G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12  
 
4 April 2014  
(14-2066)  Page: 1/22  
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 (2012) 
CANADA  
 
The following communication, dated 1 April 2014, 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/12 
 
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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 ......................................................................................................... 7  
4   NUCLEAR SAFETY AND CONTRO L ACT ......................................................................... 8  
4.1   Nuclear Substances, Prescribed Eq uipment And prescrib ed Information ............................. 9  
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 ................................................................................................... 17 
7.4   Canada Agricult ural Produc ts Act ................................................................................ 20 
7.5   Endangered Species .................................................................................................. 22 
8   EXPORT AND IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT ..................................................... 22  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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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/11 remains valid for the year 2012, except for the minor changes 
below to the responses to questions 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 17 for clarification purposes.   
 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/12 
 
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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/12 
 
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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.    
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 
provided would be inadequate, if there is an insufficient quota remaining (for the narcotic drug and G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  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 Natural Health Products Act submitted under Article 7.3 of the Agreement contained in the 
document G/LIC/N/3/CAN/11 remains valid for the year 2012.   
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  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/11 remains valid for the year 2012 with one minor change to the 
response to question 14 for clarification purposes.   
 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 amended by 2004 c.15 and the Explosives Regulations, C.R.C., 
c.599 as amended.  The system is a statutory requirement which does not convey any 
administrative discretion and would require legislative approval to be abolished. 
 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  (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/minerals-met als/explosiv es/3476. 
 
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. 
 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/11 remains valid for 
the year 2012, except for the response to question 16 of Part A (Nuclear substances, prescribed 
equipment and prescribed information), which has been modified below to reflect an amendment to the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA)  which allows for transfer of licences. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  For convenience, the entire questionnaire for Nuclear Safety and Control, Part A (Nuclear 
substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information) is provided below.  4.1  Nuclear Substances, Prescribed Equipment And prescribed Information 
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 authority, 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 authoriz ed, and that the applicant will 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 import 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 licensing 
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 license issued pursuant to those regulations.  All controlled nuclear 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 Control Act (NSCA) and its regulations are 
available through the CNSC websit e (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 en ergy and the production, possession and use of 
nuclear 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, including 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 substances 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 controlled 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 obligations 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). 
 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 prescribed information are transfe rred 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 th at any applicable international, bilateral or 
multilateral obligations that Canada has entered into are met, including those related to nuclear 
non-proliferation.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  Import licences may specify the maximum allowable quantity of nuclear substances, prescribed 
equipment and prescribed information authorized  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 established 
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 recommendations 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 NS CA. The Commission has the power to delegate 
responsibilities to Designated Officers for issuance of licences in certain circumstances, pursuant to 
section 37 of the NSCA, and has done this for import and export licensing decisions. 
 6.  Not applicable. Quantity and value restrictio ns, beyond the terms and conditions contained in 
the individual import licence, do not apply to im ports of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment 
a n d  p r e s c r i b e d  i n f o r m a t i o n ,  e x c e p t  a s  m a y  f r o m  t i m e  t o  t i m e  b e  d e t e r m i n e d  b y  G o v e r n m e n t  policy.  
7. (a)-(b) An import licence is normally issued wi thin 3 weeks of receipt of the application but can 
be issued in a shorter time if warranted.  A license cannot be granted immediately upon request; a risk-informed assessment of an application submitted in compliance with the 
regulations is required 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.  
Applications are made directly to the Commission.  The Commission has delegated the authority 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, or amend the terms 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 right to be 
heard by the Commission, which 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 license. There are no 
application fees for requests to import, 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 license issued by the CNSC for the possession and use of the nuclear substance being imported. The CNSC dos not publish a list of authorized importers. 
 
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, equipment 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 license to 
possess the substance, equipment or information; 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 
(http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca).  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  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 Control Regulations ). 
 
12.  No; there are no licensing fees or administra tive 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.  Conditions of licensing 
14.  The period of validity depends on the nature of the import, with a default term of 1 year.  The 
validity of a licence may be extended th rough 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 allo w for transfer of licences. Those amendments 
allow the CNSC to authorize the transfer of an im port 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 w ill make adequate provision for the protection of 
the environment, the health and safety of person s, 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 licence 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 non-proliferation 
agreements 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 procedures with regulatory counterparts in the exporting 
country. There are no additional requirements pl aced on importers as a result of this, but 
implementing these bilateral procedures can requir e additional time to complete the processing 
and assessment of import applications. 
 
