G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
8 March 2023 
(23-1677) Page: 1/56 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2022)  
 
CANADA  
 
The following communication, dated 2 4 February 2023 is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Canada.  
 
_______________  
 
Introduction  
 
Import licences are administered by a limited number of government departments, and they vary in 
certain particulars from department to department.  Consequently, replies to the Questionnaire have 
been organized according to the different legislative instr uments under which import licences are 
maintained.   
 
_______________  
 
  
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   CONTROLLED DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ACT AND THE CANNABIS ACT  .......................  2 
2   FOOD AND DRUGS ACT  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
3   ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION ACT  ................................ ................................ ...... 9 
4   GROWER REQUESTED OWN USE (GROU) PROGRAM  ................................ ..................  11 
5   EXPLOSIVES ACT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 14 
6   NUCLEAR SAFETY AND CONTROL ACT  ................................ ................................ ....... 16 
7   CANADIAN ENERGY REGULATOR ACT  ................................ ................................ ........  18 
8   EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS ACT  ................................ ................................ ..........  21 
8.1   General Responses Applicable to Dairy Products and Margarine; Chicken, Turkey, Eggs 
and Broiler Hatching Eggs and Chicks; Beef and Veal; and Wheat, Barley and their products ....... 21 
8.2   Other Responses – by Product Groups  ................................ ................................ .........  24 
8.2.1   Dairy Products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 24 
8.2.2   Chicken, Turkey and Eggs  ................................ ................................ .......................  25 
8.2.3   Beef and Veal  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  27 
8.2.4   Wheat, Barley and their Products  ................................ ................................ .............  29 
8.2.5   Textiles  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  31 
8.2.6   Clothing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  33 
8.2.7   Carbon and Specialty Steel  ................................ ................................ ......................  36 
8.2.8   Aluminum  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  37 
9   PLANT PROTECTION ACT  ................................ ................................ ...........................  39 
10   HEALTH OF ANIMALS ACT  ................................ ................................ .......................  41 
11   SAFE FOOD FOR CANADIANS ACT  ................................ ................................ ............  45 
12   WILD ANIMAL AND PLANT PROTECTION AND REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL AND 
INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE ACT ................................ ................................ ......................  49 
13   EXPORT AND IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT  ................................ ...................  51 
14   FISHERIES ACT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 53 
 
1  CONTROLLED DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ACT AND THE CANNABIS ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The importation of controlled substances, precursor chemicals, cannabis and industrial hemp is 
governed by re gulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  (CDSA), which was 
enacted in 1996 and came into force in 1997, and the Cannabis Act (CA), which came into force on 
17 October 2018. The CDSA and CA are the means by which Canada fulfils its oblig ations under the 
United Nations (UN) Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 , Convention on Psychotropic 
Substances, 1971 , and Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances, 1988  (collectively known as the UN Drug Contr ol Conventions).  
 
The CDSA and CA establish a legislative framework that prohibits any person from conducting 
activities, e.g., importation, exportation, production, distribution with controlled substances, 
precursor chemicals and cannabis unless authorize d by the legislation, regulation, or an exemption 
issued by the Canadian Minister of Health. The regulations made under the CDSA and CA set out the 
circumstances under which activities with controlled substances, precursor chemicals and cannabis 
are permit ted. 
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  The substances regulated under the CDSA are grouped into six Schedules (Schedules I to VI) to the 
Act. Schedules I to IV list  controlled substances (including analgesics, stimulants, sedatives, 
hallucinogens and anabolic steroids) while Schedule VI lists precursor chemicals. Schedule V lists 
items which the Minister  of Health decides to control on a temporary basis (up to one yea r with the 
possible extension for another year) in response to significant risk to public health and safety. 
Currently there is no item listed in this Schedule. Schedule IX lists the designated devices that are 
required to be registered with Health Canada before being imported into Canada.  
 
The following sections outline provisions pertaining to the legal import of controlled substances, 
precursor chemicals and cannabis:  
 
"Controlled Substances"  
 
- Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations  (targeted substances): Sets out 
the circumstances and requirements in which producers, distributors, importers, exporters, 
pharmacists, practitioners and hospitals may conduct any activities authorized by these 
Regulations, including possession, sale, distr ibution, importing and exporting, and production 
of targeted substances. The term "targeted substances " refers to any controlled substance 
listed in Schedule 1 to these Regulations, including benzodiazepines and other psychoactive 
substances.  
 
- Narcotic Control Regulations  (narcotics):  Sets out the circumstances and requirements in 
which producers, distributors , importers, exporters, pharmacists, practitioners and hospitals 
may cond uct any activities authorized by these Regulations, including po ssession, sale, 
distribution, importing and exporting, and production of narcotics. The term "narcotic " refers 
to any controlled substance listed in the Schedule to these Regulations referred to as 
"narcotics ", such as cocaine, opium, codeine and morphine.  
 
-  Part G of the Food and Drug Regulations  (controlled drugs): Sets out the circumstances and 
requirements  in which producers, distributors, importers, exporters, pharmacists, 
practitioners, and hospitals may conduct any activities authorized by these Re gulations, 
including possession, sale, distribution, importing, exporting, and production of controlled 
drugs. The term "controlled drug " refers to any controlled substance listed in the Schedule to 
Part G of these Regulations, such as stimulants, sedative s, and anabolic steroids.  
 
-   Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations  (restricted drugs): Governs the activities of producers, 
distributors , importers, exporters, and research institutions including possession, sale, 
distribution, importing, exporting, an d production of "restricted drugs ".  The term "restricted 
drug" refers to any controlled substance listed in the Schedule to Part J of these Regulations, 
such as MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin. These substances have no approved medical applications 
and can be u sed only for scientific and research purposes.  
 
"Precursor Chemicals"  
 
-  Precursor Control Regulations : Sets out the circumstances and requirements in which 
producers, distributors, importers, exporters, pharmacists, practitioners, and hospitals may 
condu ct, any activities authorized by these Regulations, including production, sale/provision, 
importation and exportation of two broad classes of chemicals listed in Parts 1 and 2 of 
Schedule  VI to the CDSA:  
 
-  Class A precursors, such as ephedrine, pseudoeph edrine, piperidine, and red/white 
phosphorus; and  
 
- Class B precursors, such as acetone, hydrochloric acid, and toluene.  
 
While these regulations govern the import of controlled substances and precursors, they may be 
referred to as two different "licensing/permit systems " – as procedures vary somewhat between the 
classes of substances – overall, the "systems " are very similar . In this regard, unless otherwise 
specified in the text below, procedures are the same for each type of substance.  
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  "Designated Devices " Registry: Importation of Pill Presses and Encapsulators  
 
The control mechanism for designated devices is set out in the Controlled Drugs and Substances 
Act. 
 
Definition of Designated Devices:  
 
Pill press: Manual, semi -automatic or fully automatic device that may be used to compact or mould 
powdered, granular or semi-solid material to produce coherent solid tablets.  
 
Encapsulator: Manual, semi -automatic or fully automatic device that may be used to fill capsules 
with any powdered, granular, semi -solid or liquid material.  
 
Designated devices may be used for legitim ate purposes in the pharmaceutical, food and consumer 
products industries. As of 18 May 2017, any individual or business who wishes to import a designated 
device into Canada is required to register with Health Canada. Legitimate users are required to 
provide the registration number and proof/confirmation of the registration at the border upon 
importation of the designated device. Registration is not onerous; the burden on legitimate 
manufacturers is limited. Failure to register a designated device before im porting it across the 
Canadian border is in violation of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act . Subsequently, Customs 
officers may notify Health Canada and/or law enforcement when the device arrives at the border. 
Border officials, at their discretion, m ay verify registration with Health Canada.  
 
Health Canada aims to process completed application forms within 15 business days. Incomplete 
forms will be returned to the applicant and delay the registration process. Health Canada encourages 
applicants to ens ure that the application for registration is complete and submitted in good time.  
 
Each designated device must be registered using a separate application form and is valid for one 
importation. Once the registration has been processed by Health Canada, app licants will be provided 
with the registration number for the designated device specified on the form, and a copy of the 
validated registration form.  
 
"Cannabis " 
 
Cannabis Act : Prohibits the importation or exportation of cannabis and the possession of cann abis 
for the purpose of exporting it unless otherwise authorized under the CA.  
 
Cannabis Regulations : Sets out the circumstances and requirements in which cultivators, processors, 
sellers, producers, researchers, laboratories, distributors, importers, expo rters, pharmacists, 
practitioners and hospitals may conduct regulated activities with cannabis including possession, sale, 
distribution, importing and exporting, and production of substances listed in Schedule 1 of the 
Cannabis Act . Importing and exporting  is restricted to cannabis for medical and/or scientific 
purposes. A holder of a licence is authorized to import or export cannabis for medical or scientific 
purposes if they also hold an import or export permit.  
 
Cannabis Exemption Regulations  (Food and Drugs Act ): Cannabis Drug Licence holders seeking to 
import or export cannabis to be used as an ingredient in health products, or health products 
containing cannabis in  final dosage format, are subject to the requirement to obtain an import or 
export permit from Health Canada for those activities. This is required for each shipment of cannabis 
that is imported or exported. The import and export of drugs containing cannab is, or of cannabis to 
be used as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, must also comply with the requirements of the Food 
and Drugs Act. The holder of an import or export permit is also authorized to possess, transfer, 
transport, send, or deliver, or in the  case of export, sell, the shipment of cannabis to the extent 
necessary for the import or export. The permit is issued by the Minister of Health and  has a specific 
validity period. The Section 56 Class Exemption For Travelers Who Are Importing or Exporting  
Prescription Drug Products Containing a Narcotic or a Controlled Drug authorizes the personal import 
and export of prescription drugs containing cannabis (such as Sativex) under certain conditions.  
 
Industrial Hemp Regulations : Sets out the circumstances and requirements in which cultivators, 
sellers, importers and exporters, may conduct regulated activities with industrial hemp (cannabis 
plants containing less than 0.3% THC) including possession, sale, importing and exporting,  and 
production of hemp derivatives.    G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. Prospective importers of controlled substances, precursor chemicals or cannabis must be 
authorized under the respective regulations to conduct importation of specific substances. With the 
exception of Class  B precursor chemicals, an authorized importer must apply for an import permit 
for each individual shipment. The application must specify the supplier's name, address and country, 
the quantity and type of substances being importe d as well as the method of transport and the 
Customs port of entry. Import permits are valid for one shipment only.  
 
3.  The system applies to controlled substances, precursor chemicals and cannabis from all countries. 
While there is no actual restriction on which countries these substances can be imported from, 
substances are rarely imported from countries that are not party to the UN Drug Control 
Conventions. However, not all substances that are controlled in Canada are controlled in all other 
jurisdictio ns (e.g., analogues, salts or derivatives of certain controlled substances, anabolic steroids, 
etc.).  
 
4. The import permit system is intended to ensure the legitimate trade in controlled substances, 
precursor chemicals and cannabis for medical or scientific purposes, and minimize the risk of those 
substances being diverted to illicit markets by monitoring internationally the movement of shipments 
of these substances, taking into consideration, among other things, annual national estimates for 
controlled substances submitted by Canada to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). 
The Canadian regulatory system is required to have an import control component to it under the UN 
Drug Control Conventions.  
 
5.  See paragraph 1.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. Allocations of quotas for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are published by the 
United Nations, and this information is provided to dealers upon request and is available on 
the INCB website. Any nation exporting controlled substances or cannabis may  obtain 
information on Canadian quotas through the INCB. Canada does not allocate a specific 
quantity to any foreign country or domestic importer.  
 
II.  The qu otas for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are allocated annually in 
accordance with the  requirements of the INCB.  
 
III.  Permits to import controlled substances and Class A precursor chemicals are only issued to 
dealers who are licensed to import and conduct other activities with the relevant substances, 
while permits to import cannabis are only issued on a per -shipment basis to licence holders 
who are licensed to conduct activities with cannabis. All licence holders are required to report 
to Health Canada on the endorsed quantity imported for each shipment that has taken place. 
Unused portio ns of permits for these substances and quantities from cancelled permits are 
credited back to the quota for the current year. The names of licensed importers are not 
published for confidentiality and security reasons. Health Canada sends three copies of th e 
permit to the applicant, and it is the applicant 's responsibility to send copies of import permits 
to the exporting country and the customs broker.  
 
IV.  All quotas are established on an annual basis, and an application amendment to this quota 
may be mad e at any time during the year. Import permit applications are accepted 
year-round. Quotas submitted to the INCB are annual estimates of controlled substances and 
cannabis for legitimate medical or scientific needs in Canada. When necessary, Canada may 
amen d the estimates by submitting supplementary estimates to the INCB. Additionally, 
Canada provides the INCB with quarterly statistical reports of narcotic drug imports and 
exports (Form A).  
 
V.  Import permits are usually issued within 45 calendar days of r eceipt of the application.  
  
VI.  Import permits are issued for immediate importation. Currently, permits for controlled 
substances and precursor chemicals are valid for six months from the date of issue or until 
the expiry date of the licence, whichever i s earlier. For cannabis, import permits are valid for 
six months or until the expiry date of the licence, and may cover two calendar years. The date G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  when the shipment is imported and the date when the export permit is revoked by the 
competent authority of the country of export are also considered in setting the permit expiry 
date. 
 
VII.  All applications for import permits are reviewed by the Office of Controlled Substances, with 
the exception of applications for cannabis, which are reviewed by the Office o f Medical Access 
and Specialized Authorizations.  
 
VIII.  Import permits are issued on a first -come, first -serve d basis, provided that the applicant 
submits a complete application. There is no maximum amount allocated per applicant.  
Applications are examin ed for accuracy on receipt. In addition, applications made by forensic, 
coroner 's office and other law enforcement agencies for reference standards are processed as 
priorities.  
 
IX.  In accordance with the UN Drug Control Conventions, a shipment of narcoti c drug, 
psychotropic substances or precursor must be authorized by both the importing and exporting 
countries.  
 
X.   Not applicable.  
 
XI.  No.  
 
7. Not applicable . 
 
8.  Generally, an application for an import permit for a controlled substance or class A precursor will 
be refused if the applicant does not hold a dealer 's licence for the substance that is to be imported 
or holds a dealer 's licence that will expire before the date of importation. If the application is for 
cannabis, the import permit will be refused if the applicant does not hold a licence to conduct 
activities with cannabis or it will expire before the date of importation, if the applicant has provided 
false or misleading information in the application, or if there are reasonable grounds to b elieve the 
importation would contravene the laws of the country of export or any country of 
transit/transhipment. This information is clearly provided to the applicant. Yes, the applicant is given 
a right to appeal, as is outlined in the above Regulations.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a permit  
9. For controlled substances, Class A precursor chemicals and cannabis, eligibility to apply for import 
permits is limited to individuals or companies licensed to import these substances in Canada. 
While  businesses that import Class B precursors must be registered with Health Canada, import 
permits are not required for individual shipments of those substances. There is no fee attached to 
import permits, with the exception of import permits for cannab is (see below). However, a fee and 
other requirements may apply to obtain the licence to conduct regulated activities with controlled 
substances domestically. There is no fee for a Class A precursor licence or a Class B precursor 
registration.  
 
For cannabi s, individuals or companies who import cannabis through their cultivation, processing or 
medical sale licence must pay a fee of $637 per import permit. Individuals who import cannabis 
through their research licence, analytical testing licence or cannabis d rug licence are not required to 
pay a fee.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for a permit application  
10. For controlled substances, Class A precursors and cannabis, applicants must provide in the 
import permit application form the name and quantity o f substances, the address of the importer 
and exporter, mode of transport, port of entry, proposed date of entry and the name of 
transit/transhipment country.  
 
11. Canadian import permits.  
 
12. There are fees to import cannabis. Individuals or companies w ho import cannabis through their 
cultivation, processing or sale licence must pay a fee of $637 per import permit. Individuals who G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  import cannabis through their research licence, analytical testing licence or cannabis drug licence 
are not required to pay a  fee. 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Currently, import permits for controlled substances and precursor chemicals are valid for 
maximum six months from the date of issuance or until the expiry date of the licence whichever is 
earlier. For cannabis, i mport permits are valid for six months or until the expiry date of the licence, 
and may cover two calendar years.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17.(a)Special conditions may be added on a case -by-case basis.  
 
(b)  Not applicable . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. No.  
 
2  FOOD AND DRUGS ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The importation into Canada of drugs, blood, natural health products and medical devices is 
subject to establishment or site licensing to ensure that imported products meet Canadian st andards 
of safety, efficacy and quality. The import of these products is covered by the Food and Drug 
Regulations , the Blood Regulations , the Natural Health Products Regulations , and Medical Devices 
Regulations , respectively. In addition to establishment o r site licences permitting persons to, among 
other things, import a health product, product licences or market authorizations are required for the 
sale of each specific health product in Canada.  
 
In the case of medical devices, a market authorization is re quired for Class II, III and IV devices, 
which correspond to mid and high-risk devices. Class I devices, which are the lowest risk, are not 
issued product -specific market authorizations and are instead covered under establishment licences.  
The importation of human cells, tissues and organs (CTO) for transplantation are not subject to 
licensing, but imported products must meet Canadian standards for safety, as expressed in the 
respective regulations. Establishments that import and/or distribute CTOs are requ ired to be 
registered with Health Canada. Any tissue or cell (other than lymphohemapoietic cell) imported into 
Canada under the Safety of Human Cells, Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations  must 
also have been processed by a registered establis hment.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. Establishment licences are required for "import for sale" of drugs (including pharmaceuticals, 
active pharmaceutical ingredients,  biologics, vaccines, blood products, and radiopharmeuticals), 
blood, and medical devices. However, licences may not be required for blood if import is done under 
urgent circumstances.  
 
