G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13
5 February 2015
(15-0764) Page: 1/18
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English/French
 
 REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON  IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2013) 
CANADA  
 
The following communication, dated 2 February 2015,  is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Canada. 
 
_______________ 
 
Introduction  
 
Import licences are required for goods subject to restrictions related to measures taken to 
safeguard domestic producers against injurious imports pursuant to either GATT Article XIX or 
international commitments (e.g. narcotics and endangered species of fauna and flora). Import controls are also imposed on some products on grounds of public interest, or for monitoring 
purposes.  This is accomplished either through import licensing measures or through certain other 
formalities at the port of entry.  Effective 1 January 1995 (1 August 1995 for wheat, wheat products, barley, barley products, butter, dry whey  and cream), Canada converted its agricultural 
i m p o r t  c o n t r o l s  t o  a  s y s t e m  o f  t a r i f f  r a t e  q u o t a s  ( T R Q s ) ;  i m p o r t  l i c e n c e s  a r e  r e q u i r e d  a s  a  
condition of importation of quantities eligible for the in-quota rate of duty. 
 Import controls are administered by a limited number of government departments.  It is not 
practical, however, to provide a general description  of the procedures involved as they vary, in 
certain particulars, from department to department.  Consequently, replies to the Questionnaire have been organized according to the different legislative instruments under which import controls 
are maintained.  In the case of the Export and Im port Permits Act, general responses in respect of 
dairy products; chicken, turkey and eggs; broiler hatching eggs and chicks; beef and veal; margarine; wheat and barley and their products; and pork have been provided for questions 5, 
8-10, 12-19 of the Questionnaire. Replies to the remaining questions have been organized by the 
different legislative instruments owing to the different procedures involved. 
 
                                               
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   CONTROLLED DRUGS AN D SUBSTANCES  ACT .............................................................. 3
 
2   FOOD AND DRUGS ACT ................................................................................................ 6  
3   EXPLOSIV ES ACT ......................................................................................................... 9  
4   NUCLEAR SAFETY AND CONTRO L ACT ....................................................................... 11  
5   NATIONAL ENER GY BOARD ACT ................................................................................ 11  
6   EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS ACT .......................................................................... 11  
7   ANIMALS AN D PLANTS .............................................................................................. 11  
7.1   Plant Pr otection Act .................................................................................................. 11 
7.2   Health of  Animals Act ................................................................................................ 14 
7.3   Fish In spection Act ................................................................................................... 14 
7.4   Canada Agricult ural Produc ts Act ................................................................................ 16 
7.5   Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial 
Trade Act ........................................................................................................................ 17 
8   EXPORT AND IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT ..................................................... 18  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  1  CONTROLLED DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ACT 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification regarding 
the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act submitte d under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained 
in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for the year 2013, except for the update below 
to the responses to question 6(V).   
 For convenience, the entire questionnaire for the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is provided 
below. 
 Outline of system 
1.  The importation of controlled substances, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals is governed 
by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  (CDSA), which was enacted in 1996 and came into 
force in 1997.  The CDSA is the means by which Ca nada fulfils its obligations under the UN Single 
Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, and 
the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988. 
 The CDSA establishes a legislative framework that essentially prohibits all activities, e.g., 
importation, exportation, production, distribution, etc., with controlled substances, industrial hemp 
and precursor chemicals, unless authorized by re gulation.  The regulations made under the CDSA 
therefore set out the circumstances under which activities with controlled substances, precursor chemicals and industrial hemp are permitted. 
 
