G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
29 November 2017  
(17-6531) Page: 1/56 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2016)  
CANADA  
The following communication, dated  8 November 2017 is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Canada.  
 
_______________  
 
Introduction  
 
Import licenses are administered by a limited number of government departments.  It is not 
practical, however, to provide a general descriptio n 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 licenses 
are maintained.    
 
For this year, all questionnaire replies have been set out under each section.  Canada’s previous 
reports referred to past questionnaire replies where there have been no updates.  
 
 
 
_______________  
 
  
                                                
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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1   CONTROLLED DRUGS AND  SUBSTANCES ACT  ................................ ..............................  3 
2   FOOD AND DRUGS ACT  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
3   GROWER REQUESTED OWN  USE (GROU) PROGRAM  ................................ ..................  10 
4   EXPLOSIVES ACT  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
5   NUCL EAR SAFETY AND CONTR OL ACT  ................................ ................................ ....... 15 
6   NATIONAL ENERGY BOAR D ACT  ................................ ................................ ................  17 
7   EXPORT AND IMPORT PE RMITS ACT  ................................ ................................ ..........  20 
7.1   A. General Responses Applicable to Dairy Products; Chicken, Turkey and Eggs; 
Broiler Hatching Eggs and Chicks; Beef and Veal; Margarine; Wheat, Barley and their 
products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 20 
7.2   Other Responses – by Product Groups  ................................ ................................ ........... 22 
7.2.1    Dairy Products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 22 
7.2.2    Chicken, Turkey and Eggs  ................................ ................................ ......................... 24 
7.2.3    Broiler Hatching Eggs and Chicks  ................................ ................................ ............... 26 
7.2.4    Beef and Veal  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 28 
7.2.5    Margarine  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 30 
7.2.6    Wheat, Barley and their Products  ................................ ................................ ............... 31 
7.2.7    Textiles  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 33 
7.2.8    Clothing  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 35 
7.2.9    Carbon and Specialty Steel  ................................ ................................ ....................... 37 
8   PLANT PROTECTION ACT  ................................ ................................ ...........................  38 
9   HEALTH OF ANIMALS AC T ................................ ................................ .........................  41 
10   FISH INSPECTION ACT  ................................ ................................ ............................  44 
11   CANADA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ACT  ................................ ................................  47 
11.1   Licensing and Arbitration Regulations  ................................ ................................ .......... 47 
11.2   Dairy Product Regulations  ................................ ................................ .......................... 49 
12   WILD ANIMAL AND PLAN T PROTECTION AND REG ULATION OF 
INTERNATIONAL AND IN TERPROVINCIAL TRADE ACT ................................ ...................  51 
13   EXPORT AND IMPORT OF  ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT  ................................ ...................  53 
 
 
 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  1  CONTRO LLED DRUGS AND SUBST ANCES ACT  
Outline of system  
1.  The importation of controlled substances, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals is governed 
by regulations made under 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 Canada 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 substanc es, industrial hemp 
and precursor chemicals, unless authorized by regulation.  The regulations made under the CDSA 
therefore set out the circumstances under which activities with controlled substances, precursor 
chemicals, cannabis and industrial hemp are permitted.  
 
The substances regulated under the CDSA are grouped into six Schedules (Schedules I to VI) to 
the Act.  Schedules I to V list controlled substances (including analgesics, stimulants, sedatives, 
hallucinogens and anabolic steroids) while Schedul e VI lists precursor chemicals.  Schedule IX lists 
the designated devices that are required to be registered before being imported into Canada.  
 
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, distributors, importers, exporters, pharmacists, 
practitioners and hospit als may conduct regulated activities including possession, sale, 
distribution, importing and exporting, and production of substances listed in the Schedules 
to the Regulations. These Regulations also apply to benzodiazepines and other psychoactive 
substanc es defined as targeted substances under the regulations.  
 
-   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).  
 