Site licences are required for "import for sale" of natural health products (including vitamins and 
minerals; herbal remedies; homeopathic medicines; tr aditional medicines; probiotics; and other 
products like amino acids and essential fatty acids).  
 
3. The above systems apply to the specified health products from all countries.  
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  4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports; it is intended to ensure 
that imported health products meet Canadian standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. Licensing is 
the most cost effective way to monitor importers.  
 
5. The following relates to import licensing and administrative proced ures for health products under 
the Food and Drugs Act  and its associated regulations. Different health products, covered under the 
Act, are subject to different regulations as listed below:  
 
-  Food and Drug Regulations;  
-  Blood Regulations;  
-  Medical De vices Regulations;  
-  Natural Health Products Regulations;  
-  Safety of Human Cells, Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations.  
 
Product designation is not subject to administrative discretion.   
 
Legislative approval would be required to abolish the licensing/registration systems described above.  
 
Procedures  
6. Import of health products by licence holders is not restricted as to th e quantity or value of the 
imports.  
 
7.(a) A licence or registration for the importer and/or product must have been obtained prior to 
importation. No, licences cannot be obtained in a shorter time frame for products arriving at 
the port where the importer has not already obtained one.  
 
 Time to obtain a licence depends on a variety of factors and will depend on the individual case.  
 
(b) No, a licence cannot be granted immediately on request. Establishment licences, site licences, 
and product licences are issued if a review of the application indicates that all requirements 
of the applicable regulations have been met. CTO registration is issued if a review of the 
application indicates that all the requirements of registration are met, including  an attestation 
from the Medical or Scientific Director that they are in compliance with the regulations.  
 
(c) No, licence applications and importation are not limited according to time of year.  
 
(d)  Health Canada is the only authority with respect to the  above licences or registration.  
 
8. Failure to meet the criteria specified in the regulations will result in an application being refused.  
Reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. There are regulatory requirements for Health Canada 
to provide the applicant with an opportunity to be heard. Review of the decision is internal to Health 
Canada. Applicants have a final right of appeal through the federal court system.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, including a natural person or a legal entity meeting the legal definition of a person, 
is eligible to apply for a licence or registration.  
 
Applicants that do not have a Canadian address must provide the address of a representative in 
Canad a with the exception of medical devices where the applicant is not required to have a Canadian 
representative. There are fees associated with drugs and medical devices for both product and 
establishment licences. There is a published list of drug and medic al device product licences and 
establishment licences. For CTO establishments, this information is made available upon request at 
the follow address: roeb.cto -dgoral@hc -sc.gc.ca .   
 
Documentational and oth er requirements for application for a permit to import  
10. Applications for product licences vary according to product but all the requirements are detailed 
in the applicable regulations and guidance. Applications for establishment and site licences and CT O 
registration must contain information on the applicant's name and address and contact information; 
the activities proposed; the product type; the address of each building where an activity will take G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  place; and a statement that they meet the applicable re quirements of the regulations. For blood 
establishment licences, as part of the application, the importer must submit evidence of compliance 
for every foreign establishment where the blood is processed.  
 
11. No specific documents are required upon importat ion, just evidence that the applicable licences 
are in place. The Health Products and Food Branch and the Regulatory Operations and Enforcement 
Branch of Health Canada can confirm that these have been issued.  
 
12. There are no fees for blood, CTO, or NHP, as these are not cost recovered. There are fees for 
drug and medical device product and establishment licences; these fees are published in the Fees in 
Respect of Drugs and Medical Devices Regulations and depend on the type of licence involved.  
 
13. Where fees apply, a deposit or advance payment is required for the issuance of a licence. Again, 
this amount varies as per the licence and is published in the regulations.  
 
Conditions of permit  
14. Drug Establishment licences and Medical Device Establishment Lic ences are subject to annual 
renewal prior to 1 April each year; Blood Establishment Licences have no expiry and no annual 
renewal; CTO registration is subject to renewal in the year following the year in which the registration 
is issued; and drug and medic al device product licences require annual notification. NHP site licences 
must be renewed annually for the first three years, every other year for the next six years, and 
every third year after that; product licences are for an indefinite period.  
 
The vali dity period cannot be extended.  
 
15.  No penalty is imposed for non -utilization of a licence or registration.  
 
16. Licences are issued to a specific person. To change the name of the licence holder a new licence 
application is required.  
 
17.  An establishment licence may be subject to terms and conditions as specified by the Minister 
on the licence when the licence is issued. These conditions vary according to the licence. For drug 
and blood establishment licences, terms and conditions can be adde d or modified at any time.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
3  ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION ACT   
Outline of system  
1. The AHR Act prohibits the importation and/or the distribution in Canada of donor sperm and ova 
for the purpose of AHR, unless the sperm and ova are processed by a primary establishment that is 
registered with Health Canada.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The Safety Regulations require that primary establishments that are responsible for all of the 
processing activities with respect to donor sperm and ova be registered with Health Canada.  
 
3. The system applies to all countries.  
 
4. The importation int o Canada of sperm and ova for assisted human reproduction are not subject 
to licensing, but imported gametes must meet Canadian standards for safety, as expressed in the 
Safety Regulations.  
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  5. The following relates to import licensing and administrative procedures for donor sperm and ova 
under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act  and the Safety of Sperm and Ova Regulations (Safety 
Regulations).   
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) A licence or registration for the importer and/or product must have been obtained prior to 
importation. No, licences cannot be obtained in a shorter time frame for products arriving at 
the port where the importer has not already obtained one.  
 
 Time to obtain a licence depends on a variety of factors and will depend on the  individual case.  
 
(b) No, a licence cannot be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c) No, licence applications and importation are not limited according to time of year.  
 
(d)  Establishments that import and/or distribute sperm and ova in Canada must submit a 
notification to Health Canada prior to importation. Sperm and ova imported under the Safety 
Regulations must also have been processed by a primary establishment registered w ith Health 
Canada.  
 
8. Failure to meet the criteria specified in the regulations may result in Health Canada taking 
compliance and enforcement measures.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for registration  
9. Establishments, as defined in the Safety Regulat ions, are eligible to import sperm and ova in 
Canada. Any person can import sperm or ova and therefore be considered an establishment.  
 
The Safety Regulations do not require establishments who import and/or distribute sperm and ova 
to register, but they must notify Health Canada using a notification form.  
 
An establishment must keep records for importation and/or distribution that contain all the 
documents and information required under the Safety Regulations and all other records that 
demonstrate th at they meet the requirements of the Safety Regulations.  
 
There are no fees associated with sperm and ova registrations, notifications or annual attestations 
as they are not cost recovered. Information on notifications is available upon request at the foll owing 
address: ahrregistration -enregistrementpa@hc -sc.gc.ca . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a permit to import  
10. All records relating to the importation and distribution of donor sperm and ova must include the 
donor identification code and the donation code for each unit of sperm or ova.  
 
Applications for notifications must contain information on the establishment's name, telephone 
number, email address, posta l address and, if different from the postal address, civic address; a 
statement indicating whether the establishment proposes to distribute or import sperm or ova and 
the projected start date; the civic address of the buildings in which the establishment p roposes to 
conduct the activities; the first name, last name, telephone number and email address of a person 
to contact for further information concerning the notice and, if different, a person to contact in case 
of emergency; in the case of an establishme nt that previously conducted its activities under another 
name, that other name; and the name and registration number of each primary establishment that 
processes that sperm or those ova.  
 
Establishments must submit the Sperm and Ova notification form  prior to importing and/or 
distributing sper m and ova in Canada.  
 
11. No specific documents are required upon importation, just evidence that the applicable licences 
are in place.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  12. There are no fees associated with sperm and ova registrations, applications, notifications or 
annual attestations as  they are not cost recovered. Information on notifications is available upon 
request at the following address: ahrregistration -enregistrementpa@hc -sc.gc.ca . 
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Condition s of permit  
14. Although a notification does not have an expiry date, establishments must send Health Canada 
an annual attestation of compliance by 1 April of each year by submitting the Sperm and ova 
establishment annual attestation form.  
 
15. No. 
 
16. Licenses are not transferrable.  
 
17b. If there a re any changes to the information provided on the notification form or if importation 
stops, these changes must be filed with Health Canada using the notification form and include an 
accompanying cover letter summarizing the changes.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
4  GROWER REQUESTED OWN USE (GROU) PROGRAM  
Outline of System  
1. The Grower Requested Own Use (GROU ) program allows growers to import the foreign version of 
a Canadian registered agricultural pesticide product, once approved for the Program by Health 
Canada.  
 
The Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program is administered by Health Canada's Pest 
Management  Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and allows Canadian growers to import and use (by way of 
an import certificate) foreign versions of Canadian registered products (pesticides). Before products 
are accepted in the GROU program (by way of an equivalency certificate) , they are evaluated by 
scientists to identify if any chemical differences may lead to increased health or environmental risks.  
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The GROU program is the only system in place and is related only to pest control products 
(pesticides).  
 
3. Generally, pesticides which are registered in Organisation for Economic Co -operation and 
Development (OECD) countries.  
 
4. Yes, the import certificate (licensing) is intended to restrict the quantity of pesticides imported.  
 
5. Pest Control Products Regulations (PCPR), SOR/2006 -124, Pest Control Products Act 
(https://laws -lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR -2006-124/FullText.html ). 
 
(a) Yes the import certificate is statutorily required.  
(b) All requests to the program must be considered and there is no administrative discretion.  
(c) Legislative approval is required to abolish the program.  
 
Procedures  
6. I.  There are no specific quotas, as in dividual import certificates are based on the size of the area 
where the pesticide will be used and the particular crop.  Each import certificate is individually G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  approved. The requirements embedded with the regulations and user friendly instruction are 
posted on the web:  https://www.canada.ca/en/health -canada/services/cons umer-product -
safety/pesticides -pest-management/growers -commercial -users/grower -requested -own-use-
program/importing.html . 
   
The list of eligible products is also on the website. There are no exceptions allowed within the 
program.  
 
II. Import certificates a nd the corresponding quantity of the foreign product approved for an 
intended use is valid for not more than one year (one growing season) and one importation. 
Growers (importers) are required to apply for a new import certificate for additional 
importatio ns within the same or subsequent years.  
 
III.  The approval process has two steps: A) Equivalency certificates are issued for a foreign 
product which is deemed to be equivalent to a Canadian registered product. B) Individual 
import certificates are submitt ed by Canadian growers for approval to import and use an 
approved product on their land, for a specific crop, according to label directions. The amount 
of product approved for importation is for use within one year or the growing season. 
The process is tra nsparent as per the section 43 of the PCPR.  
 
IV. There are no quotas. Not applicable to the GROU Program.   
 
V. There are no published service standards for the length of time required to process an 
application. An application to import a product is entert ained as long as the specific product 
is considered equivalent.  
 
VI. There are no published service standards as to the length of time between the granting of 
licences and the date of opening of the period of importation. The approval to import is granted 
for one year or the growing season. Growing seasons can vary depending on the crop, where 
it is grown in Canada and how it is grown.  For example, tomatoes grown in a greenhouse 
have a longer season than tomatoes grown in a field.    
 
VII. Health Canada administers the entire GROU program. Additional importation requirements 
and documentation may be required by the CBSA (consistent with any importation).  
 
VIII. Health Canada only provides the authority to import and use an unregistered product. There  
is no allocation process. The grower seeking the authorization is responsible to find, purchase 
and import the product. Applications are examined on receipt on a first come, first served 
basis.  
 
IX. Not applicable.  
 
X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI. Yes, there are  conditions stated on the import certificate and through the PCPR. The use of 
the product is only for the specified use, crop and location and cannot be transferred nor sold.  
 
7. No quantitative limit applies since there are limits placed on importations.  
 
8. If an applicant does not meet the requirements as set out in the PCPR, an application is refused.  
There is no appeal process.   
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. A person as defined in section 2 of the Criminal Code may a pply for an import certificate.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The web page to obtain the application form for a certificate is attached: https://sec2.hc -
sc.gc.ca/pmra6200 -eng.php . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  The application must include all of the following information:  
(a) the person 's name, address and signature;  
(b) the name of the foreign product;  
(c) the number of the applicable certificate of equivalency;  
(d) a description of the intended use of the foreign product and the location where it will be used; 
and 
(e) quantity of the foreign product required for that intended use for one growing season.  
 
11. At a Canadian Point of Entry, all containe rs must have both the GROU approved container label 
and, if available, the Directions for Use Booklet attached. Permanently affix the GROU approved 
container label to each container in such a way that the United States (U.S.) use directions are 
covered but  the product name, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) registration number, 
establishment number and net contents are not covered. This will avoid confusion between the 
Canadian and U.S. use directions. The importer's name, address and telephone n umber, GROU 
Import Certificate number, metric net contents, signature and date of signature must also be 
included.  
 
The properly labelled containers of foreign product must be brought to the queue for commercial 
traffic and presented to the Customs Border Services Officer with the original approved GROU Import 
Certificate. Photocopies will not be accepted. Customs authorities may also ask for the original bill 
of sale corresponding to the GROU Import Certificate.  
 
Slightly different information is required if a small group of growers are working together with a 
designated agent or are hiring a customs broker or carrier.  
 
12. There is no charge to the applicant by Health Canada to process an application.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. An import certificate (foreign product use certificate) is valid for only one importation and for 
the period specified in the certificate, which must not exceed one calendar year. It ceases to be valid 
if the applicable certificate of equivalency ceases to be v alid. See section 41 (4) of the PCPR.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -utilization of a licence or portion of a licence. The authorization 
expires.  
 
16. Certificates are not transferable.  
 
17.(a)  There are no conditions for products subject to a quantitati ve restriction in the issuance of a 
certificate.  
 
(b) The restrictions in place are outlined in Section 42 of the Pest Control Product Regulations:  
 
Importation of foreign product  
 
42 (1)  A person may import a foreign product whose use is authorized if all of the following 
conditions are met:  
(a) the person holds a foreign product use certificate in respect of that product;  
(b) that certificate holder purchases the product directly from the foreign source without 
the intervention of an agent or mandatary;  
(c) before the importation, the certificate holder provides the Minister with all of the 
following information:  
(i)   the proposed date of the importation,  
(ii)  the name of the person who will transport the foreign p roduct into Canada, and  
(iii)  the name of the entry point;  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  (d) the certificate holder  
(i)  affixes to each container of the foreign product, as soon as practicable after the 
importation of the product but in any case before its use, a copy of the approved  
foreign product use label in a way that the product identifier that relates to its 
registration outside Canada remains visible at all times, and  
(ii)  ensures that a copy of any brochure or leaflet that sets out the directions for 
use accompanies the prod uct; and  
(e) The quantity of the product imported does not exceed the amount set out in the 
foreign product use certificate.  
Pooled purchases  
 
(2) Two or more persons may together import in one shipment their authorized quantities of 
foreign products set out in their respective foreign product use certificates if the importation 
meets the conditions of subsection (1).  
 
Transport  
 
(3) The person who transports the foreign product into Canada must carry it to the location 
of use specified in the  foreign product use certificate and have the following documents in 
their possession:  
 
(a) proof of purchase in respect of each quantity of foreign product in the shipment, 
including the name of the foreign source from whom it was purchased; and  
(b) copies of relevant foreign product use certificates.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are in place.  
 
19. Not applicable since Health Canada has sole authority to grant importation and use.  
 
5  EXPLOSIVES ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The importation of explosives is governed by the Explosives Act and Regulations , which is 
administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The legal definition of explosives includes 
blasting explosives, detonators, propellants, sporting and industrial cartridges, and all types of 
fireworks and pyro technic devices.  Before an explosive may be imported into Canada or 
manufactured in Canada it must be declared an authorized explosive by the Chief Inspector of 
Explosives appointed un der the Explosives Act . The process of authorizing an explosive consists of 
the manufacturer submitting data on the nature and composition of the explosive and on its 
packaging and markings. Such an application is subject to a minimum user fee of CAN$128. Samples 
are usually required for laboratory examination. Testing fees depend on the type of tests to be 
carried out and the number of samples to be examined. This can vary, for example, from CAN$2 ,108 
for one fireworks sample and up to CAN$16 ,881 for ten f ireworks samples. The criteria for 
authorization are based on the safety characteristics of the explosive substances or articles during 
handling, storage, transport and use. The objective of the authorization process is to confirm that 
characteristics meet  declared values and relevant standards. Authorization also confirms that the 
product classification is in conformity with the recom mendations of the Committee of Experts on the 
Transport of Dangerous Goods as adopted by the Economic and Social Council (E COSOC) of the 
United Nations.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. Once an explosive is authorized, any person may import it into Canada provided he has the proper 
storage facilities for the type and quantity of explosives in question. Two kinds of import ation permits G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  are issued; a single use permit issued for a specific quantity in one shipment, and an annual permit 
issued for unlimited shipments of authorized explosives during a twelve -month period.   
 
3. The system applies to explosives from all countri es. 
 
4. The system is intended only to ensure that the same degree of safety exists with imported 
explosives as with those of domestic manufacture. There is no intent whatsoever to restrict the 
quantity or value of the explosives imported.  
 
5. The Explosiv es Act , R.S., c.E -17 as amended, and the Explosives Regulations , 2013 
(SOR/2013 -211). The system is a statutory requirement which does not convey any administrative 
discretion and would require legislative approval to be abolished.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not appl icable.  
 
7. (a)  The import permit is issued within thirty days after receipt of the application if the explosive 
has been previously authorized and facilities exist in Canada for the safe and secure storage 
of the quantity being imported. Permits may be ob tained in a shorter time but nevertheless 
should be on hand when a shipment arrives at Customs to prevent dangerous accumulations.  
Naturally, delays will occur if the explosive has not been authorized previously.  
 
(b)  Permits may be granted immediately o n request, for import of significant priority, provided all 
is in order.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application for an 
importation permit may be made.  
 