The substances regulated under the CDSA are grou ped into six Schedules (Schedules I to VI) to 
the Act.  Schedules I to V list controlled substances (including benzodiazepines and other 
psychotropic substances, narcotics, hemp, stimulants, sedatives, and anabolic steroids) while 
Schedule VI lists precursor chemicals.   
The following regulations outline provisions pertaining to the legal import of controlled substances, 
precursor chemicals and industrial hemp:  “Controlled Substances” 
 
-   Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations : Sets out the circumstances 
and requirements in which producers, distri butors, importers, exporters, pharmacists, 
practitioners and hospitals may conduct regulated activities including possession, sale, 
distribution, importing and exporting, and prod uction of substances listed in the Schedules 
to the Regulations. These Regulations also apply to “targeted substances” which are defined 
as other psychotropic substances requiring a similar level of regulatory control. 
 -   Narcotic Control Regulations:  Sets out the circumstances and requirements in which 
producers, distributors, importers, exporters,  pharmacists, practitioners and hospitals may 
conduct regulated activities including possession , sale, distribution, importing and exporting, 
and production of substances listed in the Schedule to these Regulations referred to as “narcotics”.  Examples of narcotics included in this group are cocaine, opium, codeine, 
morphine and cannabis (marihuana).  
 -   Part G of the Food and Drug Regulations [“controlled drugs”]: Governs the activities of 
producers, distributors, importers, exporters,  pharmacists, practitioners, and hospitals 
including possession, sale, distribution, importin g, exporting, and production of substances 
listed in the Schedule to these Regulations and referred to as “controlled drugs” such as stimulants, sedatives, 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, and pr oduction of substances listed in the Schedule 
to these Regulations and referred to as “r estricted drugs” such as MDMA, LSD, and 
psilocybin.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  “Industrial Hemp” 
 -   Industrial Hemp Regulations : Sets out the circumstances and requirements for the 
importation, exportation and possession, as well as the production, sale, provision, 
transport, sending or delivering of industrial hemp for commercial purposes.  Hemp is 
defined in these Regulations as the Genera Cannabis  plant, its leaves and flowering heads 
containing less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabino l (THC), and includes the derivatives of the 
plant and plant parts such as the oil derived from hemp seeds. 
 “Precursor Chemicals”  
- Precursor Control Regulations : Sets out the circumstances and requirements in which 
producers, distributors, importers, exporters, pharmacists, practitioners, and hospitals may 
conduct regulated activities, including production, sale/provision, packaging, importation 
and exportation of two broad classes of ch emicals listed in the Schedule to these 
Regulations: 
 
-  Class A precursors: ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, piperidine, red/white phosphorus, 
etc. 
- Class B precursors: acetone, hydrochloric acid, toluene, etc. 
 
While these regulations govern the import of co ntrolled substances, precursors and industrial 
hemp may be referred to as three 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.  
Purpose and coverage of licensing 
2.  Prospective importers of controlled substances, Class A precursors or industrial hemp must be 
domestically licensed to import or conduct other regulated activities with the specified substance.  The prospective importers must then submit an application for an import permit.  The application 
must specify the supplier's name, address and count ry, the quantity and type of substances being 
imported 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, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals 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 other jurisdictions (e.g., impurities, analogs, anabolic steroids, industrial hemp, etc.).  
 
4.  The import permit system is intended to minimize diversion to illicit markets by making sure 
the quantity of drugs imported does not exceed the annual estimate of legitimate Canadian medical or scientific needs, as communicated 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 (considered “controlled 
substances” in Canada) are published by the United Nations, and this information is provided 
to dealers upon request and is available on the UN website.  Any nation exporting controlled substances 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 quotas for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (“controlled substances”) are 
allocated annually in accordance with the requirements of the INCB. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  III.  Permits to import controlled substances, industrial hemp and Class A precursor chemicals 
are only issued to dealers who are licensed to import and conduct other activities with the relevant substances.  Licensed dealers are also required to inform the Office of Controlled Substances (Health Canada) when an import  has taken place, including the quantity 
imported.  Unused portions of permits for these substances and unused portions of 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.  The Office of Controlled 
Substances sends three copies of the 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 basi s, and an application amendment to this quota 
may be made at any time during the year.  Im port permit applications are accepted year 
round. 
 
V. Import permits are usually issued within twenty working days of receipt of the application 
for industrial hemp, and within forty working da ys for controlled substances and precursors.  
  