-   Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations: The regulations provide  reasonable 
access to cannabis for medical purposes by allowing medically authorized individuals  the 
option of purchasing from one of the producers licensed by Health Canada, or, registering 
with Health Canada to produce a limited amount for their own medical purposes, or 
designating  someone to produce it for them . As of 24 August 2016, the  Access to  Cannabis 
for Medical Purposes Regulations  replaced the former Marihuana for Medical Purposes 
Regulations . 
 
-  Part G of the Food and Drug Regulations [“controlled drugs”]: Governs the activities of 
producers, distributors, importers, exporters, pharmacist s, practitioners, and hospitals 
including possession, sale, distribution, importing, exporting, and production of substances 
listed in the Schedule to these Regulations and referred to as “controlled drugs” such as 
stimulants, sedatives, and anabolic stero ids. 
 
-   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 production of sub stances listed in the Schedule 
to these Regulations and referred to as “restricted drugs” such as MDMA, LSD, and 
psilocybin.  
 
  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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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 tha n 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and includes the derivatives of the 
plant and plant parts, and the derivatives of non -viable cannabis seed.  
 
"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 chemicals listed in Parts 1 and  2 of Schedule VI  to 
the CDSA:  
 
-  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 controlled 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 t ext below, procedures are the same for each type of 
substance.  
 
“Designated Devices Registry: Importation of Pill Presses and Encapsulators”  
 
Definition of Designated Devices  
 
Pill press: Manual, semi -automatic or fully automatic device that may be used to  compact or mould 
powdered, granular or semi -solid material to produce coherent solid tablets.  
 
Encapsulator: Manual, semi -automatic or fully automatic device that may be used to fill capsules 
with any powdered, granular , semi -solid or liquid material.  
 
Designated devices may be used for legitimate purposes in the pharmaceutical, food and consumer 
products industries. As of May 18, 2017, any individual or industry who wishes to import a 
designated device into Canada is required to register with Health Canad a. Legitimate users are 
required to provide the registration number and proof/confirmation of the registration at the 
border upon importation of the designated device. Registration is not onerous; the burden on 
legitimate manufacturers is limited. Failure to register a designated device before importing it 
across the Canadian border is in violation of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. 
Subsequently, Customs officers may notify Health Canada and/or law enforcement when the 
device arrives at the border.  Border officials, at their discretion, may verify registration with Health 
Canada.  
 
Health Canada aims to process completed application forms within 15 business days. Incomplete 
forms will be returned to the applicant and delay the registration process. A pplicants are therefore 
encouraged to ensure they have provided the complete form. Health Canada encourages 
applicants to ensure that the application for registration is complete and submitted in good time. 
Each designated device must be registered using a  separate application form and is valid for two 
years. Once the registration has been processed by Health Canada, applicants will be provided 
with the registration number for the designated device specified on the form, and a copy of the 
validated registra tion form.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. Prospective importers of controlled substances, precursors or industrial hemp must be 
authorized under respective regulations to conduct activities, including importation, with specific 
substances.  With the  exception of Class B precursor chemicals, the authorized importer must G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  apply for an import permit for each individual shipment.  The application must specify the 
supplier's name, address and country, the quantity and type of substances being imported as w ell 
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 restrictio n 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 
jurisdiction s (e.g., impurities, analogs or derivatives of certain controlled substances, anabolic 
steroids, etc.).  
 
4. The import permit system is intended to ensure the legitimate trade in controlled substances 
and precursor chemicals and minimize the risk of those  substances being diverted to illicit markets 
by monitoring internationally the movement of shipments of these substances, taking into 
consideration, among other things, annual national estimates for controlled substances submitted 
by Canada to the Interna tional 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 psychot ropic 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 INCB website.  Any nation exporting 
controlled substances may obtain infor mation 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.  
 
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.  Permits to import cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes 
Regulations  are only issued to licensed producers. Consistent with the Single Con vention on 
Narcotic Drugs, imports of cannabis may be for medical or research purposes only. Licensed 
producers must apply for and receive an import permit before the import takes place.  
 