(d)  The importer need only approach the Explosives Reg ulatory Division of the Department of 
Natural Resources.  No other administrative bodies are involved.  
 
8. An application for an explosives importation permit may only be refused for failure to meet safety 
or security criteria. Reasons for such refusal wou ld be given to the applicant who would have the 
right of appeal to the Minister of Natural Resources under Section  17 of the Explosives Act.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any importer who has satisfied the requirements of the Explosives  Regulations  relative to the 
storage, sale, purchase and possession, and of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations  
relative to transport, of the explosive to be imported may apply for an importation permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The latest application form and guidelines are located on Natural Resources Canada 's webpage: 
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/explosives/importation/9913 .    
 
11. The latest import process is described in Canada Border Services Agency 's D19 -6-1 
memorandum that can be found at: http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d19/d19 -6-1-
eng.html .  
 
12. The present fee is  CAN$164.00 for a single use Importation Permit and a minimum of 
CAN$164.00 for an Annual Importation Permit with a maximum fee of CAN$1,324.  
 
13. Other than the fee, there is no deposit or advance payment associated with the issuance of an 
importation per mit. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Explosives Importation Permits can be issued for a period of 12 months. Single use importation 
Permits are valid for one shipment while Annual Importation Permits are valid for any number of 
shipments.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  15. There is no pena lty for the non -utilization of an explosives importation permit.  
 
16. Permits are not transferable between importers and only the products made by the 
manufacturer(s) specified in the permit may be imported.  
 
17. There are no conditions attached to the iss uance of an explosives importation permit relative to 
quantitative restrictions other than safe and secure storage location in Canada.  Depending on the 
quantity to be stored, a magazine (i.e. storage) licence issued by the Explosives Regulations  Division 
may be required. Importation permit applicants will be advised if this is the case.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. Persons not resident in Canada or not having a chief place of business in Canada might be 
required to post a bond before being permitt ed to import explosives ( Explosives Act  Section  9(3)).  
 
6  NUCLEAR SAFETY AND CONTROL ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The  Nuclear Safety and Control Act  (S.C., 1997, c.9) came into force 31 May 2000. The legislation 
established a national nuclear regulatory authorit y, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 
(CNSC), for the purpose of administering the Act. The CNSC has established a comprehensive 
regulatory control system for the import, export, transfer, possession and use of nuclear substances, 
prescribed equipment and prescribed information (technology). Under this system, any person 
proposing to conduct these activities in Canada must do so only in accordance with a licence, subject 
to the regulations under the Act. Licence application requirements are specified in  regulations, in 
general in the  General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations  (SOR/2000 -202). The Commission 
may not issue a licence unless it is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to conduct the activity to 
be authorized, and that the applicant wi ll make adequate provision for the protection of the 
environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and 
measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.  
 
Any person wishing to imp ort a nuclear substance, prescribed equipment or prescribed information 
must obtain an import licence from the CNSC. Authority to import certain nuclear substances may 
be included in a licence to possess and use that nuclear substance, under general licens ing 
provisions. However, import of controlled nuclear substances as defined in the  Nuclear 
Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations  (NNIECR) (SOR/2000 -210) requires an 
import licence issued pursuant to those regulations. All controlled nucle ar substances are prescribed 
as nuclear substances with respect to the import and export of those substances. Similarly, licensing 
authorization is required to import controlled nuclear equipment and information under the NNIECR. 
The Nuclear Safety and Con trol Act (NSCA) and its regulations are available through the CNSC 
website ( http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca ). 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The purpose of the NSCA  is two -fold: (i) to provide for the limitation of risks to national security, 
the health and safety of persons and the environment that are associated with the development, 
production and use of nuclear energy and the production, possession and use of nuc lear substances, 
prescribed equipment and prescribed information; and (ii) to provide for the implementation in 
Canada of measures to which Canada has agreed regarding international control of the development, 
production and use of nuclear energy, includin g the non -proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear 
explosive devices. Nuclear substances are defined in the NSCA (section 2), and include uranium, 
thorium, plutonium, deuterium and their respective derivatives and compounds, radioactive 
nuclides, and s ubstances that are prescribed by regulation as being capable of releasing nuclear 
energy or as being required for the production or use of nuclear energy. Additionally, the NNIECR 
define controlled nuclear substances, controlled nuclear equipment and contr olled nuclear 
information that are subject to specific import and export licensing controls, and list these in the 
Schedule to the regulations. These items are controlled for the purpose of assuring that the 
Government of Canada meets international obligat ions to which it has agreed regarding the 
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; they are based primarily on international guidelines and 
control lists. There are some exemptions from licensing requirement and these are identified in the 
NNIECR  (section 4).  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 17 - 
 
  3. This licensing system applies to nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed 
information imported from any country.  
 
4. The licensing of imports is intended to ensure that the nuclear substances, prescribed equipment 
and prescr ibed information are transferred only to persons authorized to use them safely and 
securely, pursuant to the provisions of the NSCA and its regulations. Licensing also enables the 
CNSC to take actions to assure that any applicable international, bilateral or multilateral obligations 
that Canada has entered into are met, including those related to nuclear non -proliferation.  
 
Import licences may specify the maximum allowable quantity of nuclear substances, prescribed 
equipment and prescribed information autho rized for import. The purpose of the regulatory controls 
on imports is to assure that the imported items are possessed only by qualified and authorized 
persons pursuant to the NSCA, and to assure compliance with international obligations; licensing is 
not intended to otherwise restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
 
5. The licensing of imports is a requirement of section 26 of the NSCA. Licensing procedures and 
licensing application requirements are prescribed by regulation. The Commission has establish ed 
classes of licences authorizing the licensee to carry out any activity described in section 26 of the 
NSCA; this includes Import Licences. CNSC staff conducts risk -informed assessments of licence 
applications and supporting information  and makes recomme ndations to the Commission for decision 
on issuance of licences. A licence may contain any term or condition that the Commission considers 
necessary for the purposes of the NSCA. The Commission has the power to delegate responsibilities 
to Designated Offic ers for issuance of licences in certain circumstances, pursuant to section 37 of 
the NSCA, and has done this for import and export licensing decisions.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Quantity and value restrictions, beyond the terms and conditions containe d in the 
individual import licence, do not apply to imports of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and 
prescribed information, except as may from time to time be determined by Government policy.  
 
7.(a)-(b) An import licence is normally issued within 3 0 calendar days of receipt of a complete 
application but can be issued in a shorter time if warranted. A licence cannot be granted 
immediately upon request; a risk -informed assessment of an application submitted in 
compliance with the regulations is requir ed prior to a licensing decision.  
 
(c) No; there are no limitations as to the period of year in which applications may be made.  
 
(d) The CNSC is the only body authorized to issue an import licence pursuant to the NSCA. The 
Commission has delegated the auth ority for making the licensing decision on imports to a 
Designated Officer, pursuant to section 37 of the NSCA.  
 
8. The Designated Officer, acting on behalf of the Commission, may refuse to issue a licence, or may 
revoke, suspend, transfer, or amend the te rms and conditions of a licence, for reasons of: protection 
of the environment and of the health and safety of persons; maintenance of national security; and 
requirements related to international obligations to which Canada has agreed (section 24, NSCA). 
In such cases, the NSCA provides the applicant or, as appropriate the licensee, the opportunity to 
be heard by the Designated Officer before making their decision. The applicant or, as appropriate 
the licensee, can appeal the decision to the Commission, whi ch can decide to uphold the decision of 
the Designated Officer or modify it.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import licence. There are no 
application fees for requests to im port, nor is there a system of registration of entities that engage 
in import activities. However, nuclear substances may not be imported unless the applicant also 
holds a valid licence issued by the CNSC for the possession and use of the nuclear substance  being 
imported. The CNSC does not publish a list of authorized importers.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Information required on applications to import a controlled nuclear substance, controlled nuclear 
equipment or controlled nuclear information is specified in the  Nuclear Non -proliferation Import and 
Export Control Regulations  (NNIECR), and includes: name and contact information of the applicant 
and of each consignee; description of the substance, equip ment or information; name and address 
of the supplier; country of origin of the imported item; intended end -use of the item by the final 
consignee and the intended end -use location; the number of any licence to possess the substance, 
equipment or informati on; and, as applicable, the measures that will be taken to facilitate Canada 's 
compliance with certain international obligations. An application form, with instructions for 
completion, is provided on the CNSC website ( Canadian  Nuclear Safety  Commission ). 
 
11. Importers must present the import licence to a customs officer upon importing the authorized 
nuclear substance, prescribed equipment or prescribed information (section 18,  General Nuclear 
Safety and Contr ol Regulations ). 
 
12. No; there are no licensing fees or administrative charges associated with the issuance of an 
import licence.  
 
13. No; there is no requirement for any deposit or advance payment associated with the issuance 
of an import licence.  
 
Condi tions of licensing  
14. The period of validity depends on the nature of the import, with a default term of one year. 
The validity of a licence may be extended through amendment upon written application.  
 
15. No; there is no penalty for non-utilization of a licence.  
 
16. Yes. The NSCA was amended in 2012 to allow for transfer of licences. Those amendments allow 
the CNSC to authorize the transfer of an import licence from the existing licence holder to another 
importer, upon receipt of an application and subject to applicable regulations. The CNSC must satisfy 
itself that the recipient of the licence proposed for transfer is qualified to conduct the activity to be 
authorized, and that the recipient will make adequate provision for the prote ction of the 
environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and 
measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.  
 
17.(a)Not applicable.  
 
(b)  The CNSC may include in an import lic ence any condition it considers necessary for the 
purposes of the NSCA, including compliance reporting conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Applications to import items that are subject to the provisions of bilateral nuclear cooperation 
agreement s that Canada has entered into with nuclear trading partners, for the purpose of assuring 
that Canada 's nuclear non -proliferation policy requirements are met, may require the CNSC to 
implement administrative procedural requirements with regulatory counterp arts in the exporting 
country. There are no additional requirements placed on importers as a result of this but  
implementing these bilateral procedures can require additional time to complete the processing and 
assessment of import applications.  
 
19. Not a pplicable.  
  
7  CANADIAN ENERGY REGULATOR ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The o utline of the system (reflect s NEB Act  amendments, but not the regulations being updated) . 
Clarification to all below: The CER Act will remove the requirement for importation licences in the 
future, either after 28 August 2022, or after regulations prescribing what importation information is G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 19 - 
 
  to be submitted to the Regulator and the frequency of submission. Currently the import order regime 
remains in place as a transitional provision.  
  
On 28 August 2019, the National Energy Board Act (the NEB Act) was repealed and replaced with 
the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (the CER Act). The CER Act establi shes a new Canada Energy 
Regulator (CER), replacing the National Energy Board (NEB). The CER comprises a Board of Directors 
to provide oversight and strategic direction and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is responsible 
for day -to-day operations and i s separate from the Chair of the Board.  
  
The new CER also includes a group of independent Commissioners who are responsible for timely, 
inclusive and transparent project reviews and decision -making. The Commission has all the powers, 
rights and privileges  vested in a superior court of record with respect to any matters within its 
jurisdiction. The CER Act also allows for regulations permitting the CEO to designate officers of the 
CER to perform certain powers, duties and functions of the Commission, some o f which may 
potentially relate to importation.  
  
A major consequence of the CER Act is that licenses and orders will no longer be required for the 
importation of oil and gas into Canada on or before 28 August 2022.  
 
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act  and the National Energy Board  Act Part VI (Oil and 
Gas) Regulations  (Part VI Regulations) made under the predecessor NEB Act control imports of 
natural gas, whether in gaseous or liquid state, by pipeline, railway tank cars and tank trucks or 
tankers. Imports are authorized by both licences and orders. Licences are issued for long -term 
imports while orders are used in the case of long -term small volume imports, emergency imports or 
and short -term large volume imports. An application is made to the Board for imp ort authorization. 
No licence is effective until approved by the Governor -in-Council. The issuance of an import order 
requires the approval of the Board and does not require a public hearing or Governor in Council 
approval.  The new  Canadian Energy Regulato r Act removes the requirement to obtain a license  or 
order  before importing oil and gas into Canada  subject to changes to the Part VI Regulations).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Under the CER Act, licenses  or orders will  no longer required for the  importation of oil or gas as 
of 28 August 2019.  The import license and order requirements of the Part VI Regulations will remain 
in effect until the earlier of the date they are amended or replaced, or  28 August 2022.  
 
3. The system described applies to g as originating in and coming from any country.  
 
4. The import license and order requirements of the Part VI Regulations will remain in effect until 
the earlier of the date they are amended or replaced, or  28 August 2022.  
  
5. The authorization of imports is maintained under the  Canadian Energy Regulator Act  for all new 
import activities on or after 28 August 2019. For imports authorizations initiated prior to 
28 August  2019, the  National Energy Board Act , a statute of the Parliament of Canada, and 
the National Energy Board Act Part VI (Oil and Gas) Regulation s continue to apply. The term "gas" 
is defined in the Act and is not subjected to administrative discretion. Legislative action would be 
required to abolish the system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  There is no quota system. Determinations are made on a case -by-case basis.  
 
7.(a) Application for a licence should be made in advance of importation by a reasonable length of 
time, depending on the size and complexity of the importation arrangement.  In some cases, 
imports commence immediately upon issuance of the authorization, or, depending on the 
requirements of the import arrangement, there may be some interval between the 
authorization and the commencement of the import.  
  
(b) An order can be granted  very quickly by the Commission.  A licence may, at the discretion of 
the CER require that a public hearing be held.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 20 - 
 
  While the requirement to obtain a license remains in effect, for processing license applications 
a public hearing may be required and is at  the discretion of the CER. The length of time to 
process a licence application is approximately four months or longer depending on whether a 
public hearing is deemed necessary. Applications for orders can be approved very quickly. 
Typical processing time for emergency and short -term imports is 48 hours, while processing 
time for long -term import orders is two to six weeks or more.  
  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for import 
authorization may be made.  
  
(d) The prospective importer has to approach one administrative organ only, the Canada Energy 
Regulator.  
  
8. An application for a licence may be refused for failure to meet criteria set out in the Part VI 
Regulations or where the import is not in the public interest. An applicant, in the event of refusal to 
issue a licence, may resubmit his application to the Canada Energy Regulator with appropriate 
amendments or may request a review. Appeal can be made to the Federal Court of Appeal on a 
question of l aw or jurisdiction, on leave being obtained from the Court. The import license and order 
requirements of the Part VI Regulations will remain in effect until the earlier of the date they are 
amended or replaced, or  28 August 2022.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person is eligible to apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The Governor -in-Council may make regulations respecting the information to be furnished by 
applicants and the procedures to be followed in applying for import authorization. Section 5 of the 
Part VI Regulations entitled "Information to be Furnished by Applicant for Licence to Import Gas" 
sets out the information required to be filed by an applic ant for a licence to import gas. 
These  Regulations will be updated to reflect changes to the import/export regime under the CER Act.  
In addition, the Canada Energy Regulator may require further information about import activities. 
With respect to import or ders, applicants must file such information as the Canada Energy Regulator 
may require. However, no specific information requirements for order applications are set out in the 
Act or in the Part VI Regulations.  
  
11. No documents are required upon actual i mportation. However, the holder of an import 
authorization is required to provide the Canada Energy Regulator with information as required, 
including the actual volumes imported during the term of the authorization, and their value in 
Canadian currency.  
  
12. There is no fee or administrative charge in respect of an application at present.  
  
13. There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of the import 
authorization.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. No import  license  may be issu ed for a term in excess of 25 years.  The validity of an order cannot 
be extended beyond this period without an amendment to the Act by Parliament.  
  
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of an order or a portion of an order. Orders are 
permissive  only. 
  
16. Yes. They are transferable subject to Canada Energy Regulator and Governor -in-Council 
approval.  
  
17. Conditions attached to the issue of orders may include those matters prescribed by the Part VI 
Regulations, including: duration of the order,  the period within which the import must commence, 
the quantities of import, points of importation into Canada , environmental requirements and the 
granting of export authorization by the appropriate foreign government agency.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
18. Apart from procedures defined in the Regulations made pursuant to the Act, including 
requirements associated with inspection, metering and reporting, no additional administrative 
procedures are required.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
8  EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS  ACT 
For this Export and Import Permits Act section, general responses in respect of dairy products and 
margarine; chicken, turkey, eggs and broiler hatching eggs and chicks; beef and veal; and wheat, 
barley and their products have been provided for questions 5, 8 -10, 12 -19 of the Questionnaire.  
The replies to the remaining questions have been organized by separate product groups owing to 
difference in the procedures involved.  
 
8.1  General Responses Applicable to Dairy Products and Margarine; Chicken, Tu rkey, 
Eggs and Broiler Hatching Eggs and Chicks; Beef and Veal; and Wheat, Barley and their 
products  
Note:  Effective 1 January 1995 (or 1 August 1995, for wheat, barley and their products, butter, dry 
whey and cream), in compliance with its World Trade Or ganization (WTO) commitments, Canada 
converted its agricultural import controls to a system of tariff rate quotas (TRQs). Under these TRQs, 
imports within the TRQ level, i.e. within the access commitment, require a permit issued through 
either the Supply -Managed Trade Controls or the Non -Supply Managed Trade Controls division of 
Global Affairs Canada in order to benefit from the lower rate of duty. Imports over the quota level, 
subject to higher rates of duty, may enter under a General Import Permit. For ma rgarine, wheat, 
barley and their products, the TRQ is administered on a first -come, first -served basis. All other TRQs 
require an allocation to be eligible to use the TRQ.  
 
