In order to import food into Canada most food importers are required to hold a valid Safe Food for Canadians Licence Regulations (SFCR licence), issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
On February 12, 2024, the CFIA will activate the automatic verification of SFCR licences for imports of manufactured foods for human consumption. Food import transactions will be automatically rejected unless a valid SFCR licence is declared.
A valid SFCR licence to import is:
- Active (not expired, surrendered, suspended or cancelled)
- Issued for the activity “Importing Food”
- Issued for the commodities that are being imported
If a transaction is rejected, the importer’s shipment will be denied entry into Canada until their licensing error(s) are corrected and their import declaration is re-submitted with a valid SFCR licence.
A licence is required to import food, except for the following:
- Food additives
- Alcoholic beverages
- Food listed in Schedule 1 of the SFCR if they:
- Are not processed and will be manufactured, processed, or treated for use as grain, oil, pulse, sugar or beverage;
- Have a label applied, attached to, or accompanying them that states “For Further Preparation Only”;
- Are not a consumer prepackaged food
Click here to determine if you require an SFCR Licence.
For more information, contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.