IV.  All quotas are established on an annual basis, and an applicati on amendment to this quota 
may be made at any time during the year.  Import permit applications are accepted year 
round. Quotas submitted to the INCB are annual estimates of controlled substances for 
legitimate needs in Canada. When necessary, Canada may a mend the estimates by 
submitting supplementary estimates to the INCB.  
 
V.  Import permits are usually issued within twenty business  days of receipt of the application  
for industrial hemp, and within 30 (thirty) business days for controlled substances and 
precursors. Processing time for applications for cannabis import under the Access to 
Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations  vary based on the context of the import (e.g. for 
clear medical or scientific purposes).  
  
VI.  Import permits for controlled subs tances , precursor chemicals  and industrial hemp are 
issued for immediate importation except when a dealer has indicated a wish to import during 
the following calendar year.  In this case, the permit becomes valid January first of that 
year.  Permits for controlled substances are val id for maximum four months from the date of G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  issue with none extending beyond 31st December of any given year, or until the expiry date 
of the licence, whichever is earlier. Permits for precursor chemicals are valid for a maximum 
of six months or until the expiry date of the licence, whichever is earlier.  Permits for 
industrial hemp are valid for maximum six months from the date of issuance or until the 
expiry date of the licence whichever is earlier. For cannabis, permits issued under the Access 
to Cannabi s for Medical Purposes Regulations  are valid for 180 days or until the expiry date 
of the producer’s licence if this is prior to the  180 day period, and may not  extend beyond 
December 31 of the year in which the permit is issued  
 
VII.  All applications to  import controlled substances, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals are 
reviewed by the Office of Controlled Substances.  Applications to import cannabis under the 
Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations  are reviewed by the Office of Medical  
Cannabis. Import permits are issued by the Office on the behalf of the Minister of Health.  
 
VIII.  Import permits are issued on a first -come, first -serve basis, provided that the applicant is a 
licensed dealer  or a licensed producer and submits a complete  application. There is no 
maximum amount allocated per applicant.  Applications are examined for accuracy on 
receipt.  
 
IX.  In accordance with the UN drug control conventions, a shipment of narcotic drug, 
psychotropic substances or precursor must be author ized by both the importing and 
exporting countries.  
 
X.   Not applicable.  
 
XI.  No.  
 
7.(a) Import permits are  usually issued within twenty business  days for industrial hemp or thirty 
business days for controlled substances and precursors upon receipt of a  complete permit 
application. The time to issue import permits for cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for 
Medical Purposes Regulations  may take longer than this, depending on the complexity of the 
application.   Import permits cannot be obtained at the t ime goods arrive at the port . 
 
(b)  Import permits are  usually issued within twenty business  days for industrial hemp or thirty 
business days for controlled substances and precursors upon receipt of a complete permit 
application. The time to issue import p ermits for cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for 
Medical Purposes Regulations  may take longer than this, depending on the complexity of the 
application . 
 
(c)  No. Permits are valid for at least three months from the date of issue and none extend 
beyond  31st December of the year in which they were issued for controlled substances. For 
precursor chemicals, permits are valid for six months or until the expiry date of the licence, 
and may cover two calendar years.  For industrial hemp, permits are valid for  six months or 
until the expiry date of the licence, and may cover two calendar years. For cannabis, permits 
issued under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations  are valid for 180 days 
or until the expiry date of the producer’s license, and  may not  extend beyond 31st December  
of the year in which the permit is issued.    
 
(d)  All applications to import controlled substances, industrial hemp and precursor chemicals are 
reviewed by the Office of Controlled Substances.  Applications to import marijuana for 
medical purposes under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations  are 
reviewed by the Office of Medical Cannabis. Import permits are issued by the Office on the 
behalf of the Minister of Health.  
 