Effective 8 September 2008, Canada implemented import controls for milk protein sub stances with 
a milk protein content of 85 % or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not originate 
in a NAFTA country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel. Import controls were established to implement a 
change in Canada's WTO obligations subsequen t to a re -negotiation of a tariff concession, outlined 
in Joint Letters, as concluded with New Zealand, Switzerland and the EC under GATT Article XXVIII. 
A TRQ for milk protein substances with a milk protein content of 85 per cent or more by weight, 
calcul ated on the dry matter, that do not originate in a NAFTA country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel, 
was established effective 1  April 2009. Certification of these changes to Canada's Schedule V became 
effective 6 July 2011.  
 
Effective 21 September 2017, the da te of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and 
Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, import controls for milk protein 
substances, beef and veal and wheat, barley and their products were amended to remove controls 
for such products originating from an EU country or other CETA beneficiaries.2 Consistent with its 
commitments, Canada also introduced two new bilateral cheese TRQs.  
 
Effective 30 December 2018, the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans -Pacific 
Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force. Consistent with its commitments, Canada introduced 16 new 
plurilateral TRQs for dairy products and four for poultry products.  
 
Effective 1 July 2020, the Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) e ntered into force, 
replacing the NAFTA. Consistent with its commitments, Canada introduced 16 new bilateral TRQs 
with the United States: 14 for dairy and two for poultry and egg products.  
 
Effective 1 April 2021, the Canada -UK Trade Continuity Agreement ( Canada -UK TCA) entered into 
force.  This agreement provides that the United Kingdom, and other beneficiaries of the Canada -UK 
TCA, continue to receive the same tariff treatment as was provided in CETA.  
 
 
2 Regulations Defining "EU country or other CETA beneficiary", SOR/2017 -178, https://laws -
lois.justice.gc.ca/ . G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Canada has initiated a comprehensive review of Canada 's supply managed tariff rate quotas (TRQs), 
including all of Canada 's dairy and poultry TRQs and covering all aspects of TRQ allocation and 
administration.  
 
Outline of system  
1.   See Section 8.2.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2.-4.   See section 8.2.  
 
5. Licensing is maintained through regulations under the Export and Import Permits Act . Individual 
products are not designated in the Act.  
 
An Import Control List  has been established by regulation by the Governor -in-Council. The list 
includes goods, the import of which it is deemed necessary to control for any of the following 
purposes, namely:  
 
- to ensure, in accordance with the needs of Canada, the best possibl e supply and distribution 
of an article that is scarce in world markets or in Canada or is subject to government controls 
in the countries of origin or to allocation by intergovernmental arrangement;  
-  to restrict, for the purpose of supporting any action  taken under the Farm Products Marketing 
Agencies  Act, the importation in any form of a like article to one produced or marketed in 
Canada the quantities of which are fixed or determined under that Act;  
-  to implement any action taken under the Agricultur al Marketing Programs Act or the Canadian 
Dairy Commission  Act, with the object or effect of supporting the price of the article;  
-  to implement an intergovernmental arrangement or commitment; and  
-  where at any time it appears to the satisfaction of the  Governor -in-Council on a report of the 
Minister made pursuant to an inquiry made under section 20 or 26 of the Canadian 
International Trade Tribunal Act  by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal in respect of 
any goods, that goods of any kind are being  imported or are likely to be imported into Canada 
at such prices, in such quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten serious 
injury to the production in Canada of like or directly competitive goods, any goods of the same 
kind may, by ord er of the Governor -in-Council, be included on the Import Control List  in order 
to limit the importation of such goods to the extent and for the period that, in the opinion of 
the Governor -in-Council, is necessary to prevent or remedy the injury.  
 
Once an i tem has been placed on the Import Control List , an import permit, either specific or general, 
is required by the Act to import such goods into Canada.  
 
Specific products can be made subject to either individual licensing or open general licensing by the 
Minister.  
 
Licensing requirements may be abolished by the Governor -in-Council by removing an item from the 
Import Control List . Only Parliament can alter or amend the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
The Minister may also decide to allocate shares of the with in-TRQ access for any product in advance. 
Where this system is used, import permits (licences) are normally issued automatically up to the 
level of an importer's share.  
 
Procedures  
6.-7.  See Section 8.2.  
 
8. Permit applications that are complete and meet the general requirements are not normally 
refused. If eligibility criteria have not been met (e.g., no quota entitlement) or the application 
contains errors, the applicant will be informed; in such event the applicant may correct the 
application or request  reconsideration, or the applicant may choose to pay the over -access tariff and 
import the goods under a General Import Permit, which is automatically applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  See Section 8.1. All residents of Canada a re eligible to apply for an allocation, and permits are 
only granted to allocation holders.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The applicant is required to provide the information requested on the application for an import 
permit. For certain products, additional information and/or documentation may be required, as 
indicated in the specific product group responses.  
 
11.  See Section 8.2.  
 
12.  Any applicant may apply directly to the Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa for  a permit, for which 
the associated fee ranges from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00, according to the value of the goods.  
 
For permits issued at other authorized (non -Government) computer terminals, permit fees range 
from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the va lue of the goods). This fee does not cover the 
cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import permits normally have a validity of 30 days. Requests for extension of the validity period 
submitted prio r to the original expiry date are considered on their merits, e.g., supporting 
documentation outlining extraordinary circumstances that prevented the importation of goods within 
the time frame of the permit. If a permit has not been used, the importer may apply for its 
cancellation.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilization of import permits that are returned for cancellation.  
 
16.  Permits are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  Under very particular circumstances, special conditions may be attac hed from time to time.  
 
Additional information required under CETA, CPTPP and CUSMA - Under Annex 2 -A of Chapter 2 of 
the CETA, Canada reserved its right to apply an end -use requirement to imports under the TRQ  for 
industrial cheese; namely, that all imports under this TRQ be used as ingredients for further food 
processing (secondary manufacturing) imported in bulk (not for retail sale),  
 
Under Appendix A to Chapter 2 -D of Chapter 2 of the CPTPP, Canada reserved  its right to apply end -
use requirements to imports under certain CPTPP TRQs; specifically, that all imports under the TRQ 
for concentrated milk be for retail sale only; that specified  percentages of the TRQs for milk, butter, 
yogurt and buttermilk be res erved for goods in bulk (not for retail sale) to be processed into 
ingredients for further food processing (secondary manufacturing).Additionally, that the industrial 
cheese TRQ be reserved for goods in bulk (not for retail sale) used as ingredients for fu rther food 
processing (secondary manufacturing); and, that the imports under the TRQ for eggs be used in 
priority for the importation of eggs for breaking purposes for further food processing (secondary 
manufacturing).  
 
Under Section A to Appendix 2 of Cha pter 2 of the CUSMA, Canada reserved its right to apply end -
use requirements to imports under certain CUSMA TRQs; that specified percentages of the milk, 
cream, and butter and cream powder TRQs, be reserved for goods in bulk (not for retail sale) to be 
processed into ingredients for further food processing (secondary manufacturing). Additionally, that 
the entire industrial cheeses TRQ be reserved for goods in bulk (not for retail sale) for further food 
processing and, that the imports under the TRQ for eggs  and egg products be used in priority for 
the importation of eggs for breaking purposes for further food processing (secondary 
manufacturing).  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
18.  Additional information required under CETA, CPTPP and CUSMA - Where Canada allocates shares 
of the within -TRQ access, obtaining a shipment -specific import licence depends upon having received 
an allocation in advance. As part of TRQ allocation processes, C anada does not impose any of the 
following conditions: membership in an industry association; approval by an industry association of 
the request for an import licence; a minimum importer or end user registered capital; or contractual 
or other relationship between the importer and a distributor in the Party's territory.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
8.2  Other Responses – by Product Groups  
8.2.1   Dairy Products  
Outline of system  
1. Dairy products (hereafter including margarine) remain on the Import Control List , established 
under the Export and Import Permits Act ; effective 1 January 1995, existing import controls on these 
products were replaced with tariff rate quotas (1 August 1995 for butter, cream and dry whey).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Dairy products were ad ded to the Import Control List  under the authority of Paragraph 5(1)(a) 
and (d) and Section 5.3 of the Export and Import Permits Act . This includes fluid milk, cream, milk 
and cream powders, condensed milk, yoghurt and buttermilk, powdered buttermilk, whey  powder, 
products consisting of natural milk constituents, butter, cheese of all types, dairy -based products 
falling within tariff item number 1901.90.33, ice cream and ice cream products, milk protein 
substances, and margarine and butter substitutes, excl uding liquid margarines. All TRQs for dairy 
products are administered under an import licensing regime based on shipment specific permits and 
previous allocation of import quota, with the exception of the WTO TRQ for fluid milk for personal 
consumption, wh ich is administered by way of a general import permit.  
 
3. The licensing system applies: for global TRQs, to goods originating in and imported from all 
countries; for CETA TRQs, to goods originating in and imported from CETA Parties; for CPTPP TRQs, 
to goo ds originating in and imported from CPTPP Parties; and for CUSMA TRQs, to goods originating 
from the United States.  
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement TRQs for dairy products in accordance with Canada's 
commitments under the WTO, CETA, CPTPP an d CUSMA.  
 
5. See Section 8.1.  
 
Procedures  
6.I.   Information on TRQs and related formalities is published  on the Global Affairs Canada website . 
Some TRQ -specific information is published in the Notices to Importers published individually 
for each TRQ, and which are available through the same website.  
  
II.  TRQ size is determined on a yearly basis. There is no case where licenses are issued for import 
on a quarterly basis.  
 
III.  For WTO TRQs, if an allocation holder uses less than 90 % of its allocation (95 % for cheese, 
products of natural milk constituents, dry whey, milk protein substances, and cream), the 
allocation in the next year will normally reflect the actual level of use. Allocations not used in 
a quota year cannot be carried into the next quota yea r. 
 
For CETA, CPTPP and CUSMA TRQs, if an allocation holder uses less than 95 % of its allocation 
(90% for CPTPP and CUSMA ice cream and mixes TRQs, and CPTPP and CUSMA yogurt and 
buttermilk TRQs), the allocation in the next year will be reduced downwards b y the percentage 
of the allocation not utilized in the previous year. Allocations not used in a quota year cannot 
be carried into the next quota year.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 25 - 
 
  IV.  Individual import permits are required for each shipment at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Technology and Administration 
Services Division of Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa. Requests for permits a re accepted 30 
days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment to Canada. Import permits are 
normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the date of arrival specified by 
importers (five days prior to and 24 days after). Utilization of permits for one quota year may 
not be utilized in the next quota year.  
 
VIII.  Allocation methods vary by TRQ. Please refer to the Notices to Importers referred to in 
response I for allocation and administration policies for individual TRQs.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  Supplementary imports may also be authorized for re -export or to meet domestic market 
shortages.  
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product, importers can claim a General 
Import Permit.  
 
8. See Section 8.1.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See Section 8.1.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. See Section 8.1.  
 
11. Documents required upon actual importation: import permit, customs entry documents and food 
certifi cates as required under the Canadian Dairy Products Act and Regulations . 
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers. 
Permits may also be requested, by fax, from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa for which the associated 
fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (accordin g to the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See Section 8.1.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. See Section 8.1.  
 
8.2.2   Chicken, Turkey and Eggs  
Outline of system  
1. Chicken, turkey, egg and egg products, and broiler hatching eggs and chicks remain on the Import 
Control List , established under the Export and Import Permits Act . Effective 1 January 1995, existing 
import controls on these products were replaced with T RQs. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Imports of chicken and chicken products, turkey and turkey products, eggs and egg products and 
broiler hatching eggs and chicks are subject to global TRQs and preferential TRQs under the CPTPP 
and CUSMA. All ship ments within the TRQ access are administered using shipment specific permits 
and previous allocation of import quota. These products were placed on the Import Control List  under 
the authority of Paragraph 5(1)(a) and (b) and Sections 5.3 and 6 of the Expor t and Import Permits 
Act. 
 
3. The system applies to: for global TRQs, goods originating in and imported from all countries; for 
CPTPP TRQs, goods originating in and imported from CPTPP Parties; and, for CUSMA TRQs, goods 
originating in and imported from th e United States.  
 
4. The licensing system is used to implement TRQs on chicken and chicken products, turkey and 
turkey products, eggs and egg products and broiler hatching eggs and chicks in accordance with 
Canada's commitments under the WTO, the CPTPP and  the CUSMA.  
 
5. See Section 8.1.  
 
Procedures  
6.I.  Information on TRQs and related formalities is published  on the Global Affairs Canada website . 
Some TRQ -specific information is published in the Notices to Importers pu blished individually 
for each TRQ, and which are available through the same website.  
 
II.  TRQ size and import license allocations are determined on a yearly basis.  
 
III.  If an allocation holder for these products uses less than 90 % of its allocation (95 % in the case 
of CPTPP and CUSMA breaking eggs sub -TRQs, and WTO egg products and egg powder sub -
TRQs), the allocation in the next year will be reduced by the percentage of the allocation not 
utilized in the previous quota year. Allocation not used in one q uota year is not available for 
carry-over to the next quota year.  
 
IV. Individual import permits are required for each shipment at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices  of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Technology and Administration 
Services Division of Global Affairs Canada  in Ottawa. Requests for permits are accepted 30 
days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment to Canada. Import permits are 
normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the date of arrival specified by 
importers (five days prior to and 24 days after). Utilization of permits for one quota year is 
not allowed in the next quota year.  
 
VIII.  Allocati on methods vary by TRQ. Please refer to the Notices to Importers referred to in 
response I for allocation and administration policies for individual TRQs.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI. A supplementary import policy is in place to allow supplementary imports  in certain situations, 
including market shortages. Supplementary imports may also be authorized for re -export.  
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product, importers can claim a General  
Import Permit at the border.  
 
8. See Section 8.1.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See Section 8.1.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for applications for licence  
10. See Section 8.1.  
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required in addition to health certificates 
as required under the Canada Agriculture Products Act.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by fax, from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa for which the associated 
fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (accordi ng to the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See Section 8.1.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. See Section 8.1.  
 
8.2.3   Beef and Veal  
Outline of system  
1. Effective 1 January 1995, beef and veal were placed on the Import Control List  established under 
the Export and Import Permits Act ; and the existing import control measures for these products 
provided for under the Meat Import Act  were replaced with a t ariff rate quota (TRQ).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2-3. In order to implement Canada's WTO commitments, beef and veal were placed on the Import 
Control List . This action was taken under the authority of Paragraph 5(1)(a) and Section 5.3 of the 
Export and Import Permits Act . An import permit is required for each shipment of these products 
originating in and imported from all countries except the United States;  Mexico;  Chile;  an EU country 
or other CETA beneficiary, or a beneficiary of the Canada -UK Trade Continuity Agreement.  
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement TRQs for beef and veal in accordance with Canada's 
WTO commitments.  
 
5. The issuance of permits is governed by the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
Procedures  
6.I.  Information  on TRQs and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in Notices 
to Importers. The latter are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders and are 
available  upon request from Global Affairs Canada . 
 
Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the Global Affairs Canada  
website at: http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id=3&menu=R . 
 
II.  In keeping with its WTO commitments, Canada has established an annual TRQ  level for 
imports of fresh, chilled and frozen beef and veal from non -FTA countries of 76,409 tonnes.  
Of this quantity, 29,600  tonnes are reserved for imports from New Zealand and 35,000 tonnes 
are reserved for imports from Australia. The balance of the TRQ, 11,809 tonnes (known as 
the MFN reserve) is reserved for imports from all other eligible suppliers, including those from G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 28 - 
 
  New Zealand and Australia once their country -specific allocations are filled.  Allocations are 
issued on a yearly basis, however permits are shipment -specific and are valid for 30 days.  
 
III. Allocations and permits are issued to active importers of beef and veal. An allocation not used 
in one quota year will not be available for ca rryover to the next quota year . The names of 
allocation holders are available on our website: https://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/pro d/agri/beef -boeuf/index.aspx?lang=eng  
 
IV.  Applications for allocations under the TRQ are accepted between 1 October and 15 November 
each year. Once a party has been issued an allocation, they may apply for permits any time 
throughout the year until the T RQ has been filled.  
 
V. Permit applications input directly into the control system, with no errors, are issued 
immediately. Applications which require further information, or data entry at Global Affairs 
Canada are issued within 48 hours. Applications with  complex issues may take longer.  
 
VI. Allocation advances are issued two weeks before the opening of the period of importation.  
Full allocations are issued shortly after the period of importation opens. Permits are only 
available once the allocation advan ce has been issued.  
 
VII. Consideration of permits applications is effected by a single administrative organ.  
 
VIII.  Allocations are determined based on market share. If an allocation holder required additional 
allocation, they can request this once they have reached 80% utilization of their current 
allocation. Additional allocation is granted on a first -come, first -served basis.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  Yes. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. Import permits are not normally refused if the criteria relating to issuance are met. If a permit is 
refused, for example, because of incomplete information on the application, the applicant is advised 
and given the opportunity to correct the anomaly.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for permit  
9. See Section  8.1. All residents of Canada are eligible to apply for an allocation, and permits are 
only granted to allocation holders.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Permit applications must include information including where the product is coming from, which 
port it is being shipped to, and date of arrival.  
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required in addition to health certificates 
as required by the Canada Food Inspection Agency.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such i ssuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by email, from Global Affairs Canada for which the associated fees 
range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Permits are valid for 30 days and  cannot be extended.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 29 - 
 
  15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
8.2.4   Wheat, Barley and their Products  
Outline of system  
1. Effective 1 August 1995, wheat, barley, wheat products, and barley products were placed on the 
Import Control List , established under the Export and Import Permits Act ; and existing import 
controls on these products were replaced with tariff rate quotas  (TRQs).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. In order to fulfil its WTO commitments for wheat, barley and their products, Canada removed the 
requirement under the Canadian Wheat Board Act and related regulations for import licences for 
wheat, barley and  their products and replaced them with a system of TRQs. This required placing 
them on the Import Control List  under the authority of Paragraph 5(1)(a), 5(1)(b) and Section  5.3 
of the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and imported from all countries at the "within access " 
lower rate of duty. Once the TRQ levels are reached, the goods will be subject to the "over access " 
higher rate of duty, with the following exceptions:  
 
(a) If the good originates in and is imported from a country with an applicable free trade 
agreement with Canada, then it continues to be assessed at the "within access" lower rate of 
duty after the TRQ levels are reached.  
 