VI.  Import permits for controlled substances and industrial hemp are issued for immediate 
importation except when a dealer has indica ted a wish to import during the following 
calendar year.  In this case, the permit becomes valid 1 January of that year.  All permits 
are valid for at least three months from the date of issue with none extending beyond 
31 December of any given year.  For precursor chemicals, import permits are valid for six months or until the expiry date of the licence if this is prior to the six-month period, and 
may also cross two calendar years. 
 VII. All applications to import controlled substances, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals are 
reviewed by the Office of Controlled Substances.  Import permits are issued by the Office on 
the behalf of the Minister of Health. 
 VIII. Import permits are issued on a first-come, fi rst-serve basis, provided that the applicant is a 
licensed dealer and meets all the permit requirements. There is no maximum amount 
allocated per applicant.  Applications are examined for accuracy on receipt. 
 
IX. Under Canadian law and the international esti mate system of the INCB, the narcotic drugs 
and psychotropic substances (i.e. controlled substances) requiring import permits also require export permits issued by the comp etent authority of the exporting country. 
 
X. Not applicable.  XI. There are products that are listed on a permit which may only be issued on condition that 
the substances involved are exported and not sold on the Canadian market.   
 7. (a) An application for a permit to import controlled substances, precursor chemicals or industrial 
hemp– is usually issued within twenty working days of receipt of the application.  Import 
permits cannot be obtained at the time goods arrive at the port. 
 
(b) All import permits are generally granted twenty working days of receipt of a complete permit 
application.  
 (c) No. Permits are valid for at least three months from the date of issue and none extend 
beyond 31 December of the year in which they were issued for controlled substances. For 
precursor chemicals, permits are valid for six mo nths or until the expiry date of the licence, 
and may cover two calendar years.     
 
(d) All applications to import controlled substances, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals are 
reviewed by the Office of Controlled Substances.  Import permits are issued by the Office on 
the behalf of the Minister of Health. The Office of Controlled Substances is the only authority 
an importer needs to contact. 
 8.  An application for an import permit will be refused if a company is not licensed to conduct 
activities in Canada domestically, if the product is not currently on the licence, if the security G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  provided would be inadequate, if there is an insufficient quota remaining (for the narcotic drug and 
psychotropic substances), if there has been non- compliance with the Acts and Regulations by the 
importer or if there is reason to suspect that there will be diversion of the drug to an illicit market.  
Reasons are given for refusing permits.  Applicants have a right to appeal a decision by providing 
us with a written notice supporting the proposed importation. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for a permit  
9.  For controlled substances, industrial hemp and Class A precursor chemicals, eligibility to apply 
for import permits is limited to individuals or companies licensed to conduct regulated activities with these substances in Canada.  For Class B precursor chemicals registrations are issued for companies, and import permits for each individual shipment are not required.  A list of licensed 
companies authorized to import is maintained and can be provided on request to licensed dealers.  
There is no fee attached to import permits.  However, a fee and other requirements apply to 
obtain the licence to conduct regulated activities with controlled substances domestically.  There is 
no fee for a Class A precursor licence, a Class B precursor registration or an industrial hemp 
licence.  
Documentational and other requirements for a permit application  
10.  For controlled substances, industrial hemp and Class A precursors, applicants (licensed 
dealers) must specify the name and quantity of substances involved, the source and destination 
addresses, method of conveyance, and customs port of import.    For Class A precursor chemicals, 
the proposed conveyance, date of import into Canada, and any countries of transhipment are also 
requested.  
11.  Canadian import permits and in most case s export permits from the exporting (supplying) 
country.  
12.  No. 
 13.  No.  
Conditions of licensing 
14.  Import permits for controlled substances are valid for a maximum period of four months.  For 
precursor chemicals, import permits are valid for six months with no extension, or until the expiry 
date of the licence if the period is less than the six-month period. 
 15.  No. 
 
16.  No.  17. (a) If the illicit value exceeds CAN$4 million (street value), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police 
at the port of entry must be notified by the importer, 48 hours in advance of the substance’s 
expected time of arrival.  For these situatio ns, a statement specifying this requirement is 
added to the permit.  Other conditions may apply in exceptional circumstances. 
 