8.  Gener ally, an application for an import permit will be refused if the applicant does not hold a 
dealer’s or producer’s licence for the substance that is to be imported or holds a dealer’s licence 
that will expire before the date of importation, if the applicant  has provided false or misleading 
information in the application, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe the importation would 
contravene the laws of the country of export or any country of transit/transhipment.  This 
information is clearly provided  to the applicant. Yes, the applicant is given a right to appeal, as is 
listed in the above Regulations.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  Eligibility of importers to apply for a permit  
9. For controlled substances, industrial hemp, cannabis 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.  While businesses that import Class B precursors must 
be registered with Health Canada, import permits are not requir ed for individual shipments of 
those substances.  There is no fee attached to import permits.  However, a fee and other 
requirements may apply to obtain the licence to conduct regulated activities with controlled 
substances domestically.  There is no fee f or a Class A precursor licence, a Class B precursor 
registration or an industrial hemp licence.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for a permit application  
10. For controlled substances, industrial hemp and Class A precursors, applicants must provide i n 
the import permit application the name and quantity of substances, the address of the importer 
and exporter, mode of transport, port of entry and the name of transit/transhipment country. In 
addition, applicants for Class A precursor import permits must also provide the proposed date of 
entry. For cannabis permits issued under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations , 
the importer must specify the form and quantity of marijuana involved, the source and destination 
addresses, method of conve yance, any countries of transhipment and customs port of import.  
 
11. Canadian import permits.  
 
12. No.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import permits for controlled substances are valid for maximum four months from the date of 
issuance with none ex tending beyond 31st December of any given year, or until the expiry date of 
the licence whichever is earlier. Permits for industrial hemp are valid for a maximum six months 
from the date of issuance or until the expiry date of the licence if this is prior to the six month 
period and may also cross two calendar years. For precursor chemicals, import permits are valid 
for six months or until the expiry date of the licence if the period is less than the six -month period 
and may also cross two calendar years. C annabis , permits  issued under the Access to Cannabis for 
Medical Purposes Regulations  are valid for 180 days or until the expiry date of the producer’s 
licence, and may not extend beyond 31st December of the year in which the permit is issued.  
 
15. No. 
 
16. No. 
 
17.(a) Special conditions may be added on a case by case basis . 
 
(b)  Special conditions may be added on a case by case basis . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. No. 
 
2  FOOD AND DRUGS ACT  
Note:  The following relates to import licensing and administrative 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;  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  -  Natural Health Products Regulations;  
-  Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception Regulations;  
-  Safety of Cells, Tissues and Organs for Transplan tation 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 import of these products is covered by the Food and 
Drug Regulations , the Blood Regulations , the Natural Health Products Regulations , and Medical 
Devices Regulations , respectively.  In addition to establishment or site licences permitting persons 
to, among other things, import a health product, product licences or authoriza tions 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 Ca nadian 
standards for safety and quality as expressed in the respective regulations.  Canadian CTO 
establishments are required to be registered with Health Canada.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2.  Establishment licences are required for "import for sa le" of drugs (including pharmaceuticals, 
active pharmaceutical ingredients,  biologics, vaccines, blood products,  and radiopharm aceuticals) , 
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 Dr ugs 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.  
 
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 importe r 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, si te 
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 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  review of the application indicates that all the requirements of regist ration 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 applicant.  There are regulatory requirements for Health 
Canada to provide the applicant with an  opportunity to be heard.  Review of the decision is internal 
to Health Canada.  Applicants have a final right of appeal through the federal court system.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to appl y 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 where the applicant is not required to have a 
Canadian representative.  There are  fees associated with drugs and medical devices for both 
product and establishment licences.  There are no other fees. There is a published list of drug  and 
medical devices . For CTO establishments , this information is made available upon request.  
 
Document ational 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 i n 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 they meet the applicable re quirements 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 1st 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 f or the first 3 years, every other year for the next 6 years, and every third 
year after th at; product licences are for an indefinite period.  
 
The validity period cannot be extended.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for non -utilization of a licence or registratio n. 
 