19.  Not applicable.  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/11, dated 29 October 2012, remains valid for the year 2012 with respect to the National Energy Board Act. 
 
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/11remains valid for 
the year 2012 with respect to the Export and Import Permits Act.   7  ANIMALS AND PLANTS 
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/11 remains valid for 
the year 2012 with respect to the Plant Protection Act, except for specific changes for clarification 
purposes in the responses to questions 2, 5, 7(a) and 7(d). G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  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. 
 
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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  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. 
 
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 means by which the thing will be transported; 
 (i) The country and place where the thing was propagated or produced, and the country and 
place from which it was shipped to Canada; 
 
(j) The number of packages, if sent by mail or courier service; and  
(k) 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  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. 
 7.2  Health of Animals Act 
Note: The Health of Animals Act section has been updated to include amendments to the Health of 
Animals Regulations, which entered into force on 10 December 2011 with a one-year transition 
period and included import controls and requirements for export certification for aquatic animals listed in Schedule III of the Health of Animal Regu lations.   As of 10 December 2012, the Canadian 
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) began requiring an import permit with accompanying foreign 
country export certification for the import of any aquatic animal species and their products listed in Schedule III of the Health of Animals Regulation s.  For additional information, please visit 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/aqua/20111118inde.shtml  
 
Under the Health of Animals Act and the Health of  Animals Regulations, along with the associated 
import reference documents, the importation of animals, animal products, animal by-products, 
animal pathogens, and other things (such as used equipment) are allowed under certain 
conditions.  Importers of animals or their products or by-products are obligated to ensure compliance with the requirements of all CFIA policies and directives that fall under the pertinent 
legislative authority by animal or commodity, su ch as the Meat Inspection Act and the Meat 
Inspection Regulations, 1990, the Feeds Act and the Feeds Regulations, 1983, and the Fertilizers 
Act and the Fertilizers Regulations.  
 
Animal products and by-products used in the pr eparation 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), an d 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 of the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations. Veterinary biologics and 
their components are regulated by the CFIA unde r the Health of Animals Act and the Health of 
Animals Regulations. Importers must comply wi th the import requirements of all Canadian 
government departments or agencies for a particular commodity.  
 
Outline of system 
1.  For terrestrial live animals: importation from countries other than the U.S., a permit is required 
for all animals (except pet dogs and domesticated cats, certain rodents, reptiles excluding turtles 
and their eggs, amphibians and marine mammals), semen (except canine), embryos, veterinary 
biologics, 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 rumi nants and swine, elephants, honeybees, dogs 
under 8 months of age (commercial shipments and for research) certain rodents, and certain other G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
- 15 - 
 
  animal products and by-products dependent on spec ies. In response to changes in health status, 
import requirements can change at any time.    For animal products and by-products the conditio ns for import vary by the risk posed by the 
commodity, the processing, end use and origin. To verify import conditions, please check with 
published import policies at http://www. inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-
animals/imports/policies/animal-products-and- by-products/eng/1320833457085/1320851008731. 
 
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 end uses (Food Service, Retail Use and Further 
Processing), only an import permit may be required. Import permits are not required for live 
animals not considered susceptible to diseases of concern and for their products which are considered safe in accordance with international standards of the OIE or as a result of a risk 
assessment.  
 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.  See No.1 above. 
 3.  For terrestrial animals: 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 that 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 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 the aquatic animal health system.  Imports of aquatic animals and 
their products may be permitted without a zoosanitary 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.   
 
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.  5.  The Health of Animals Act and Regulations thereunder. Goods, products and animals requiring 
permits are specified (see No.1).  There is no authority to waive regulations. 
 Procedures 
6.  There is provision for the importation of certain food products to a maximum amount for 
sample purposes only under approved conditions.  
7.(a) In the case of live animals, animal semen,   animal by-products, aquatic animals and their 
products an import permit must be issued pr ior to the importation and the permit describes 
the conditions of importation as it relates to health certification and in certain cases, post-import conditions that must be satisfied once the terrestrial or aquatic animal or product 
arrives in Canada.  On arrival at the port of entry in Canada: 
  (i) animals, including aquatic animals may be subject to veterinary inspection, as 
applicable, and the accompanying permit and health certification (if required) are 
inspected to assure that import requirements are met; and G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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   (ii) in the case of aquatic and terrestrial animals, semen and animal by-products and 
aquatic animal products, the permit and health certification are checked; 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 post-import testing (in quarantine); and 
(vi)  ornamental aquatic animals may be required to be imported to designated premises. 
 