(b) No.  
Other Procedural Requirements 
18. No. 
 19. No.  
 
2  FOOD AND DRUGS ACT  
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification regarding 
the Food and Drugs Act submitted under Article 7. 3 of the Agreement contained in the document 
G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for the year 2013, except for the updates below with respect to the Blood Regulations and question numbers 1, 2, 7(b), 9, 12, 14, and 18. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  For convenience, the entire questionnaire for the Food and Drugs Act is provided below. 
 Note:
  The following relates to import licensing and ad ministrative procedures 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 Devices Regulations; - Natural Health Products Regulations; - Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations; 
- Safety of Cells, Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations. 
 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 substances meet Canadian standards of safety, efficacy and quality.  The impo rt of these products is covered by the Food and 
Drug Regulations, the Blood Regulations, the Na tural Health Products Regulations, and Medical 
Devices Regulations respectively.  In addition to establishment or site licences permitting persons 
to, among other things, import a health product, product licences or authorizations are required for the sale of each specific health product in Canada. 
 
The importation of semen for assisted conception and cells, tissues and organs (CTO) for transplantation are not subject to licensing, but imported products are expected to meet Canadian 
standards for safety and quality as expressed in  t h e  r e s p e c t i v e  r e g u l a t i o n s .   C a n a d i a n  C T O  
establishments are required to be registered with Health Canada.  
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. 
 
Site licences are required for "import for sale" of natural health products (including vitamins and minerals; herbal remedies; homeopathic medicines; traditional medicines; probiotics; and other 
products like amino acids and essential fatty acids). 
 Registration is required for all CTO (organs and minimally manipulated cells and tissues) 
establishments, except for retrieval and transplant establishments that are not considered source 
establishments.  3.  The above systems apply to the specified health products from all countries. 
 
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 imports. 
 5.  Licensing is a regulatory requirement under  the Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations as 
listed above.  
 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 the quantity or value of the 
imports. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  7. (a) A licence or registration for the importer 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 a statement 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 a pplicant.  There are regulatory requirements for 
Health Canada to provide the applicant with an oppo rtunity 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, firm or institution 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 
Canada with the exception of medical devices wh ere 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 are no ot her fees. There is a published list of drug and 
medical devices. For CTO establishments, this information is made available upon request. 
 
Documentational and other 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.  Applications for establishment and site licences and CTO 
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 place; and evidence that th ey meet the applicable requirements of  the 
regulations.  11.  No specific documents are required upon importation, just evidence that the applicable 
licences are in place. The Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada can confirm that 
these have been issued.  
12.  There are no fees for semen, blood, CTO, or NHP, as these are not cost recovered. There are 
fees for drugs and medical devices.  These 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.  Establishment licences are subject to annual renewal prior to 1
st April each year; CTO 
registration is subject to renewal in the year following the year in which the registration is issued; 
and drug and medical device product licences require annual notification.  NHP site licences must 
be renewed annually for the first 3 years, every other year for the next 6 years, and every third year after that; product licences are for an indefinite period. 
 
The validity period cannot be extended. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  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 notification or amendment to the licence is required. 
 
17.  An establishment licence may be subject to te rms and conditions as specified by the Minister 
on the licence when the licence is issued.  These conditions vary according to the licence. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.  No. 
 
