A Canadian food import license is an authorization the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued. It allows businesses to legally import food into Canada. It ensures that all imported food meets the country’s safety, labeling and traceability standards under the safe food for Canadians act and the SFCR.

Why is a food import license required in Canada?

Canada has strict food safety regulations to protect public health. The import license:

• Ensures traceability of food products
• Enables the inspection and monitoring of imported goods
• Verifies compliance with Canadian standards
• Supports a transparent supply chain. 

It also holds importers accountable for the safety and quality of the food they bring into the country. 

Who needs a Canadian food import license?

Those people need a Canadian food import license who:

• Wish to import food for commercial purposes
• Need to import food falling under part 2 of SFCR, which includes meat, dairy eggs, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Are involved in online food sales and source products from outside Canada.

You may not need a license if:

• You import food for personal use
• You are a customs broker acting on behalf of a licensed importer
• Food is not for sale.

Types of food that require a license:

• Fresh and frozen products
• Packaged and processed foods
• Beverages
• Grains, pulses and Cereals
• Animal-derived products include meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Each product type may have specific requirements regarding storage, handling and documentation