(b)  In the case of the wheat and barley products listed below, the "over access " rate of duty is 
equal to the "within access " rate when imported from any country:  
 
(i)  mixes and doughs, falling under tariff item No. 1901.20.14;  
(ii) pasta products, falling u nder tariff items Nos.  1902.11.21, 1902.19.12, 1902.19.22, 
1902.19.92, 1902.30.12 and 1902.30.31;  
(iii) cereals, falling under tariff items No s. 1904.10.21, 1904.10.41, 1904.20.21, 
1904.20.41, 1904.30.21 and 1904.90.21;  
(iv)  bread products, falling unde r tariff item No s. 1905.10.21, 1905.10.51, 1905.40.31, 
1905.40.61 and 1905.90.32;  
(v)  biscuits, waffles and wafers falling under tariff item No s. 1905.31.22, 1905.31.92, 
1905.32.92 and 1905.90.43; and  
(vi)  pretzels of tariff No. 1905.90.62 in packages o f a weight not exceeding 1.36 kg.  
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement TRQs for wheat, barley and their products in 
accordance with Canada's WTO commitments.  
 
5. Licensing is governed by the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
Procedures  
6.I.  Information on TRQs  and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in Notices 
to Importers. The latter are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders and are 
available upon request from Global Affairs Canada.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the Global Affairs 
Canada 's website at: http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id =3&menu=R . 
 
II.  The TRQ levels are: wheat - 226,883 tonnes, barley - 399,000 tonnes, wheat 
products  - 123,557 tonnes  (grain equivalent) and barley products - 19,131 tonnes (grain 
equivalent).  There are no allocations to importers.  The TRQ is administered on a first -come, 
first-served basis from 1 August to 31 July each year.  
 
III. General Import Permits are issued to active importers of wheat, barley, wheat products and 
barley products on a first -come, first -served basis. After the TRQ levels are filled, importers 
may apply for Supplementary Imports Authorization at "within access " lower rate of duty if 
the item is not  directly substitutable nor available in Canada. TRQ not used in any quota year 
will not be available for carry -over to the quota year.  
 
IV. The General Import Permit number must be stated on the customs entry document. When the 
TRQ level for any product i s reached, a different General Import Permit allows importation at 
the applicable over -access rate of duty.  
 
V-VII. Not applicable because the general import permits are issued on a first -come, first -served 
basis.  
 
VIII.  See Section 6(II).  
 
IX-X.  Not app licable.  
 
XI.  No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. Import permits are not normally refused if the criteria relating to issuance are met. If a permit is 
refused, for example, because of incomplete information on the application, the applicant is advised 
and given t he opportunity to correct the anomaly.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See Section 8.1. All residents of Canada are eligible to apply for an allocation, and permits are 
only granted to allocation holders.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Permit applications must include information including where the product is coming from, which 
port it is being shipped to, and date of arrival.  
 
11. Normal customs entry forms indicating the appropriate General  Import Permit are required.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover th e cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
Permits may also be requested, by email, from Global Affairs Canada for which the associated fees 
range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Permits are valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 31 - 
 
  17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
19. Not Applicable.  
8.2.5   Textiles  
Outline of system  
1. Textiles are on the Import Control List , established pursuant to the Export and Import Permits 
Act. Quantitative restraints (i.e., quotas) on imports of textiles were eliminated for goods shipped 
after 31 December 2004 in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). 
Individual import licensing or op en general licensing requirements for such goods were eliminated 
on 1 April 2005. An import licensing system remains in place for textiles shipped in connection with 
Tariff Preference Level (TPL) provisions established pursuant to the Canada -United States -Mexico, 
Canada -Chile, Canada -Costa Rica, and Canada -Honduras Free Trade Agreements and for origin 
quotas established pursuant to the Canada -European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade 
Agreement (CETA) and the Canada -UK Trade Continuity Agreement (Canad a-UK TCA).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Textile products on the Import Control List  which are subject to individual import permits for TPL 
preferential access are as follows: cotton or man -made fibre fabrics and made -up goods (CUSMA, 
Chile, Costa  Rica); wool fabrics and made -up goods (Chile and Costa Rica); cotton or man -made 
fibre spun yarns (CUSMA, Chile, Costa Rica), and fabrics and made -up goods (Honduras). Origin 
quotas established under the CETA and the Canada -UK TCA include certain woven fa brics, sewing 
thread, twine, carpets, plastic -coated/covered/laminated fabrics, linoleum, transmission or conveyor 
belts or belting, technical textile products, bed linens, toilet and kitchen linens, floor -cloths, 
polishing -cloths, dish -cloths and dusters.  
 
3. The system applies to imports from the United States, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, the 
European Union or other CETA beneficiaries, and beneficiaries of the Canada -UK TCA.  
 
4. TPLs are special FTA provisions that provide tariff preferences for imports of non -originating textile 
and apparel goods up to a specified quantity. Above these specified quantities, non -originating textile 
and apparel goods are subject to the Most -Favoured -Nation rate of duty. The import licensing system 
is in place in or der to implement quantitative import limits on goods shipped in connection with TPL 
provisions established pursuant to the Free Trade Agreements.  
 
Origin quotas are alternative rules of origin that enable preferential tariff access for imports of eligible 
textile goods up to a specified quantity. Above these specified quantities, textile goods that do not 
meet the main rules of origin are subject to the Most -Favoured -Nation rate of duty. The import 
licensing system is in place in order to implement quantita tive import limits on goods shipped in 
connection with origin quota provisions established pursuant to the CETA and the Canada -UK TCA.  
 
5. The Export and Import Permits Act  provides for the establishment of an Import Control List  to 
implement an intergover nmental arrangement or to prevent the frustration or the circumvention of 
such arrangements. Import permits are issued for goods, including textiles, on the Import Control 
List. 
 
Procedures  
6.I.   Information on TPLs  and origin quotas and related formalities are published in the Canada 
Gazette, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) D -Memoranda and Customs Notice and in 
Notices to Importers. This information is available to customs brokers, associations and 
traders and upon request from Global Affairs Canada. Notices to Importers and additional 
information are also available on Global Affairs Canada and CBSA websites at:  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 32 - 
 
  TPL:  http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/textiles/index.aspx?menu_id=21&view=d  
http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html  
 
Origin Quotas:  http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/prod/ceta_origin_quotas -
contingents_origine_aecg.aspx?lang=eng  
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade -commerce/controls -controles/notices -
avis/1037.aspx?lang=eng  
   https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn17 -30-eng.html   
 
II.  The TPL level primary units of measure (other than for yarns) are converted into Square Metre 
Equivalents (SMEs) by means of conversion factors found  in each FTA. The yearly TPL levels for each 
FTA are as follows:  
 
-   Canada -Honduras Free Trade Agreement – Fabrics and made -up goods: 1,000,000.  
-   Canada -Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement - Cotton or man -made fabrics and made -up goods: 
1,000,000 SME; Woo l fabrics and made -up goods: 250,000 SME; and Cotton or man -made 
fibre spun yarn: 150,000 kg.  
-   Canada -Chile Free Trade Agreement - Cotton or man -made fabrics and made -up goods 
(limited to goods of Chapter 60 of the HS): 1,000,000 SME; Wool fabrics and m ade-up goods: 
250,000 SME; and Cotton or man -made fibre spun yarn: 500,000 kg.  
-   Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement - United States: Cotton or man -made fabrics and 
made -up goods: 15,000,000 SME; and Cotton or man -made fibre spun yarn: 1,000,000 kg; 
Mexico: Cotton or man -made fabrics and made -up goods: 7,000,000 SME; and Cotton or 
man-made fibre spun yarn: 1,000,000 kg.  
-   There are no allocations to importers. The TPLs are administered on a first -come, first -served 
basis from 1 January to 31 December each year.  
 
The origin quotas are measured by kilograms and square metres. The yearly origin quota levels are 
found in Table C.3 of the Protocol on rules of origin and origin procedures of the CETA; the same list 
has been incorporated by reference into the  Canada -UK TCA: http://international.gc.ca/trade -
commerce/trade -agreements -accords -commerciaux/agr -acc/ceta -aecg/text -
texte/P1.aspx?lang=eng#5_1   
 
- There are no allocations to importers.  
- The origin quotas are administered on a first -come, first -served basis from 1 January to 
31 December each year.  
 
III.  Available TPL or origin quotas quantities not used in one year are not available to carry -over 
to the following year.  
 
IV.  Applications for TPL and origin quota permits are accepted until the TPL or origin quota le vel 
for a given TPL or origin quota is filled.  
 
V. Permit applications input directly into the control system, with no errors, are issued 
immediately.  Applications which require further information, or data entry at GAC are issued 
within 48 hours.  Applic ations with complex issues may take longer.  
 
VI. Not applicable because import permits are issued on a first -come, first -served basis.  
 
VII. Consideration  of permit applications is effected by a single administrative organ.  
 
VIII.  TPLs and origin quotas a re made available on a first -come, first -served basis, whereby import 
permits are issued to importers on demand until the TPL or origin quota has been filled in a 
given year.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 33 - 
 
  8. Import permits are not normally refused if the criteria relating to issuance are met. If a permit is 
refused, for example, because of incomplete information on the application, the applicant is advised 
and given the opportunity to correct the anomaly.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Applicants are eligible if they are a "resident of Canada. " "Resident of Canada " is defined as 
meaning, in the case of a natural person, a person who ordinarily resides in Canada and, in the case 
of a corporation, a corpor ation having its head office in Canada or operating a branch office in 
Canada.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Instructions and the information required to complete an import permit application and the form 
can be fo und on the web at:  
 
- http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/about -a_propos/impor/permits -
licences.aspx  
- http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html  
- https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn17 -30-eng.html  
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the  value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by email, from Global Affairs Canada for which the associated fees 
range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to t he value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A permit is valid for 30 days. Should the permit expire, the cancellation and subsequent issuance 
of a replacement permit may be completed upon request.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. Licences are not transferab le. 
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Import permits issued pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act  are not a condition of 
foreign exchange transactions.  
 
8.2.6   Clothing  
Outline of system  
1. Clothing is on the Import Control List , established pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act . 
Quantitative restraints (i.e., quotas) on imports of clothing and handbags were eliminated for goods 
shipped after 31 December 2004 in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing 
(ATC). Individual import licensing or open general licensing requirements for such goods were 
eliminated on 1 April 2005. An import licensing system remains in place for clothing shipped in 
connection with Tariff Preference Level (TPL) provisions establishe d pursuant to the Canada -United 
States -Mexico, Canada -Chile, Canada -Costa Rica, and Canada -Honduras Free Trade Agreements 
and for origin quotas established pursuant to CETA and the Canada -UK TCA.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Clothing products on t he Import Control List  subject to individual import permits for TPL are as 
follows: wool apparel (CUSMA, Chile); cotton or man -made fibre apparel (CUSMA, Chile); and 
apparel (Costa Rica, Honduras). Origin quotas established under CETA and incorporated by r eference 
in the Canada -UK TCA include certain knitted or woven garments such as: men's or boys' shirts, 
ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches, shorts tracksuits, ski suits, 
and swimwear; women's or girls' blouses, shirts, t-shirts, jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, pantyhose, 
tights, stockings, socks, overcoats, raincoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks, anoraks, windcheaters, wind 
jackets, suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, bib and brace 
overalls, breeches, shorts, brassieres, girdles, corsets, braces, suspenders, and garters.  
 
3. The system applies to imports from the United States ; Mexico ; Chile; Costa Rica ; Honduras ; the 
European Union or other CETA beneficiaries, and beneficiaries of t he Canada -UK TCA.  
 
4. TPLs are special FTA provisions that provide tariff preferences for imports of non -originating textile 
and apparel goods up to a specified quantity. Above these specified quantities, non -originating textile 
and apparel goods are subje ct to the Most -Favoured -Nation rate of duty. The import licensing system 
is in place in order to administer quantitative import limits on goods shipped in connection with TPL 
provisions established pursuant to these Free Trade Agreements.  
 
Origin quotas ar e alternative rules of origin that enable preferential tariff access for imports of eligible 
apparel goods up to a specified quantity. Above these specified quantities, apparel goods that do 
not meet the main rules of origin are subject to the Most -Favoure d-Nation rate of duty. The import 
licensing system is in place in order to implement quantitative import limits on goods shipped in 
connection with origin quota provisions established pursuant to the CETA and the Canada -UK TCA.  
 
5. The Export and Import Pe rmits Act  provides for the establishment of an Import Control List  to 
implement an intergovernmental arrangement or to prevent the frustration or the circumvention of 
such arrangements. Import permits are issued for goods, including clothing, on the Import  Control 
List. 
 
Procedures  
6.I.  Information on TPLs and origin quotas and related formalities are published in the Canada 
Gazette, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) D -Memoranda and Customs Notice and in 
Notices to Importers. This information is availab le to customs brokers, associations and 
traders and upon request from Global Affairs Canada. Notices to Importers and additional 
information are also available on the Global Affairs Canada and CBSA websites at:   
 
TPL: http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/textiles/index.aspx?menu_id=21&view=d  
 http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html  
 
Origin Quotas:  http://www.internationa l.gc.ca/controls -controles/prod/ceta_origin_quotas -
contingents_origine_aecg.aspx?lang=eng  
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade -commerce/controls -controles/notices -
avis/1037.aspx?lang=eng  
  https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn17 -30-eng.html  
 
II.  The TPL level primary units of measure are converted into Square Metre Equivalents (SME) by 
means of conversion factors found in each FTA. The yearly TPL levels for each FTA are as 
follows:  
 
-  Canada -Honduras Free Trade Agreement – Apparel goods: 4,000,000 SME.  
-  Canada -Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement - Apparel goods: 1,379,570 SME.  
-  Canada -Chile Free Trade Agreement - Cotton or man -made fibre apparel: 2,252,324 
SME; and Wool apparel: 112,616 SME.  
-  Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement - United States: Cotton or man -made fibre 
apparel: 20,000,000 SME; and Wool apparel: 700,000; Mexico: Cotton or man -made 
fibre apparel: 6,000,000 SME; and Wool apparel: 250,000 SME.  
-  There are no allocations to importers. The TPLs are administered on a first -come, first -
served basis from 1 January to 31 December each year.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 35 - 
 
  The origin quotas are measured by units, kilograms, pairs or dozens. The yearly origin qu ota levels 
are found in Table C.4 of the Protocol on rules of origin and origin procedures of the CETA and as 
incorporated by reference in the Canada -UK TCA: http://international.gc.ca/trade -commerce/trade -
agreements -accords -commerciaux/agr -acc/ceta -aecg/text -texte/P1.aspx?lang=eng#5_1  
 
- There are no allocations to importers  
- The origin quotas are administered o n a first -come, first -served basis from 1 January to 
31 December each year.  
 
III. TPL or origin quota not used in one year is not available for carry -over in the following year.  
 
IV.  Applications  for TPL permits and origin quotas are accepted until the TP L or origin quota level 
for a given TPL or origin quota is filled.  
 
V. Permit applications  input directly into the control system, with no errors, are issued 
immediately. Applications which require further information, or data entry at GAC are issued 
within 48 hours. Applications with complex issues may take longer.  
 
VI. Not applicable because the import permits are issued on a first -come, first -served basis.  
 
VII. Consideration  of permit applications is effected by a single administrative organ.  
 
VIII. TPL and origin quotas are  made available on a first -come, first -served basis, whereby import 
permits are issued to importers on demand until the TPL or origin quota  has been fille d in a 
given year.  
 
IX-X. Not applicable.  
 
XI.  No. 
 
7. Not applicable.  
 
8. Import permits are not normally refused if the criteria relating to issuance are met. If a permit is 
refused, for example, because of incomplete information on the application, the  applicant is advised 
and given the opportunity to correct the application.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Applicants are eligible if they are a "resident of Canada. " "Resident of Canada " is defined as 
meaning, in the case of a natural person, a person who ordinarily resides in Canada and, in the case 
of a corporation, a corporation having its head office in Canada or operating a branch office in 
Canada.  
 
Documentational and other requirem ents for application for licence  
10. Instructions and the information required to complete an import permit application and the form 
can be found on the web at:   
 
- http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/about -a_propos/impor/permits -
licences.aspx?menu_id=62&view=d  
- http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html  
- https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc .ca/publications/cn -ad/cn17 -30-eng.html  
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers with access to the Export and 
Import Controls System. Import permit fees range f rom CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the 
value of the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such 
issuers. Import permits may also be requested, by email, from Global Affairs Canada for which the 
associated fees  range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. A permit is valid for 30 days. Should the permit expire, the cancellation and subsequent issuance 
of a replacement permit may be completed upon r equest.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. Permits are not transferable.  
 
17.(a)No.  
 
(b)  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Import permits issued pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act  are not a condition of 
foreign exchange transactions.  
8.2.7   Carbon and Specialty Steel  
Outline of system  
1. Carbon and specialty steel products are found in items 80 and 81 of the Import Control List , 
established under the  Export and Import Permits Act . Product s under items 80 and 81 are subject 
to general import permits with reporting and record keeping requirements (i.e., under General 
Import Permits No. 80 and 81) . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Carbon steel products were placed on the Import Control List  under the authority of 
subsection  5(3) of the Export and Import Permits Act  with effect 1 September 1986, for the purpose 
of monitoring their entry into Canada following a reference to the Can adian Import Tribunal pursuant 
to section 48 of the Special Import Measures Act . The Tribunal concluded that carbon steel products 
were being and likely to be imported into Canada at such prices, in such quantities and under such 
conditions as to make it a dvisable to collect information with respect to the importation of such 
goods. Carbon steel products, under item 80 of the Import Control List , are defined as semi -finished 
steel products (ingots, blooms, billets, slabs and sheet bars), plate, sheet and st rip, wire rods, wire 
and wire products, railway -type products, bars, structural shapes and units, and pipes and tubes.  
 