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 terms and conditions as specified by the Minister 
on the lic ence when the licence is issued.  These condition s vary according to the licence . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  Other procedural requirements  
18. No. 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
3  GROWER REQUESTED OWN  USE (GROU) PROGRAM  
Outline of System  
1. The Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program allows growers to import the foreign version 
of a Canadian registered agricultural pesticide product, once approved for the Program by Health 
Canada.  
 
The Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program is administered by Health Canada's Pest 
Management Regulatory Agenc y (PMRA) and allows Canadian growers to import and use (by way 
of an import certificate) foreign versions of Canadian registered products (pesticides). Before 
products are accepted in the GROU program (by way of an equivalency certificate), they are 
evalua ted by scientists to identify if any chemical differences may lead to increased health or 
environmental risks.  
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing:  
2. The GROU program is the only system in place and is related only to pest control products 
(pesticides).  
 
3. Generally, pesticides which are registered in Organisation for Economic Co -operation and 
Development (OECD) countries.  
 
4. Yes, the import certificate (licensing) is intended to restrict the quantity of pesticides imported.  
 
5. Pest Control Products Reg ulations (PCPR), SOR/2 006-124, PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS ACT 
(http://laws -lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR -2006-124/FullText.html ). 
 
(a) Yes the import certificate is statutorily required.  
(b) All requests to the program must be considered and there is no administrative discretion.  
(c) Legislative approval is required to abolish the program.  
 
Procedures:  
6. I.  There are no specific quotas, as individual import certi ficates are based on the size of the 
area where the pesticide will be used and the particular crop.  Each import certificate is 
individually approved. The requirements embedded with the regulations and user friendly 
instruction are posted on the web: https://www.canada.ca/en/health -
canada/se rvices/consumer -product -safety/pesticides -pest-management/growers -
commercial -users/importing -pest-control -products/grower -requested -own-use-
program/importing.html .  The list of eligible products is also on the website.  There are no 
exceptions allowed with in the program.  
 
II. Import certificates and the corresponding quantity of the foreign product approved for an 
intended use is valid for not more than one year (one growing season) and one importation. 
Growers ( importers) are required to apply for a new im port certificate for additional 
importations within the same or subsequent years.  
 
III. The approval process has two steps:  A) Equivalency certificates are issued for a foreign 
product which is deemed to be equivalent to a Canadian registered product.  B)  Individual 
import certificates are submitted by Canadian growers for approval to import and use an 
approved product on their land, for a specific crop, according to label directions.  The 
amount of product approved for importation is for use within one ye ar or the growing 
season.  The  process is transparent as per the section 43 of the PCPR.  
 
IV. There are no quotas.  Not applicable to the GROU Program.   G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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V. There are no published service standards for the length of time required to process an 
application .  An application to import a product is entertained as long as the specific product 
is considered equivalent.  
 
VI. There are no published service standards as to the length of time between the granting of 
licenses and the date of opening of the period of importation. The approval to import is 
granted for one year or the growing season.  Growing seasons can vary depending on the 
crop, where it is grown in Canada and how it is grown.  For example, tomatoes grown in a 
greenhouse have a longer season than toma toes grown in a field.   
 
VII. Health Canada administers the entire GROU program.  Additional importation requirements 
and documentation may be required by the CBSA (consistent with any importation).  
 
VIII. Health Canada only provides the authority to impo rt and use an unregistered product.  There 
is no allocation process.  The grower seeking the authorization is responsible to find, 
purchase and import the product.  Applications are examined on receipt on a first come, first 
served basis.  
 
IX. Not applicab le. 
 
X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI. Yes, there are conditions stated on the import certificate and through the PCPR.  The use of 
the product  is only for the specified use, crop and location and cannot be transferred nor 
sold. 
 