In the case of veterinary biologics, production ou tlines and data to support purity, safety, potency 
and efficacy for each product must be submitted an d 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. 
 
(b) In most cases where permit conditions exist, a permit can be issued within five working 
days. 
 
(c) No.  
(d) Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), ex cept for endangered species which require an 
additional permit from Environment Canada. Other federal domestic requirements for introduction of aquatic animals into natural waters under Fisheries and Oceans Canada may also apply. 
 
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 biologi cs must be approved by the foreign company 
manufacturing the products and also must have acceptable facilities and procedures to meet 
the CFIA's import conditions, such as maintaining the cold chain and reporting adverse events. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for permit to import 
9.  Any resident of Canada or company registered in Canada who has the necessary qualifications 
and facilities to satisfy the import permit conditions. 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a permit to import 
10.  Application must be made in writing on the appropriate application form, and must specify the 
species, quantities, date of arrival, country of or igin 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 other aquatic animals must meet the requirements of Section 194 which includes name and address of the import expo rter, taxonomic name, quantity/number and the 
location where the animal was born. 
 11.  In addition to the permit to import animal s, animal by-products, aquatic animals and their 
products and the normal customs documentation, a zoosanitary certificate of health issued by the 
Competent Authority or Veterinary Services of the country of origin must normally accompany the shipment. Some exceptions exist for aquatic animals and their products. A customs document is 
also needed. For terrestrial animals, some form of  animal identification is normally required.  
Please consult the Automated Import Reference System for additional information on import requirements.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
- 17 - 
 
  12.  Yes.  See CFIA Fees notice at: http: //www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/acts-and-
regulations/fees-notice/eng/1307222845373/1307222984162.  
 
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 3 months.  15.  No. 
 
16.  No.  
17.  See No. 6. 
 Other procedural requirements 
18.  Pre-import quarantine and testing may be required. 
 19.  Not applicable.  
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/11 remains valid for 
the year 2012 with respect to the Fish Inspecti on Act, except for website addresses which have 
been updated in the response to questions 3 and 10.  
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 
                                               
2 http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/fispoi/import/pol/base.shtml#no41. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
- 18 - 
 
  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: 
 (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; 
 - $500 fee for a fish import licence or $5000 for a Fish Import Licence under the Quality 
Management Program for Importers (QMPI), as fixed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice; 
 - Canada Revenue Agency Business Number documentation.  
 In addition to the application package, 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). 
 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.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
- 19 - 
 
  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-seafood /imports/eng/1299825431569/1299825501933 
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.inspec tion.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-aboutcf ia-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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  7.4   Canada Agricultural Products Act 
The Licensing and Arbitration Regulations (L&A 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/11 remains valid for 
the year 2012 with respect to the Licensing and Ar bitration Regulations, except for a minor change 
to the response to question 11 relating to a change  in title of a foreign government department.   
 
For convenience, the entire questionnaire for the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations is provided 
below.    
Outline of system 
1.  The Licensing and Arbitration Regulations (L &A Regulations) of the Canada Agricultural 
Products Act covers fresh fruits and vegetables. The legislation is intended to ensure that dealers 
marketing fresh fruit and vegetables in import or interprovincial trade conduct transactions in 
accordance with standard rules of trade.  
In terms of licensing for the above commodities, lic ensing applies only to Canadian importers of 
fresh fruits and vegetables.  Foreign exporters shipping fresh produce to Canada do not require a CFIA produce licence.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  See No. 1 above. 
 
3.  The licensing system applies to produce dealer s importing fresh fruits and vegetables from any 
country. Dealers who have opted to become memb ers of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Dispute 
Resolution Corporation (FFVDRC), whose mandate is similar to that of the L&A Regulations, are 
exempt from the L&A Regulations. The FFVDRC is a private corporation established in 2000 under 
the auspices of the NAFTA, whose members must  comply with industry-developed fair trade 
standards.    
4.  The licensing system is not intended to restri ct the quantity or value of imports. The license 
system promotes fair and equitable trading of fruits and vegetables inter-provincially and 
internationally.  It establishes terms and conditions that dealers must comply with when buying 
fresh produce, which include, among other things, proper notification when problems occur, 
requirement for inspection, etc.  
5.  The system for licensing of produce dealers is maintained under the Licensing and Arbitration 
Regulations (L&A Regulations) of the  Canada Agricultural Products Act.   Licensing is not subject to 
administrative discretion. Dealers of products considered to be fresh fruits and vegetables are required to be licensed, unless exempt as describ ed in the L&A Regulations.  It would require 
legislative approval to abolish the fresh fruit and vegetable licence system.   
 Procedures 
6.  These products are not restricted as to the quantity or value of imports. 
 7.(a)  Currently, the CFIA's time standard for issuing Federal Produce Licenses is 3 – 6 weeks. 
Many, however, are issued within two weeks, but are dependent on th e completeness of the 
company's application. At this time, over 85% of all Canadian dealers have chosen to become FFVDRC members and therefore are exem pt from licensing requirements (see no. 3 
above). 
 