Specialty steel products were added to the Import Control List  on 1 June 1987, following an 
amendment to the Export and Import Permits Act, in order for the monitoring system for steel to be 
comprehensive. Specialty steel products, under item 81 of the Import Control List , are defined as 
stainless steel flat -rolled products (sheet, strip and plate), stainless steel bar, stainless steel pi pe 
and tube, stainless steel wire and wire products, stainless steel in ingots or other primary forms, 
semi-finished products of stainless steel, alloy tool steel, mold steel and high -speed steel.  
 
Carbon and specialty steel products were re -added to the Import Control List  on 2 November 2020 
under the authority of subsection  5(1)(e) and section 6 of the Export and Import Permits Act  for the 
purpose of implementing an intergovernmental arrangement or commitment, specifically, the Joint 
Statement by Canada and the United States on Section 232 Duties on Steel and Aluminum issued 
on 17 May 2019.  
 
Products subject to General Import Permits No. 80 and 81 are subject to reporting and record 
keeping requirements as a term and condition of their applicable general import permit (effective 
26 August 2019).  
 
3. The import monitoring program applies to carbon and specialty steel imports from all countries.  
 
4. The General Import Permits No. 80 and 81 are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports, but t o monitor the volume and the origin of carbon and specialty steel products.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 37 - 
 
  5. The action of placing carbon and specialty steel products on the Import Control List  was taken 
under the authority of paragraph 5(1)(e) and section 6 of the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
Whether a product meets the description found in the general import permits is determined by the 
importer and may be subject to confirmation by the Can ada Border Services Agency.  
 
The Governor in Council may repeal or amend the Import Control List . 
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7. N/A. 
 
8. N/A . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any resident of Canada may use the General Import Permits No. 80 and 8 1. 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. N/A. 
 
11. Customs entry forms.  
 
12. N/A . 
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. For General Import Permits No. 80 and 81,  the applicable general import permit number (80 
or 81) must simply be stated on the customs entry document . However, the permits have reporting 
and record keeping requirements as part of the terms and conditions of use . Detailed information 
on the steel g eneral import permits and their terms and conditions is available in the Notice to 
Importers No. 1032: Steel General Import Permits No. 80 and 81 – Carbon and Specialty Steel 
Products, published on the website of Global Affairs Canada.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. N/A . 
 
8.2.8   Aluminum  
Outline of system  
1. Aluminum products are found in item 83 of the Import Control List , established under the  Export 
and Import Permits Act . Products under item 83 are subject to a general import permit w ith reporting 
and record keeping requirements (i.e., General Import Permit No. 83) . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Aluminum products were placed on the Import Control List  under the authority of 
subsection  5(1)(e) and section 6 of the Export and Im port Permits Act  (effective 1 September 2019) 
for the purpose of implementing an intergovernmental arrangement or commitment, specifically, 
the Joint Statement by Canada and the United States on Section 232 Duties on Steel and Aluminum 
issued on 17 May 201 9. Aluminum products, under item 83 of the Import Control List  are defined 
as: alloyed and not alloyed unwrought aluminum products, and wrought aluminum products limited G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 38 - 
 
  to bars, rods, profiles, wires, plates, sheets, strips, foils, tubes and pipes, tube a nd pipe fittings and 
other articles of castings and forgings.  
 
Products subject to the General Import Permit No. 83 are subject to reporting and record keeping 
requirements as part of the terms and conditions of use (effective 1 September 2019).  
 
3. The m onitoring system applies to certain aluminum imports from all countries.  
 
4. The General Import Permit No. 83 for aluminum is not intended to restrict the quantity or value 
of imports, but to monitor the volume and the origin of certain aluminum products.  
 
5. The action of placing aluminum products on the Import Control List  was taken under the authority 
of subsection 5(1)(e) and section 6 of the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
Whether a product meets the description found in the general import permit is d etermined by the 
importer and may be subject to confirmation by the Canada Border Services Agency.  
 
The Governor in Council may repeal or amend the Import Control List . 
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7. N/A. 
 
8. N/A. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Any resident of Canada may use the General Import Permit No. 83.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. N/A. 
 
11. Customs entry forms.  
 
12. No.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. The General Import Permit No. 83 must simply be stated on the customs entry document. 
However, the permit has reporting and record keeping requirements as part of the terms and 
conditions of use . Detailed information on the aluminum general import permit and its terms and 
condition s is available in the Notice to Importers No. 969: Item 83 – Aluminum Products, published 
on the website of Global Affairs Canada.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. N/A.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 39 - 
 
  9  PLANT PROTECTION ACT  
Outline of system  
1. A permit to import outlines phyto sanitary conditions which must be met prior to export from the 
country of origin, during export and upon arrival in Canada. These conditions are required to prevent 
the introduction or spread within Canada of plant pests.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. In accordance with Section 31 of the Plant Protection Regulations  and pursuant to the Plant 
Protection Act , a prospective importer must apply in writing for an import permit. According to 
section 32 and section 43 of the Plant Protection Regul ations , the Minister of Agriculture and 
Agri-Food, on the basis of a pest risk assessment, may issue a permit for the importation of a thing 
that is either a plant pest, constitutes or could constitute a biological obstacle to the control of a 
plant pest o r is/could be infested with either a plant pest or a biological obstacle to the control of a 
plant pest if, the Minister determines that every precaution necessary can and will be taken to 
prevent the introduction into Canada or the establishment and sprea d within Canada of a plant pest 
or biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest.  
 
3. The system applies to plant pests (e.g., pathogens, insects, weeds, molluscs), plants and plant 
products and any other article whose importation into Canada is regul ated under the Plant Protection 
Act and Regulations . 
 
4. The permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The purpose of the 
import permit system is to ensure that plant pests, plants and plant products and other articles 
regulated under the Plant Protection Act  and Regulations  imported in Canada conform to Canada's 
plant protection phytosanitary import requirements. The permit system is one measure used to 
reduce the risk of introduction into and spread in Canada of pests inj urious to plants.  
 
5. The permit system is legislated and regulated under the Plant Protection Act  and the Plant 
Protection Regulations . The permit system is statutorily required. The determination that a product 
needs a permit is based on the assessment of the phytosanitary risk it poses. Lastly, it is not possible 
for the government to abolish the system without a regulatory amendment.  
 
Procedures  
6.  There are no quantitative or value limits on the importation of products from other countries . 
 
7.(a) An importer must obtain a valid import permit prior to importation. Once application for a 
permit is made with all required information and a review of the application has been 
completed, the CFIA will endeavour to issue a Permit to Import between  five to ten business 
days (subject to change).  
 
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will not issue an import permit for regulated 
commodities that have already arrived in Canada. This is because an import permit is not 
retroactive.  
 
(b)  No. An applicatio n cannot be granted immediately upon request as it must be subject to a 
pest risk review.  
 
(c)  No, there are no limitations as to the period of the year in which an application for a permit 
to import can be submitted.  
 
(d)  Yes. All applications for a per mit to import are sent to and approved by one administrative 
body. All applications are sent to the Centre of Administration, Regulatory Permissions and 
Registration Division, National Service Centres Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection 
Agency. How ever, some commodities may be regulated by other governments departments 
and may be subject to other requirements.  
 
Note: The Centre of Administration of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency delivers and 
coordinates the full range of operational administrat ive services required for import related G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 40 - 
 
  permissions under this section ( http://inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/permits -licences -and-
appro vals/eng/1395348112901/1395348237219 ).   
 
8.  The plant protection import permit may be refused on the grounds that the plants, plant products 
or other matter intended for importation will result or is likely to result in the introduction into 
Canada of a plant pest. A permit can also be refused o r revoked if a person has contravened the Act 
and/or Regulations. The importer is advised of the refusal or revocation. The Plant Protection Act  or 
Plant Protection Regulations  do not prescribe an appeal procedure in cases where a permit is refused 
or revo ked. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. An applicant for a Permit to Import must be one of the following: 1) a Canadian citizen or 
permanent resident; 2) a person authorized under the laws of Canada to reside in Canada for a 
period of six mo nths or more and who will have possession, care or control of the thing to be 
imported; or 3) in the case of a corporation with a place of business in Canada, the applicant must 
be an agent or officer of the corporation who resides in Canada.  
 
Note:  The CF IA will not accept applications for Permits to Import submitted by brokerage firms on 
behalf of their clients. The actual Canadian importer (person/company) must submit the application.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a permit t o import  
10.  An application for a permit shall be in writing, signed and dated by the person applying for the 
permit and contain the following information:  
 
(a)  The name, complete address and telephone number of the person;  
 
(b)  The name, complete addre ss and telephone number of the owner of the thing to be imported, 
if different from paragraph (a);  
 
(c)  The name and complete address of the exporter;  
 
(d)  A description and the common and scientific names of the thing;  
 
(e)  The quantity of the thing;  
 
(f)  The purpose for which the thing is to be admitted into Canada;  
 
(g)  The place of entry and the location of the place of destination of the thing in Canada;  
 
(h)  The country and place where the thing was propagated or produced, and the country and 
place from which it was shipped to Canada;  
 
(i)  The number of packages, if sent by mail or courier service; and  
 
(j)  Any other information respecting any activity undertaken in respect of the thing, or the 
precautions that will be taken to prevent the spreading of any pest or biological obstacle to 
the control of a pest while the thing is transported, as the Minister may require.  
 
11. The documents (e.g., phytosanitary certificate, certificate of inspection, certificate of treatment, 
certificate of orig in, affidavit, etc.) specified on the permit are required at the time of importation.  
 
12. Fees for each permit application can range between CAN$15 and CAN$250, depending on the 
reason for importation and the need for a pest risk assessment.  
 
13. There is  no deposit or advance payment that is required or associated with the issuance of a 
permit. However, full payment is required before a permit can be issued.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  Conditions of permit  
14. Permits to import are valid for the period of time specified on the perm it. The permit to import 
is valid for multiple shipments and unlimited quantities unless otherwise specified. When a permit 
has expired, it is the responsibility of the importer to apply for a new permit.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of  a permit or a portion of a permit.  
 
16. Import permits are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. The issuance of an import permit relates only to the provisions of the Plant Protection Act  and 
Regulations . There may be requirements under other Canadian  legislation that also apply.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Generally, there are no other administrative procedures apart from the import permit application 
procedures.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
10  HEALTH OF ANIMALS ACT  
Outline of system  
1. Under the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations, along with the associated 
Import Reference Documents for terrestrial animal health, the importation of live terrestrial and 
aquatic animals, animal and aquatic animal products, animal b y-products, aquatic animal carcases, 
animal pathogens, and other things (such as used equipment) may be imported under certain 
conditions. Imports are permitted from countries that have negotiated export market access with 
Canada and comply with the negoti ated animal health conditions.  
 
Animal products and by -products used in the preparation of food, cosmetics, drugs (including 
pharmaceuticals for use in animals, pharmaceuticals and biologics for human use, and natural health 
products for use in animals or humans), and medical devices are also regulated by Health Canada 
through product -specific regulatory programs. For these products, the regulatory requirements for 
animal products and by -products are administered by the CFIA under the authority o f the Food and 
Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations. Veterinary biologics and their components are 
regulated by the CFIA under the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations. 
Importers must comply with the import requirements of all  Canadian government departments or 
agencies for a particular commodity.  
 
Authority for animal pathogens is shared between the CFIA and the Public Health Agency of Canada 
(PHAC). In 2013 an Order in Council (OIC SI/2013 -41) transferred authority from the M inister of 
Agriculture to the Minister of Health for the responsibility of pure cultures of indigenous, terrestrial 
animal pathogens (HAR 51a). The CFIA maintains regulatory authority over non -indigenous 
terrestrial animal pathogens, aquatic animal pathoge ns and animal pathogens imported in an animal 
product or by -product (HAR 51a and 51b).  For the pathogens under its authority, PHAC administers 
pathogen and toxins licences to certified containment laboratories for periods of 1 to 5 years 
depending o n the risk groups of the pathogens. For pathogens under CFIA authority, answers are 
provided below.  
 
In response to changes in health status, import requirements can change at any time.  
 
For importation of aquatic animals (finfish, molluscs and crustaceans) and their products listed in 
the Health of Animals Regulations as susceptible to the diseases of concern, a permit and a 
zoosanitary certificate is required. For importation of aquatic animals (finfish, molluscs and 
crustaceans) and their products from shared waters within the U.S. which have been established as 
having the same health status for specific diseases of concern and are intended for specific end uses 
such as those for human consumption (Food Service, Retail Use and Further Processing), only an 
impor t permit may be required. Import permits are not required for aquatic animals not considered 
susceptible to diseases of concern and for products that are considered safe in accordance with 
international standards of the OIE or as a result of a risk assessm ent. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  For the most up to date information and additional details on CFIA import requirements, please refer 
to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) at:  
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/e nglish/imp/airse.shtml  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The following products are covered:  Terrestrial live animals and germplasm , Susceptible species 
of live aquatic animals (finfish, molluscs and crustaceans) and their germplasm and products , 
Terre strial animal products and by -products , Animal pathogens  and Veterinary biologics . 
 
For countries other than the U.S., a permit is required for:  
 
• all terrestrial animals (except pet dogs and domesticated cats, certain rodents, reptiles 
excluding turtles a nd their eggs, amphibians and marine mammals),  
• susceptible species of live aquatic animals, germplasm and their products  
• semen (except canine),  
• embryos,  
• veterinary biologics,  
• animal pathogens (CFIA permit or PHAC pathogen and toxin license), and  
• certain animal products and by -products depending on the species and country of origin.  
 
For importation from the U.S., a permit is required for the following:  
 
• semen (except for equine and canine),  
• embryos,  
• veterinary biologics,  
• psittacine birds (other than pet birds),  
• turtles, tortoises,  
• skunks, foxes and raccoons,  
• some ruminants and swine,  
• elephants,  
• honeybees,  
• dogs under eight months of age (commercial shipments and for research)  
• certain rodents,  
• certain animal products  and by -products dependent on species,  
• susceptible species of live aquatic animals, germplasm and their products, and  
• animal pathogens (CFIA permit or PHAC pathogen and toxin license).  
 
3. For terrestrial animals (both live animals and products/by -produc ts): Imports are permitted only 
from countries which are recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as free of serious 
animal diseases which may affect the species of animal imported. However, certain animal products 
may be imported from countries t hat are not free of these diseases under an import permit if they 
have been treated or processed to eliminate the disease.  Imports may also be restricted on behalf 
of other government agencies when there is concern about a disease which may be transmitted to 
people.    
 
For aquatic animals: Imports are permitted only from countries with which a zoosanitary certificate 
has been negotiated based on an evaluation of their aquatic animal health regulatory system. 
Imports of aquatic animals and their products may  be permitted without a zoosanitary certificate 
only from shared waters with the US that have been established as having the same health status 
for diseases of concern and are intended for certain end uses.  
 
For animal pathogens: Imports may be permitted i nto containment laboratories certified and 
approved by the Government of Canada to appropriately handle the risks associated with the 
pathogen and/or the animal product or by -product associated with the animal pathogen. Animal 
pathogens in an animal produc t or by -product are subject to the same restrictions as indicated above 
- imports may be restricted from countries not recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency 
as free of serious animal diseases. Under certain circumstances imports may be permitte d if treated 
or processed to eliminate the disease.  
 
If there is interest in importing a new commodity for which established import conditions do not 
exist, or from a country which has not been previously assessed by Canada, an Animal Health Risk G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  Assessmen t (AHRA) may be conducted which is a science -based risk evaluation. If supported by the 
outcome of the AHRA, the commodity may be imported.    
 
4. The permit system is intended to ensure that all items identified in No.  1 are imported in 
conformity with Canada's sanitary health regulations to protect against the introduction of diseases 
into or spread within Canada. Decisions are made following a risk analysis and risk assessment 
process.  
 
The value of imports is not restricted by import p ermits. For single entry permits a finite quantity 
may be stipulated in the permit and this quantity may not be exceeded. For multi entry permits this 
is no restriction on the quantity that may be imported.  
 
5. The Health of Animals Act and Regulations  thereunder. Importers of aquatic and terrestrial 
animals or their products or by -products are also required to comply with the requirements of all 
other applicable CFIA legislation, regulations, policies and directives, such as the Safe Food for 
Canadians Act  and Regulations , the Feeds Regulations , and the Fertilizers Act  and Regulations . 
Goods, products and animals requiring permits are specified (see No.  1). There is no authority to 
waive regulations.  
 
Procedures  
6. There are no quotas under the Health of Animals Act. If all aspects of an application package are 
compliant and it is for a commodity that may be imported into Canada, the import permit is issued.   
 
7.(a) In the case of live animals, animal semen, animal by-products, animal pathogens, aquatic 
animals and their products an import permit must be issued prior to the commodity arriving 
in Canadian territory. The permit describes the conditions of importation pertaining to health 
certification, post -import cond itions, treatments, etc. that must be satisfied. On arrival at the 
port of entry in Canada:  
 
(i) animals and their products may be subject to veterinary inspection, as applicable, and 
the accompanying permit and health certification (if required) are inspe cted to assure 
that import requirements are met;  
 
(ii) product inspection may occur at designated receiving centres inland;  
 
(iii)  some aquatic and terrestrial animals require post -import quarantine;  
 
(iv)  some aquatic and terrestrial animals require po st-import testing (in quarantine); and  
 
(v)  ornamental aquatic animals may be required to be imported to designated premises.  
 
