or by fax . The staff review the information and return the decision either to Canada
Border Services Agency (CBSA) by electronic or directly to broker/importer by fax. The
broker then submits the release package, including CFIA decision to the customs officers.
In addition, ISC staff handle telephone inquiries regarding import requirements for all
commodities inspected by the CFIA.
Information related to commercial shipments or personal exemption can be obtained at
one of our three Import Service Centres (ISC):
IMPORT SERVICE CENTRES ACROSS CANADA |
Please contact the ISC within YOUR area. |
Central ISC (Ontario)
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.(local time)
Telephone and EDI: 1-800-835-4486 (Canada or U.S.A.)
1-416-661-3039 (local calls and all other countries)
Fax: 1-416-661-5767Mailing Address:
1122 Finch Avenue West Unit 22
Toronto, Ontario
M3J 3J5 |
Eastern ISC (Quebec & Atlantic)
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.(local time)
Telephone and EDI: 1-877-493-0468 (Canada or U.S.A.)
1-514-493-0468 (local calls and all other countries)
Fax: 1-514-493-4103Mailing Address:
7101 Jean-Talon East, Suite 600
Anjou, Quebec
H1M 3N7 |
Western ISC (Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan & British
Columbia, North West Territories and Nunavut)
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.(B.C. local time)
Telephone and EDI: 1-888-732-6222 (Canada or U.S.A.)
1-604-666-9240 (B.C. local calls and all other countries)
Fax: 1-604-666-1577Mailing Address:
Suite 400 - 4321 Still Creek Dr.
Burnaby, British Columbia
V5C 6S7 |
Additional information on ISC is available on our Web site at the following address :
www.inspection.gc.ca
![Checklist](/web/20071115051529im_/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/exhibit/chemem.gif)
Be sure to check the following points:
- Check which category your products are classified in.
- Make sure that your representative or broker fills in and submits the permit or
authorization applications two or three months before the event.
- It is essential to provide all the requested information if you want to receive your
permits and authorizations. The more precise the information you supply, the faster the
evaluation can be done.
- Check whether you need to contact another department to obtain a permit or special
licence.
- Make sure that all the products you intend to exhibit are mentioned clearly on the
declarations and invoices that you submit to customs.
- Make sure that the weight of each product for which you are applying for a permit or
authorization does not exceed the allowed limit (if applicable).
- Before shipping the goods, ask your broker or CFIA contact whether there have been any
changes in the conditions set out in this guide.
- Make sure that the required paperwork (permits and authorizations) accompanies each
shipment.
- Make sure that the products will be stored in bonded warehouses.
- Ensure that the people representing you at the event fully understand the conditions of
the exhibitors contract. Remind them that selling the products on site is
prohibited.
- Have you made arrangements to return unconsumed products to their place of origin or
will you be leaving it up to us to dispose of them safely?
Remember that you are responsible for ensuring the safety of the products that you will
be presenting or offering for tasting during the show.
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