19.  Not applicable. 
 3  EXPLOSIVES ACT  
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification regarding 
the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act submitte d under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained 
in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for the year 2013 with one update to the 
response to question 5.   
 For convenience, the entire questionnaire for the Explosives Act is provided below.  
Outline of system 
1.  The importation of explosives is governed by the Explosives Act and Regulations, which is 
administered by the Department of Natural Resource s.  The legal definition of explosives includes 
blasting explosives, detonators, propellants, sporting and industrial cartridges, and all types of 
fireworks and pyrotechnic 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 under the Explosives Act.  Th e 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$125. 
Samples are usually required for laboratory examinat ion. 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$2108 for one fireworks sample and up to CAN$16881 for ten fireworks samples.  The criteria for authorization are based on the safety characte ristics of the explosive substances or articles 
during handling, storage, transport and use. Th e 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 recommendations of the 
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods as adopted by the Economic and 
Social Council (ECOSOC) 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 importation permits are issued; a general 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.  In addition, special perm its may be issued for explosives required for 
chemical analysis, scientific research, field testing and fireworks competitions or other special 
purposes. 
 3.  The system applies to explosives from all countries.  
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 Explosives 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. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  Procedures 
6.  Not applicable. 
 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  obtained 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 on request 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 Explosiv es Regulatory 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 criteria.  Reasons for such refusal would 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 th e 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 Forms of application and permits to impo rt explosives are available from the Explosives 
Regulatory Division.  Available at: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/explosiv es/offices-laboratories/9921 . 
 
11.  The importers Transmission Schedule (Form 16) is required to be prepared in duplicate by the 
importer and presented to the Customs Officer at  the point of entry along with the Importation 
Permit (Form 14 for General, Form 17 for Annual) for verification and forwarding of one copy of 
the transmission schedule to the Explosives Regu latory Division of the Department of Natural 
Resources.  
12.  The present fee is CAN$160.00 for a General Importation Permit and a minimum of 
CAN$160.00 for an Annual Importation Permit with a maximum fee of CAN$1 300.  13.  Other than the fee, there is no deposit or ad vance payment associated with the issuance of an 
importation permit. 
 Conditions of licensing 
14.  Explosives Importation Permits can be issued  for a period of 12 months.  General Importation 
Permits are valid for one shipment while Annual Importation Permits are valid for any number of shipments. 
 
15.  There is no penalty 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 issuan ce 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. storag e) licence issued by the Explosives Regulations 
Division may be required.  Importation permit applicants will be advised if this is the case. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  Other procedural requirements 
18-19.  Persons not resident in Canada or not having a chief place of business in Canada are 
required to post a bond before being permitted to import explosives (Explosives Act Section 9 (2.1)). 
 
4  NUCLEAR SAFETY AND CONTROL ACT 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for 
the year 2013.   
5  NATIONAL ENERGY BOARD ACT 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12, remains valid for the year 2013. 
 
6  EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS ACT 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for 
the year 2013.   7  ANIMALS AND PLANTS 
N.B. Please note that as of April 2014 the Centre of Administration of the Canadian Food 
Inspection Agency delivers and coordinates the fu ll range of operational administrative services 
required for import related permissions under this animals and plants section  
(http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-t he-cfia/permits-licences-and-ap provals/licensing-permitting-
and-registration/eng/1395348583779/1395348638922)  
 
7.1  Plant Protection Act 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for the year 2013 with respect to the Plant Protection Act, except for an update in the response to 
question 10. 
 For convenience, the entire questionnaire for Plant Protection Act is provided below. 
 
Outline of system 
1.  A permit to import outlines phytosanitary 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 a plant pest.    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 writ ing for an import permit.  According to 
section 32 and section 43 of the Plant Protection Regulations , 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 or 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 esta blishment and spread within Canada of a plant 
pest or biological obstacle to the control of a plant pest.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  3.  The system applies to plant pest (e.g., disease cultures, insects), plants and plant products and 
any other article whose importation into Canada is regulated under the Plant Protection Act  and 
Regulations from all countries.  
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 pest, plants and plant products and other articles 
regulated under the Plant Protection Act  and Regulations imported in Canada conform to Canada's 
plant protection import requirements.  The permit system protects against the introduction into 
and spread of pests injurious to plants in Canada.  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 th e 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.  Written permit 
applications may be mailed/e-mailed or faxed to the Licensing, Permitting and Registration Division, National Inspection and Investigation Services Directorate of the Canadian Food 
Inspection Agency (CFIA). Once all required information has been received and a review of 
the permit application form 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 application 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 permit to import  are sent to and approved by one administrative 
body.  All applications are sent to the Lice nsing, Permitting and Registration Division, 
National Inspection and Investigation Services Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection 
Agency. However, some commodities may be regulated by other governments departments and may be subjected to other requirements.  
 