In the case of veterinary biologics, production outlines and data to support purity, safety, 
potency and efficacy for each product must be submitted and approved prior to the issuance 
of the permit. They are examined and reviewed to assure the product is safe, free from 
contaminants and that the label meets all requirements.  
 
In the case of animal pathogens, the importing labo ratory must demonstrate compliance to 
the applicable Canadian biosafety standard prior to the issuance of the permit.  
 
(b)  There is no lag time between the import permit being issued and when the shipment may 
enter Canada. However, an import permit may no t be issued to a shipment that has already 
arrived in Canadian territory.  Most straightforward import permits not requiring an in -depth 
analysis are issued within ten business days of submitting the application. More complex 
applications may take additiona l time.  
 
(c)  No. 
 
(d)  The National Centre for Permissions (NCP) (formerly the Centre of Administration of the 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency) delivers and coordinates the full range of operational 
administrative services required for import related perm issions under this section 
(http://inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/permits -licences -and-G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 44 - 
 
  approvals/eng/1395348112901/1395348237219 ). All pe rmit applications are sent to the NCP, 
Regulatory Permissions and Registration Division, National Service Centres Directorate of the 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  
 
Other regulatory bodies may also have applicable import requirements for the commodity.  
 
Examples include:  
  
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES) -listed species which require an additional permit from Environment Canada;   
• Other federal domestic requirements for introduction of aquatic ani mals into natural waters 
under Fisheries and Oceans Canada;  
• requirements for products with medicinal claims under the Veterinary Drugs Directorate of 
Health Canada.  
 
8.  The CFIA can refuse to issue import permits on some occasions. Examples of these are:  
 
(a) When the disease status of a country does not meet minimum criteria, a permit will not be 
issued.  
 
(b)  When a country does not have a satisfactory disease diagnosis capability or disease control 
organization, a permit may not be issued.  
 
(c)  Dependent on the departmental mandate for a particular commodity or risk factor/hazard, 
CFIA consults with either Health Canada, or Public Health Agency of Canada, with regard to 
zoonoses or communicable diseases common to humans and animals or in the case  of aquatic 
animals, Fisheries and Oceans Canada with respect to introduction into natural waters.  
 
(d)  Commercial importers of veterinary biologics must be approved by the foreign company 
manufacturing the products and also must have acceptable facilitie s and procedures to meet 
the CFIA's import conditions, such as maintaining the cold chain and reporting adverse events.  
 
If an applicant wishes to have a decision to decline an import permit reviewed or appealed, they 
may do so according to the protocol  on the CFIA website.   
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for permit to import  
9. Any resident of Canada or company registered in Ca nada who has the necessary qualifications 
and facilities to satisfy the import permit conditions may apply for an import permit. There are 
applicable fees for import permits. There is no published list of authorized importers.  The CFIA does 
not make inform ation regarding import permits publicly available.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a permit to import  
10. Application must be made electronically or in writing using the appropriate application form, and 
must specify the species , quantities, date of arrival, country of origin and purposes of import. 
For aquatic animals, Part XVI of the  Health of Animals Regulations  requires specific species listed in 
Schedule III to have an import permit. All aquatic animals must meet the require ments of Section 
194 which includes name and address of the importer and exporter, taxonomic name, 
quantity/number and the location where the animal was born. For rendered products and pet food, 
inspection questionnaires for the exporting premises must be completed by the competent authority 
of the exporting country and included with the application.   
 
Import permits may be applied for through the National Centre for Permissions  (NCP) (formerly the 
Centre of Administration). Formalities for completing applications can be found at this site 
https://www.inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/permits -licences -and-approvals/centre -of-
administration -for-permissions/eng/1395348583779/1395348638922 .  
 
11. In addition to the permit to import animals, animal by -products, animal pathogens, aquatic 
animals and their products and the normal customs documentation, a zoosanitary certificate of 
health issued by the Competent Authority or Veterinary Services of th e country of origin must 
accompany the shipment if required. Some exceptions exist for aquatic animals and their products. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 45 - 
 
  A customs document is also needed. For terrestrial animals, some form of animal identification is 
generally required. Please consult the Automated Import Reference System for additional 
information on import requirements.  
 
12. Yes. See CFIA Fees notice at:  https://inspection.canada.ca/about -cfia/acts -and-
regulations/list -of-acts-and-regulations/cfia -fees-notice/eng/1582641645528/1582641871296 . 
 
13. Yes, payments are requested at the time of submitting the application.  
 
Conditions of permit  
14. Will often vary depending on the commodity and the purpose of the importation. It varies from 
single entry shipment to multiple shipments over a one -year period. A single -entry permit is 
generally valid for three months.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. Some commodities may fall under the import requirements of the Health of Animals Act as well 
as the requirements of other legislation under the administration of the CFIA. They may also fall 
under the requirements of other government bodies. I t is the importer's responsibility to comply 
with all applicable legislation.  
 
The conditions within an import permit are tailored to the specific commodity and are intended to 
prevent the introduction of animal diseases into Canada. Examples may include, the disease status 
of the country or origin, testing, quarantine, treatments et c.   
 
If an importer is not able to meet one of Canada's established import conditions they may apply to 
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a derogation. This requires that the importer provide a 
written request outlining the reason the import conditi on cannot be met and an equal alternative 
risk mitigation measure to be reviewed and considered by the CFIA.   
 
There is provision for the importation of certain food products to a maximum amount for sample 
purposes only under approved conditions.  
 
Other p rocedural requirements  
18. Pre -import quarantine and testing may be required.  
 
For animal products and by-products,  the conditions for import vary by the risk posed by the 
commodity, the processing, end use and origin. The importer may be required to obtai n an import 
permit, and zoosanitary certification endorsed by the exporting country. To verify import conditions 
for terrestrial animal products and by products, please check the Automated Import Reference 
System  (AIRS) as well as published import policies at 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial -animals/imports/policies/animal -products -and-by-
products/eng/1320833457085/1320851008731 .  
 
Once the importer receives the import permit, they are legally required to comply with the cond itions 
within it in order to import the commodity.   
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
11  SAFE FOOD FOR CANADIANS ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The importation into Canada of food for human consumption is subject to licensing under the Safe 
Food for Canadians Act and Regulations , which are administered by the Canadian Food Inspection 
Agency. Under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations , Canadian food businesses that conduct any 
of the following activities are required to obtain a license:  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  • import food  
• manufacture, process, treat, preserve, grade, package, or label food to be exported or sent 
across provincial or territorial borders  
• export  food that requires an export certificate  – even if not preparing the food  
• slaughter food animals from which meat products are derived for export or to be sent across 
provincial or territorial borders  
• store and handle a meat product in its imported conditi on for inspection by the Canadian 
Food Inspection Agency.  
 
Import licensing under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations  does not apply to:  
 
• food additives  
• alcoholic  beverages (beverage that contains more than 0.5% absolute ethyl alcohol by 
volum e) 
• unprocessed  food listed in Schedule 1 of the SFCR if it:  
o will be manufactured, processed or treated for use as grain, oil, pulse, sugar or 
beverage;  
o has a label applied or attached to it, or accompanying it, that bears the expression "For 
Further Prepar ation Only" or "pour conditionnement ultérieur seulement", and  
o is not a consumer prepackaged food.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations , any imported food must be manufactured, 
prepared, stored, packaged and labelled under conditions that provide the same level of protection 
as foods made in Canada. To learn more about the requirements for importing food please visit 
https://inspection.canada.ca/importing -food-plants -or-animals/food -imports/general -
requirements/eng/1526656464895/1526656465161    
 
The provisions of the SFCA and SFCR do not apply to food in the following cases:  
• food for personal use, when the food is not intended for commercial use, and  
o the quantity of food is equal to or under the maximum quantity limits, found in the 
document "Maximu m Quantity Limits for Personal Use" ( http://inspection.gc.ca /about -
the-cfia/acts -and-regulations/list -of-acts-and-regulations/documents -incorporated -by-
reference/personal -use-exemption/eng/1520439688578/1520439689098 ); and  
o the food is imported , exported , sent or conveyed from one province to another  by an 
individua l other than in the course of business; or  
o the food is imported or exported as part of the personal effects of an immigrant or 
emigrant  
• food that is carried on any conveyance  that is intended for the crew or passengers  
• food that is intended and used for an alysis, evaluation, research, or a trade show provided 
that the food is part of a shipment that weighs 100kg or less or, in the case of eggs, is part 
of a shipment of five or fewer cases  
• food that is not intended or sold for human consumption  
• food that is imported from the United States onto the Akwesasne Reserve by a permanent 
resident of the Reserve for their use  
• food that is imported in bond (in transit) for use by crew or passengers of a cruise ship or 
military ship in Canada  
• food that is traded between  federal penitentiaries  
• transporting a food commodity , if that is the sole activity of a person.  
 
3. The licensing system applies to all importers, regardless of the food imported. A person importing 
food additives, beverages that contain more than 0.5% absolute ethyl alcohol by volume and foods 
used as a grain, oil, pulse, sugar or beverage (listed in  Schedule 1 of the regulations) does not need 
a licence if those foods meet the requirements stipulated in section 11(2). Other non -quantitative 
restrictions exist for the import of certain species. For example, the importation of live freshwater 
mitten cr ab (genus Eriocheir ) or puffer fish (family Tetraodontidae ) is not permitted under the Safe 
Food for Canadians Regulations .  
 
4.  The licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Licensing will 
help the CFIA to:  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  • better ide ntify food safety risks in order to target inspections  
• communicate important food safety information directly to food businesses  
• take enforcement actions, ranging from requiring corrective measures to suspending or 
cancelling a licence, when regulatory req uirements are not met.  
 
Importers must ensure they and the food they import meet all the applicable regulatory 
requirements.   
 
5. The licensing of importers is legislated and regulated under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and 
Regulations . Licensing is statutorily required (see Safe Food for Canadians Regulations ). There is no 
administrative discretion with respect to the products  subject to licensing. Legislative approval would 
be required in order to abolish elements of the import system described in the Safe Food for 
Canadians Regulations .  
 
Procedures  
6.  There are no restrictions under the SFCR regarding the quantity or value of food imports.  
 
7.(a) A person must apply for a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence to import in advance of 
declaring their shipment to the Canada Border Services Agency and the CFIA. The CFIA may 
issue a licence immediately on application or the CFIA may conduct an assessment prior to 
issuing the licence to verify that the conditions specified in section 29 of the regulations are 
met. Goods arriving at a port of entry without an SFC licence will not be permitted entry into 
Canada.  
 
(b)   See response to part (a).  
 
(c)   There are no limitations regarding the time of year during which an application can be made.  
 
(d)  Any person, which includes an organization, who wishes to import food into Canada for sale 
or distribution for human consumption, must first obtain an import licence from the CFIA via 
the MyCFIA application.  
 
The application for a Safe Food for Canadians L icence is submitted solely through the My CFIA 
portal.  The Centre of Administration of the CFIA delivers and coordinates the full range of 
operational administrative  services required for import related permissions; it is a "single -
window" process.  
 
8. Un der the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations  (SFCR), there are certain conditions that must be 
met in order for a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence to be issued. The  list of conditions for 
issuance, renewal or amendment of an import licence is found in section 29. As part of these 
conditions, the CFIA cannot issue a licence to a person who is in default of payment of any fee 
related to the Safe Food for Canadians Act  that is fixed under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency 
Act. Additionally, a licence can not be issued where the CFIA is of the opinion that the issuance of a 
licence would present a risk of injury to human health.  
 
The CFIA may also decide not to issue a SFC licence if, in the five years prior to the date of the 
licence application, the appl icant (or any of their directors or operators) has had a licence suspended 
or cancelled or has been convicted of an offense under the Safe Food for Canadians Act  or the Food 
and Drugs Act .  
 
The reasons for not issuing a licence are available from CFIA 's Centre of Administration.  
 
In the event of a refusal, applicants can appeal the decision by submitting a complaint or appeal 
through CFIA 's complaints and appeals process. More information, including the appeals process, is 
available on CFIA 's Complaints and Appeals  webpage.  
    
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person or company is eligible to apply for a Sa fe Food for Canadians Licence. To be issued a 
licence, importers must have a place of business in Canada or in a country that has been recognized 
by the CFIA in accordance with section 12 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. To learn more 
about the limited conditions in which an import licence can be granted to an importer residing in a G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 48 - 
 
  country other than Canada see the following: https://inspection.canada.ca/importing -food-plants -
or-animals/food -imports/nri/eng/1539874432061/1539874432404 . 
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10. To apply for an import licence, the applicant must first create an a ccount and business profile 
on the My CFIA portal. All information needed is listed on the Before you sign up for My CFIA  
webpage. Information  required includes: business number, legal business name, proof of authority 
form, office address, mailing address and CFIA billing account number where they have one.  
 
After signing up for the My CFIA account, the applicant can consult the Webpage "What t o consider 
before applying for a Safe Food for Canadians Licence ": http://inspection.gc.ca/food/s fcr/general -
food-requirements -and-guidance/licensing/obtain -a-
licence/eng/1543359915240/1543360663242#step3 . Applicants will find all the information and the 
fees that they have to submit in order to get a licence.  
 
11. The import licence holder must provide information on each import shipment, including their 
Safe Food for Canadians licence number through the Single Window Integrated Import Declaration 
(SW IID). The information that must be provided is listed in sect ion 13 of the Safe Food for Canadians 
Regulations. The information must be provided at the time of or prior to import.   
 
12.  The fee for a Safe Food for Canadians Licence is CDN$260.61. Depending on the food commodity 
additional fees related to import ma y apply. See the CFIA 's Fees Notice  for more information.  
 
13.  The licensing fee of CDN$260.61 must be paid in order for a Safe Food for Canadians licence to 
be issued. There is no other deposit or advance payment required for the issuance of a licence.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  A Saf e Food for Canadians Licence is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. The period of 
validity of a licence can only be extended by renewing the licence prior to expiry. Licences are 
renewed through the My CFIA portal. Licence holders must update thei r licence information and pay 
the CDN$260.61 fee to renew their licence.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a Safe Food for Canadians licence.  
 
16.  Licences are not transferable between persons or businesses.  
 
17.  Other conditions attac hed to the issue of a licence:  
 
(a)   Not applicable.  
 
(b)   All conditions attached to the issuance of a Safe Food for Canadians licence are specified under 
section 29 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations . Licence applicants must meet all 
applicabl e requirements of the SFCR, including, in most cases, putting in place preventive food 
safety controls and documenting these controls in a written Preventive Control Plan. Import 
licence holders must also maintain procedures and processes for handling and investigating 
complaints and recalls.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Certain products might have additional requirements related to plant protection or animal health 
under other legislation. Apart from this and the procedures provided for in the Safe Food for 
Canadians Regulations , including requirements associated with inspections, record keeping and 
declaration of import shipments, no additional administrative procedures are required.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  12  WILD ANIMAL AND PLANT PROTECTION AND REGUL ATION OF INTERNATIONAL AND 
INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR) is established under the Wild Animal and 
Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act ( WAPPRIITA). It serves 
for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Canada is a Party. WAPTR contains three Schedules; two of these 
Schedules (Schedule I and II) list species  that are subject to licensing requirements. Schedule I lists 
species that are listed in one of the three Appendices to the CITES. Schedule II of WAPTR lists 
species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems if ever released into the wild. Schedule III 
of WAPTR lists species which are recognized as endangered or threatened in Canada. The trade 
controls under WAPTR apply to live specimens as well as parts and derivative products.  
 
Information on how to comply with the requirements of these controls is publ ished in the Canada 
Gazette, on the Canada.ca website, in press releases and in Notices to Importers distributed to 
associations and traders and, in addition, available upon request from the Department of the 
Environment.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensin g 
2.  The purpose of this coverage is:  
 
(a) to place a strict control on trade in specimens of species classified as endangered or harmful 
to Canadian ecosystems;  
(b)  to establish a system of trade controls to monitor trade of species that are endangered or 
species that are susceptible to becoming endangered as a result of international trade; and  
 
(c)  to allow individual countries to exercise surveillance on importation in other countries 
specimens of species which are considered endangered by the export ing country only.  
 
3.  The system applies to specimens of endangered species (listed in one of the three Appendices of 
CITES, which are mirrored in Schedule I of WAPTR), or species harmful to Canadian ecosystems 
(listed in Schedule II of WAPTR), originatin g in and exported from all countries.  
 
4.  The purpose of the licensing system is to control importation of: i) specimens of species, listed 
in one of the three Appendices of CITES, under internationally agreed circumstances and; ii) species 
listed in Sche dule II of WAPTR, in the case where there are sufficient safeguards and security to 
prevent harm to Canadian ecosystems.  
 
5. Licensing is effected by the WAPTR made under the WAPPRIITA. Individual products are not 
designated in the Act. Species are placed in Schedule I of the WAPTR, established by the Governor -
in-Council to implement an intergovernmental arrangement or commitment (see No. 1 above). 
In addition, species which may be harmful to Canadian ecosystems if ever released into the wild, 
are listed i n Schedule II of WAPTR and are also subject to licensing requirements.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.   
 
7.(a)  When importing a specimen of a species listed in either Appendix II or Appendix III of CITES, 
no Canadian import permit is required; the permit o r certificate issued by the exporting 
country is sufficient to allow import into Canada.  However, when importing a specimen of a 
species listed in Appendix I of CITES as indicated in Schedule I of the WAPTR, an application 
for a Canadian import permit should be made at least 35 days prior to the expected date of 
arrival. Individual import permits for species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR can be applied for 
at least 70 days prior to the expected date of arriva l. Permits are not issued retrospectively.  
 