(b) Federal Produce Licenses cannot be granted immediately upon request.  
(c) There are no limitations as to when a company may apply for a Federal Produce License. 
 
(d) CFIA  is the only administrative body to assess a CFIA Produce Licence application. G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
- 21 - 
 
  8.  When assessing a dealer for a licence, refusal would be based on the regulatory requirements 
and responsibilities not being met (as per the application documentation or through a complaint received by the CFIA).  The Licensing and Arbitration Regulations also provide for the ability to require applicants to post a bond or other security  to ensure that they will comply with the terms 
and conditions established under their licence. If  a licence was refused, the applicant would be 
made aware of the reason(s) for the refusal. The CF IA policy allows for an appeal to the refusal to 
issue a licence.  The appeal is assessed based on evidence that the dealer will comply with the 
terms and conditions of a licence issued pursuant to the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations.  
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
9.  Any person or company with a Canadian place of business is eligible to apply for a licence to 
import fresh produce.   
 Documentational and other requirements for application for licence 
10.  An application for a Produce Licence must be submitted containing information such as the 
company name, the representatives in positions of responsibility, a description of the type of business and products the company will be importin g, and answer questions pertaining to the past 
business practices.  See Application for a Produce License at: 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/e nglish/for /pdf/c0985e.pdf.    
 
A first-time applicant must also provide the CFIA with a copy of the documents listed below: 
 
- A  lease agreement for any facilities rented; 
- Incorporation papers, if the applicant is a corporation; and 
- A letter of reference from a financial institut ion where they have recently done business. 
 11. Imported fresh produce must be accompanied by a Confirmation of Sale form 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/englis h/for/pdf/c3885e.pdf at point of entry into Canada. A 
Confirmation of Sale form is not required to be presented at point of entry if information is 
submitted through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).  
In the case of apples, onions, and potatoes, ther e is a requirement of an inspection certificate 
certifying that the product meets Canada's import  requirements in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable 
Regulations of the Canada Agricultural Products Act.  
  
The CFIA recognizes the USDA certificates for apples, onions and potatoes as well as inspection certificates for apples prepared by the New Zealan d Ministry for Primary Industries. Apples, onions 
and potatoes imported from other countries will be subject to inspection by the CFIA at time of 
arrival.  12.  The annual fee for an import licence for fresh fruit and vegetables, where applicable, is 
CAN$1,075. 
 For apples, onions and potatoes arriving without a recognized inspection certificate, CFIA fee for 
inspection is CAN$1.37 per 100 kg (minimum CAN$68.00). 
 13.  There is no deposit or advance payment required for a fresh produce licence.  A bond may be 
a prerequisite if it is deemed necessary to secure a guarantee that the dealer will comply with the 
terms and conditions of a licence.  Conditions of licensing 
14.  A fresh Produce Licence is valid for 12 months. A renewal process is initiated by CFIA, 
whereby a Produce Licence renewal package is sent to the licensee one month prior to the expiry.  
15.  There is no penalty for non-utilization of licence. 
 16.  Licences are not transferable. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/12 
 
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  17.  If a condition exists where a suspension or cancellation occurs, a dealer, after being given an 
opportunity to be heard, may be required to post a bond in order to have their licence reinstated and to continue operating.  
Other procedural requirements 
18. Any additional administrative procedures relating to the importation of goods under the 
Canadian Agricultural Products Act would be th e responsibility of the importer. For example, 
certain products are also subject to requirements under the Plant Protection Act and Regulations.   
 19. Not applicable.  
7.5  Endangered Species 
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/11 remains valid for 
the year 2012 with respect to Endangered Species.  
 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/11 remains valid for the year 2012 with respect to the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act.    
 
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