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 or 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 revoked.  
 
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 months 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 CFIA 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for a permit to import 
10.  An application for a permit shall be in writin g, 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 address and telephon e 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 origin, 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 requ ired before a permit can be issued. 
 
Conditions of permit 
14.  Permits to import are valid for the period of time specified on the permit. The permit to import 
is valid for multiple shipments and unlimited quantities unless otherwise specified. Permits to 
import issued to persons travelling or collecting will be valid for no more than one year.  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 is only subject to the provisions of the Plant Protection Act  
and Regulations.  
Other procedural requirements 
18.  Generally, there are no other administrative procedures apart from the import permit 
application procedures. 
 
19.  Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
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  7.2  Health of Animals Act 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for the year 2013. 
 
7.3  Fish Inspection Act 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for 
the year 2013 with respect to the Fish Inspection Act, except for additional detail provided in response to question 7.  
For convenience, the entire questionnaire for Fish Inspection Act is provided below.  
 Outline of system 
1.  Other than for personal consumption or personal use as trade samples, the importation of all 
fish and fish products into Canada as food for human consumption is subject to licensing under the Fish Inspection Act and its Regulations, which is administered by the Canadian Food Inspection 
Agency (CFIA).  The Fish Inspection Act and its Regulations contain requirements for 
wholesomeness, labelling, packaging, gr ading and human health and safety.   
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  See No.1 above. 
 3.  The system applies to fish and fish products from all countries.  See the Fish Inspection 
Regulations  for exceptions or additional requirements for products from certain countries.  The list 
of specific countries that are approved to export  live or raw molluscan shellfish is available at:  
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/fis h-and-seafood/imports/molluscan-
shellfish/eng/1377987441620/1377987693551  
 
Other non-quantitative restrictions exist for the import of certain species.  For example, the importation of live freshwater mitten crab (genus Eriocheir) or puffer fish (family Tetraodontidae) 
is not permitted under the Fish Inspection Regulations
2.  
 4.  The purpose of licensing is to ensure that importers understand their responsibility for ensuring 
that the fish they import will meet all the app licable Canadian regulatory requirements.  Imports 
must also meet all the applicable import licence and fish inspection regulatory requirements.   
5.  The authorization of imports is maintained und er the Fish Inspection Act and its Regulations.  
The licensing is statutorily required (see Fish In spection Regulations).  The Fish Inspection Act 
allows the Governor-in-Council to regulate imports of fish.  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 Fish Inspection Regulations.  Any person 
or organization who wishes to import fish or fish products into Canada, for sale or distribution for human consumption, must first obtain an import licence from a CFIA office.  Fish for personal 
consumption and personal use as trade samples are exempt from these requirements. 
 Procedures 
6.  There are no quantitative or value restrictions. 
 7.  Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country: 
 
                                               
2 http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food /fish-and-seafood/imports/basic-
importers/eng/1352307383535/1352307591494  . G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
- 15 - 
 
  (a) Licences are granted by CFIA in a timely manner.  Waiting time depends on the complexity 
of the request.  The process for CFIA to gran t an import licence requires the importer to 
submit to CFIA a complete application package for a fish import licence which must include:  
 - completed application form for a fish import licence; 
 - for new importers, Application for Credit CFIA/ACIA 0015; 
- for a Quality Management Program for Importers (QMPIU) licence, the applicant must 
submit a written QMPI plan. 
 - $500 fee for a fish import licence or $5000 for a QMPI Fish Import Licence as fixed by 
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice; 
 - Canada Revenue Agency Business Number documentation.   
In addition to the application package for a fish import licence, importers are required to advise 
CFIA how they will meet the following regulatory requirements:  
 - import products that are not tainted, decomposed or unwholesome and meet all 
Canadian regulatory requirements; 
 - store products in a way that prevents contamination and deterioration; 
 - track distribution of product they import including name and address of person to 
whom they sold the fish and the date it was sold; 
 - track complaints and investigate information that they receive which questions the 
safety of their product; 
 - obtain process control documents for canned and ready-to-eat products you import 
(see Section 4.7.4 Process Control Documents). 
 