(b) An individual import permit for species listed in Appendix I of CITES, as indicated in Schedule 
I of the WAPTR,  is normally granted within 35 days from receipt provided the criteria for G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  issuing a permit are met. Import permits can be obtained within a shorter time limit in special 
circumstances, for instance where live animals are involved. An individual import per mit for 
species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR is normally granted within 70 days from receipt 
provided the criteria for issuing a permit are met. Import permits for species listed in 
Schedule  II of WAPTR can likewise be obtained within a shorter time limi t in special 
circumstances, for instance where live animals are involved.  
 
(c) Not applicable.  
 
(d) Permit applications are processed by the CITES Authorities of the Department of Environment 
and Climate Change.  
 
8. If the criteria have not been met, the a pplicant will be informed. In such event, the applicant may 
request reconsideration by providing new information.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Citizenship and residency are not criteria.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for appl ication for licence  
10. The importer is required to provide all the information requested by the Act and regulations 
depending on the type of animal or plant specimen intended for import. There are many application 
forms specific to the type of animal or p lant specimen and trade activity.  
 
CITES documents issued by the appropriate CITES authorities in the country of origin or in any 
subsequent re -exporting country, must accompany applications for CITES import permits.   
 
11.  Same documents as in the respon se to Question 10. Specimens of CITES listed species arriving 
in Canada without a duly authentic CITES export permit will not be cleared by Canada Customs and 
are subject to seizure.  Specimens of species listed in Schedule II of WAPTR must be accompanied 
by a Canadian permit issued under subsection 10(1) of WAPPRIITA. Specimens of species listed on 
Appendix I of CITES (as mirrored in Schedule I of the WAPTR) must be accompanied by a Canadian 
CITES import permit. Customs entry forms are also required.    
 
12. No fees.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import permits required under WAPTR are valid for one year from the date of issue. In cases of 
permit expiration before use, the applicant can apply for a replacement permit upon return of the 
expired permit.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Applicants for import permits have to meet any provincial/territorial/federal administrative 
procedures with regards to the specimen such as provisions for possession or transport within 
Canada.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  13  EXPORT AND IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT  
Outline of system  
1. The Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act  (S.C., 2002, c.25) received Royal Assent on 
12 December 2002 and came into force on 1  January 2003. The Act provides for controls on the 
export, import or transit across Canada of rough diamonds and for a certification scheme for the 
export of rough diamonds in order to meet Canada's obligations under the Kimberley Process. Under 
this system, every person wh o exports rough diamonds must ensure that the diamonds are in a 
container that meets the requirements of the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Regulations  
(SOR/2003 -15) and are accompanied by a Canadian Certificate. On receiving an application for a 
Canadian Certificate from a resident of Canada for the export of rough diamonds, the Minister of 
Natural Resources must issue a Canadian certificate if the application meets the requirements of the 
Regulations. Before issuing a Canadian Certificate, the Minist er must be satisfied that the export is 
to a participant, the information contained in the application is accurate, and the rough diamonds in 
respect of which the application is made originated in Canada, were extracted from mineral 
concentrates in Canada,  were imported from a participant or were in Canada prior to 1  January  2003.  
 
Every person who imports rough diamonds must ensure that the diamonds are in a container that 
meets the requirements of the Regulations and are accompanied by a valid Kimberley P rocess 
Certificate that was issued by a participant, has not been invalidated by the participant and that 
contains accurate information. For the purpose of this Act, in -transit rough diamonds are deemed 
not to be imported or exported.  
 
Purposes and coverag e of licensing  
2. The purpose of this Act is to provide for controls on the export, import or transit across Canada 
of rough diamonds in order to meet Canada's obligations under the Kimberley Process. 
The Kimberley Process is an international understanding  among participants that was recognized by 
Resolution No. 55/56 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 1  December 2000. 
The Kimberley Process establishes minimum requirements for an international scheme of 
certification for rough diamonds  with a view to breaking the link between armed conflict and the 
trade in rough diamonds. A rough diamond is defined as a diamond that is unsorted, unworked or 
simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, and that falls under subheading 7102.10, 7102.21 or 7102.31 in 
the List of Tariff Provisions set out in the schedule to the Customs Tariff, but does not include 
diamonds that are of a class prescribed by regulation.  
 
3. The system applies to rough diamonds originating in and coming from a participant. A participant 
is defined as a State, international organization of States or dependent territory of a State, or a 
customs territory, named in the Schedule to the Act.  
 
4. The licensing is intended to impose controls on rough diamonds to regulate their import, export 
and tr ansit across Canada in order to meet Canada's obligations under the Kimberley Process. 
The Kimberley Process establishes minimum requirements for an international certification scheme 
for rough diamonds with a view of breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds 
and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts.  
 
5. The licensing of exports is a requirement under section 8 of the Act, which establishes that a 
Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate is requi red for exporting rough diamonds from Canada. 
Section 12 provides that if the Minister of Natural Resources determines that information provided 
by an applicant in order to obtain a Canadian Certificate, or information appearing on the certificate, 
is inac curate or has changed, the Minister may invalidate the certificate.  
 
Section 14 of the Act requires that imports of rough diamonds be accompanied by a Kimberley 
Process Certificate issued by a participant, that has not been invalidated, and that contains a ccurate 
information. Subsection 15(1) provides that if imported rough diamonds arrive in Canada 
accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate that meets the requirements of section 14 of the 
Act, but are in a container that has been opened, the Minister m ay order the person who imported 
the rough diamonds to return them to the participant who issued the certificate.  
 
Pursuant to paragraph 35(a), the Minister of Natural Resources may make regulations to prescribe 
the classes of diamonds to be excluded from the definition of "rough diamond".  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  Legislative approval would be required to abolish this system.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Quantity and value restrictions, beyond the minimum requirements for Certificates 
in Annex I of the Kimberley Pro cess Certification Scheme Document, do not apply to imports of 
rough diamonds.  
 
7. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is implemented through the national legislation of 
the respective participants. The participants' exporting authority is responsib le for issuance of 
licences for export. Although participants' licensing systems conform to the Kimberley Process 
minimum requirements, the terms vary from participant to participant in respect to application 
requirements and time frame for issuance of lic ences.  
 
It takes typically a business day to issue a Canadian licence for exports of rough diamonds from 
Canada. For clients with remote printing capability, it may take as little as a couple of hours from 
the submission of an application to issue a Canadi an Certificate for exports. The Canadian licences 
for exports are issued by the Kimberley Process Office in the Department of Natural Resources based 
in Ottawa. There are no further approvals required from other administrative entities for the issuance 
of export licences.  
 
8. If an application for a Canadian licence for exports does not meet the criteria in subsection 9(2) 
of the Act, paragraph 9(1)(c) provides that the Minister must reject the application and the applicant 
is provided with the reasons for rejection in writing. Section 10 provides that if the applicant does 
not remedy the deficiency, within such time as the Minister considers reasonable, the Minister may 
reject the application.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Import licence s are issued by foreign authorities of the respective participants. Export licences 
are issued by the Kimberley Process Office in the Department of Natural Resources under the 
authority of the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act . Only Canadian resident s may apply for 
a licence to export rough diamonds from Canada. Although the system does not currently require 
registration of persons or firms, the Minister may make regulations respecting the manner of 
submitting an application, specifying the informatio n that must be included in it and the documents 
that must accompany the application  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. An application for a Canadian licence for export of rough diamonds under section 9 of the Act 
must include the following information as set out in section 2 of the Regulations:  
 
(a)   The applicant's name and address in Canada and, if the applicant is a corporation, the name 
of the individual submitting the application on its behalf;  
(b)  If the ap plicant is not the exporter of the rough diamonds, the name and address of the 
exporter;  
(c)   The name and address of the person to whom the exporter is exporting the rough diamonds;  
(d)   The name of the participant to which the rough diamonds are to be shipped;  
(e)   The origin of the rough diamonds including:  
(i)  If they were mined in Canada, the place and name of the mine;  
(ii)  If they were recovered during exploration in Canada, the longitude and latitude of the 
exploration site, and the place and name of the facility in which they were extracted;  
(iii)  if they were extracted in Canada from mineral concentrates that originated outside 
Canada, the place and name of the facility in which they were extracted;  
(iv)  if they were present in Canada a t the coming into force of section 8 of the Act, 
documentary evidence establishing their presence in Canada at that time; and  
(v)  if they were imported into Canada after the coming into force of section 8 of the Act, 
the serial number of each Kimberley Pr ocess Certificate that accompanied the rough 
diamonds;  
(f)   The mass, measured in carats, of the rough diamonds in the shipment;  
(g)  The value, in United States dollars, of the rough diamonds in the shipment;  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
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  (h)  The subheading in the List of Tariff Pro visions in the schedule to the Customs Tariff under 
which the rough diamonds are classified;  
(i)  The number of containers in the shipment and a seal number for each container; and  
(j)  A declaration signed and dated by the applicant stating that the infor mation contained in the 
application is accurate.  
 
Section 3 of the Regulations provides that an application for the replacement of a Canadian licence 
for the export of rough diamonds under section 11 of the Act must meet the following criteria:  
 
(a)  Be ma de before the export of the rough diamonds;  
(b)  Contain all the information required under section 2 of the Regulations including any 
information appearing on the Canadian licence that is inaccurate of has changed; and  
(c)   Be accompanied by the Canadian  licence in respect of which the application is made.  
 
Under section 4 of the Regulations, an application to the Minister under section 9 or 11 of the Act 
must be delivered by hand or sent by mail or courier or by facsimile or other electronic means  
 
11. Pursuant to subsection 14(1) of the Act, a Kimberley Process Certificate issued by a participant 
is required to accompany import shipments of rough diamonds into Canada.  
 
12. There are currently no licensing fees or administrative fees charged to applicants  for the issuance 
of licences for export of rough diamonds from Canada. However, section 34 of the Act provides that 
the Governor in Council may make regulations to prescribe the fees payable for the issuance or 
replacement of a Canadian licence.  
 
13. Ther e is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of export 
licences.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Section 6 of the Regulations provides that a Canadian Certificate is valid until 24:00 Greenwich 
mean time of the day that is 60 days after the date of issue. The validity of a licence cannot be 
extended. However, the period of validity may be changed by regulation by the Minister of Natural 
Resources pursuant to subsection 35 (b) of the Act.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable.  
 
17.(a)Not applicable.  
 
(b) The Minister of Natural Resources may make regulations specifying the content of Canadian 
licences. Additionally, pursuant to section 7 of the Regulations, every exporte r of rough 
diamonds must report the export to attest to the accuracy of the information contained in the 
Canadian licence by signing the report and sending it to the Minister within seven days of 
Export.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Apart from proced ures provided for in the Act and the Regulations, including requirements 
associated with inspections, record keeping and export and import reporting, no additional 
administrative procedures are required.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
14  FISHERIES ACT  
Outline of syste m 
1. The importation of shark fins or parts of shark fins that are not attached to a shark carcass for 
scientific research purposes is governed by regulations made under the Fisheries Act , which came 
into force on 21 June 2021.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 54 - 
 
  Subsection 32.1(1) of the Fisheries Act  establishes a legislative framework that prohibits attempted 
or actual import into Canada and export from Canada, any shark fins or parts of shark fins that are 
not attached to a shark carcass, except in accordance with a permit to conduct thes e activities. Only 
the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard can issue these permits for scientific 
research purposes related to shark conservation and the survival of shark species.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Subsection 32 .1(2) of the Fisheries Act  has a provision for import permit licensing for shark fins 
and parts of shark fins that are not attached to a shark carcass to be used for research purposes; 
products under tariff item numbers 0302.92.00 (fresh or chilled shark f in), 0303.92.00 (frozen shark 
fin), 0305.71.00 (Dried, salted or smoked shark fins) and 1604.18.00 (Prepared or preserved shark 
fins) are covered under this licensing system.  
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods originating in and imported from all c ountries.  
 
4. The purpose of this licensing system is to permit the import of fins not attached to a shark carcass 
for scientific research purposes.  
 
5. See paragraph 1 and 2.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable in relation to the import permitting licence for shark fins for scientific purposes.  
 
7.(a) The service standard for issuing a licence is 35 calendar days so the applicant must apply 
accordingly.  
 
There is no expedited process to obtain a licence. If the item is imported without a licence, 
the applicant risks enfor cement action.  
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) Time of year has no effect on the issuance of licences or when importation or exportation can 
occur.  
 
(d) Licence applications are solely issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada 
(DFO) and no other department is  involved in the licence issuance.  
 
8. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard retains discretion in issuing 
permits under s. 32.1(2) of the Fisheries Act and they can make exceptions to these principles. 
The Minister may also impos e any conditions that he or she considers appropriate in a permit issued 
under s. 32.1(2) of the Fisheries Act , and retains the power to amend, suspend or cancel a permit 
that has been issued.  
 
Reasons for refusal would be provided to the applicant. DFO w ould be in contact with the applicant 
to discuss eligibility, missing information and any other possible issues after permit was applied for 
and in the review stage and advise the applicant on how to correct the issue(s). If after review, DFO 
officials rec ommend the permit not be issued, then officials would advise the applicant of the 
reasoning behind the refusal.  
 
Since the Minister has discretion and the final decision -making power, if the Minister refuses to issue 
the permit then officials would, in turn, advise the applicant of this decision.  The final authority for 
issuing or denying these permits rests with the Minister and there is no formal established appeal 
procedure. Nonetheless, the applicant can still contact the Minister 's office to attempt  to have a 
decision reconsidered.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Persons, firms and institutions associated with a research institution or recognized international 
organization that has played an active role in shark conservation are eli gible to apply for licences.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 55 - 
 
  There is no system of registration of persons, firms or institutions to engage in importation or 
exportation. The eligibility of the applicant would be determined from the supporting documentation 
received.   
  
There is no reg istration fee and no published list of authorized importers.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The applicant must provide details regarding the objectives and protocols related to their 
research for each planned scient ific study that is relevant to the permit being requested. Information 
on shark fins and/or parts of shark fins (i.e., product description, quantity, weight, etc.) is required 
with the application, including a rationale for the number of shark fins request ed for import and/or 
export.  
 
The applicant must submit relevant scientific publications that demonstrate that the researchers 
involved in the proposed research activities have published work that is relevant to shark 
conservation.  
 
The applicant must subm it proof of association with a research institution or recognized international 
organization that has played an active role in shark conservation during recent years and has 
developed widely used tools and/or approaches to support shark conservation initia tives; 
The applicant must describe how the proposed research activities are likely to benefit the survival 
of shark species or are required to enhance the chances of survival of shark species in the wild; The 
applicant must explain why the proposed researc h activities cannot be conducted in the country 
where the shark fins or parts of shark fins are currently located, and why importing or exporting the 
shark fins is essential to support the proposed research activities.  
 
The justification must include infor mation on other options that have been considered (i.e., working 
with a research institution in the country where the shark fins are currently located; using pictures 
of the shark fins if the objective of the research is to identify species) and why they s hould not be 
preferred.  
 
The applicant must provide qualifications for any collaborators or research assistants involved (if 
applicable) and indicate whether or not they will be working independently from the applicant with 
the shark fins or parts of shark  fins. 
 
The applicant must submit a document explaining how the shark fins or parts of shark fins will be 
securely kept and/or disposed of to ensure that they will not be used for purposes other than the 
described scientific research; and if the applicant previously received a Fisheries Act  authorization 
to import or export shark fins or parts of shark fins, the applicant must provide details that 
demonstrate proof of incremental progress to advance research on shark conservation or to benefit 
the survival of shark species in the wild (i.e., proof of publication, research results, statistics).  
 
The latest information on applying for a license can be found on Department of Fisheries and Oceans 
website at: https://www.dfo -mpo.gc.ca/about -notre -sujet/publications/policy -politiques/shark -
requin/permits -research -permis -recherche -eng.html . 
 
11. Canadian import permits:  
 
Importers are required under the Customs Act,  that information reported to the Canada Border 
Services Agency (CBSA) must be true, accurate and complete. This means that the scientific or 
taxonomic names of all sharks and shark products imported m ust be declared upon entry. Importers 
must report scientific names of all imported shark species in the commodity description field of Form 
CI1, Canada Customs Invoice or the commercial invoice, either electronic or paper as per the 
instructions in Memoran dum D1 -4-1, CBSA Invoice Requirements, and/or in accordance with the 
technical requirements, specifications and procedures for electronic data interchange as set out in 
the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (ECCRD). The latest import process  is 
described in Canada Border Services Agency 's Customs Notice 21 -02 at: https://www.cbsa -
asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn21 -02-eng.html   
 
Importers may be required to obtain a Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species 
(CITES) permit for the import or export of shark fins if the species is covered by the Convention. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/21  
 
- 56 - 
 
  A CITES import permit is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), who issue 
import permits for all species. Applicants may also be required to obtain a Species at Risk Act (SARA) 
permit and adhere to any SARA provisions for shark species listed in Canada as extirpated, 
endangered or threatened. SARA  permits for aquatic species are issued by DFO.  
 
12. There is no licensing fee or administrative charge for importing shark fin for research licence and 
for SARA permit.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A licence is valid for six months from date of i ssue. A licence cannot be extended. The applicant 
has to re -apply after the expiration of the licence.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence. The licence would simply expire. Licences 
can only be used once, so if an applicant used a  portion of the licence (fewer items imported than 
listed on licence) the licence could not be reused for remaining items.  
 
16. Licences are issued to one specific importer and are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. No other conditions attached to t he issuance of a license whether (a) for products subject to 
quantitative restriction or (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction. If not covered by 
the permit issued in accordance with Section 32.1(2) of the Fisheries Act , all other relate d products 
would be covered by Canada 's quantitative restrictions related to shark fins.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. N/A  
 
__________