The applicant of a QMPI licence must develop a written QMPI plan that meets the QMPI Reference 
Standard http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/fish-and-se afood/imports/documen ts/qmpi-reference-
standard/eng/1360870958448/1360871089672 . 
 
A fish import licence expires one year after the date of issue and is not transferable. 
 (b) See response to part (a). 
 
(c) There are no limitations regarding the time of  year during which an application can be made. 
 
(d) The application for a Fish Import Licence is submitted solely to the importer's local CFIA 
office for review; it is a "single-window" process. The office receiving the application coordinates the submission with other CFIA offices. 
 
8.  The Fish Inspections Regulations allow for the CFIA to refuse to grant (or renew) a Fish Import Licence under certain conditions in addition to failure to meet the ordinary criteria.  The FIR state 
that the CFIA shall issue a licence, upon receipt of a complete application and the applicable fee, 
unless there are reasonable grounds to believe that  the applicant will not comply with the Fish 
Inspection Act or Regulations (e.g. providing false information, non-notification of imports, a poor 
history of compliance).  The applicant should be provided with the reason(s) for refusal.  CFIA 
policy allows for an appeal of refusal to issue a licence.  The Regulations allow for appeals to the 
Regional Director in cases of a suspension or revocation of a licence and describe the procedures to do so. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
9.  Any person or company meeting the criteria is eligible to apply for a Fish Import Licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence 
10.  To hold a fish import licence, importers must maintain specific records, for no less than 
3 years, at an address in Canada.  The fish import licence application form and application for 
credit which must accompany the import licence application can be found online: 
 Fish import licence application form (see form # 5587):  
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/fish-and-se afood/imports/eng/1299 825431569/129 9825501933   G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
- 16 - 
 
  Application for credit which must accompany import licence application (see form # 0015): 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/fish-and-se afood/imports/eng/1299 825431569/129 9825501933   
  
Importers must notify the closest CFIA fish  inspection office in writing using the Fish Import 
Notification (FIN)  prior to the importation of a product, or within 48 hours following importation.  
Notification must include all items identified in the "Instructions to Complete the Fish Import Notification"( http://www.inspection.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-a boutcfia-sujetacia/STAGING/text-
texte/c5588_re_1383911986940_eng.pdf ), including but not limited to: Importer name and 
license number, foreign producer, storage condit ions, product description, product source and 
country of harvest, end use, etc.  
11.  Each written notification of importation must include the production codes for all canned and 
ready-to-eat fish (first-time imports of thes e products require documentation describing the 
process and processing controls applied to the lot for each processor for each type of product 
which indicate that the product was adequately proc essed and will remain safe for its entire shelf-
life). Failure to provide proper written notification for each imported shipment may result in enforcement action by CFIA.   
 
12.  The fee for a Fish Import Licence is CAN$500.  Importers may apply for a voluntary program where they have additional responsibility for sampling and testing.  The fee for this Quality Management Program for Importers (QMPI) licence is CAN$5000. CFIA Inspection service fees 
reflect the resources needed to inspect differe nt product types and are applied based on the 
declared weight and type of product (as described on the Fish Import Notification).  
13.  Importers are responsible to pay service fees as  a condition of holding a fish import licence.  
The importer applies for credit account with the CFIA at the time of application for an import licence.  The service fees apply to each lot import ed and are applied to the importer's account with 
CFIA. The importer is sent invoices on a regular basis (monthly) for the service fees applied to the 
fish imported during the billing period.  There is no deposit or advance payment associated with the issuance of import licences.  
Conditions of licensing 
14.  Licences are valid for 12 months.  Importers must apply to renew their licence if they wish to 
continue to import fish after the expiry of their licence. 
 
15.  No.  
16.  Licences are not transferable between persons or businesses. 
 17.  Other conditions attached to the issue of a licence:   
(a) Not applicable. 
 (b)  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
18.  No. 
 
19.  Not applicable.  7.4   Canada Agricultural Products Act 
The Licensing and Arbitration Regulations  
 Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for 
the year 2013.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
- 17 - 
 
  7.5  Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and 
Interprovincial Trade Act 
Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted under 
Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 regarding endangered 
species remains valid for the year 2013, except for the changes below to the responses to 
questions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 18 for cl arification purposes. The title of this section has 
also been changed from Endangered Species to Wild  Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of 
International and Interprovincial Trade Act for formatting consistency within this report.  
 
For convenience, the entire questionnaire for the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation 
of International and Interprovincial Trade Act is provided below.  
Outline of system 
1.  By virtue of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and 
Flora (CITES), of which Canada is a member, specimens of such species and their parts and 
derivatives are listed on Schedule I of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations established 
under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial 
Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and subject to licensing. Species which may be harmful to Canadian 
ecosystems if ever released to the wild, are listed in Schedule II of WAPPRIITA and are also 
subject to licensing.  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The purpose of this coverage is: 
 (a) to place a strict limitation on trade in specimens and parts and derivatives of species 
classified as endangered or harmful to Canadian ecosystems; 
 (b) to establish a system of monitoring on  specimens and  susceptible to becoming 
endangered through the mechanism of back-to-back licensing; and 
 (c) to allow individual countries to exercise surveillance on importation in other countries 
specimens and parts and derivatives of species which are considered endangered by the 
exporting country only. 
 3.  The system applies to endangered species originating in and exported from all countries. 
 
4.  The purpose of the licensing system is to allow importation in endangered species and their 
parts and derivatives in internationally agreed circumstances and, in the case of species in 
Schedule II, where there are sufficient safeguards  and security to prevent escapes to the wild. 
 5.  Licensing is effected by the Wild Anim al and Plant Trade Regulations made under the 
WAPPRIITA. Individual products are not designated in the Act. Species were placed in Schedules I 
of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulation s, established by the Governor-in-Council to 
implement an intergovernmental arrang ement or commitment (see No. 1 above). 
 
Procedures 
6.I. Information as to the formalities for complying with the requirements of this control is 
published in the Canada Gazette, on the website of the Department of the Environment, in 
press releases and in Notices to Importers dist ributed to associations and traders and, in 
addition, available upon request from the Department of the Environment. 
 Other questions under I, and II, III, IV, V, VI , VII, VIII, IX, X and XI are not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Individual import permits can be applied for at least 40 days prior to the expected date of 
arrival and are not granted retrospectively. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/13 
 
- 18 - 
 
  (b) An individual import permit is normally gr anted within 40 days from receipt provided the 
criteria for issuing a permit are met.  Import permits can be obtained within a shorter time limit in special circumstances such as live animals. 
 
(c) Not applicable. 
 (d) Permit applications are processed by th e CITES Authorities of the Department of 
Environment Canada. 
 8.  If the criteria have not been met, the applican t will be informed.  In such event, the applicant 
may request reconsideration by providing new information. 
 
9.  Citizenship and residency are not criteria.  
Documentational and other requirements for application 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 plant 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 all applications.   
 
11.  Same documents as in the response to Question 10.  Products 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 on Appendix I of CITES as indicated in Schedule I of the Wild 
Animal and Plant Trade Regulations must be acco mpanied by a Canadian CITES import permit.  
Customs entry forms are also required.   
 
12.  No fees.  13.  Not applicable 
 
Conditions of licensing 
1 4 .   C I T E S  i m p o r t  p e r m i t s  a r e  v a l i d  f o r  o n e  y e a r  f r o m  t h e  d a t e  o f  i s s u e .   I n  c a s e s  o f  p e r m i t  
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.  8  EXPORT AND IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT 
Note: Canada wishes to inform the Committee on Import Licensing that the notification submitted 
under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 remains valid for the year 2013. 
  
__________