7. No quantitative limit applies si nce there are limits placed on importations.  
 
8. If an applicant does not meet the requirements as set out in the PCPR, an application is refused.  
There is no appeal process.   
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License:  
9. A person as defined in sect ion 2 of the Criminal Code may apply for an import certificate.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License:  
10. The web page to obtain the application form for a certificate is attached: https://sec2.hc -
sc.gc.ca/pmra6200 -eng.php . 
 
The application must include all of the following information:  
 
(a) the person’s name, address and signature;  
(b) the name of the foreign product;  
(c) the number of the applicable certificate of equivalency;  
(d) a description of the intended use of the foreign product and the location where it will be 
used; and  
(e) quantity of the foreign product required for that intended use for one growing season.  
 
11. At a Canadian Point of Entry, all containers must have both the GROU approved container label 
and, if available, the Directions for Use Booklet attached. Permanently affix the GROU approved 
container label to each container in such a way that the United St ates (U.S.) use directions are 
covered but the product name, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) registration 
number, establishment number and net contents are not covered. This will avoid confusion 
between the Canadian and U.S. use directions. Th e importer's name, address and telephone 
number, GROU Import Certificate number, metric net contents, signature and date of signature 
must also be included.  
 
The properly labelled containers of foreign product must be brought to the queue for commercial 
traffic and presented to the Customs Border Services Officer with the original approved GROU G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Import Certificate. Photocopies will not be accepted.  Customs authorities may also ask for the 
original bill of sale corresponding to the GROU Import Certificate.  
 
Slightly different information is required if a small group of growers are working together with a 
designated agent or are hiring a customs broker or carrier.  
 
12. There is no charge to the applicant by Health Canada to process an application.  
 
13. Not ap plicable.  
 
Conditions of Licensing:  
14. An import certificate (foreign product use certificate) is valid for only one importation and for 
the period specified in the certificate, which must not exceed one calendar year. It ceases to be 
valid if the applica ble certificate of equivalency ceases to be valid. See section 41 (4) of the PCPR.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -utilization of a license or portion of a license.  The authorization 
expires.  
 
16. Certificates are not transferable.  
 
17.  
(a) There are no  conditions for products subject to a quantitative restriction in the issuance of a 
certificate.  
(b) The restrictions in place  are outlined in Section 42 of the Pest Control Product Regulations:  
Importation of foreign product  
 42 (1) A person may import a foreign product whose use is authorized if all of the 
following conditions are met:  
o (a) the person holds a foreign product use certificate in respect of that product;  
o (b) that certificate holder purchases the product directly from the foreign source 
withou t the intervention of an agent or mandatary;  
o (c) before the importation, the certificate holder provides the Minister with all of 
the following information:  
 (i)  the proposed date of the importation,  
 (ii)  the name of the person who will transport the fore ign product into 
Canada, and  
 (iii)  the name of the entry point;  
o (d) the certificate holder  
 (i)  affixes to each container of the foreign product, as soon as 
practicable after the importation of the product but in any case 
before its use, a copy of the approved foreign product use label in 
a way that the product identifier that relates to its registration 
outside Canada remains visible at all times, and  
 (ii)  ensures that a copy of any brochure or leaflet that sets out the 
directions for use accompanies the product; and  
o (e) The quantity of the product imported does not exceed the amount set out in 
the foreign product use certificate.  
  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 13 - 
 
   Marginal  notes: 
 
Pooled purchases  
(2) Two or more persons may  together import in one shipment their authorized quantities 
of foreign products set out in their respective foreign product use certificates if the 
importation meets the conditions of subsection (1).  
Transport  
(3) The person who transports the foreign pro duct into Canada must carry it to the 
location of use specified in the foreign product use certificate and have the following 
documents in their possession:  
o (a) proof of purchase in respect of each quantity of foreign product in the 
shipment, including the  name of the foreign source from whom it was 
purchased; and  
o (b) copies of  relevant foreign product use certificates.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are in place.  
 
19. Not applicable since Health Canada has sole authority to grant import ation and use.  
 
4  EXPLOSIVES ACT  
Outline of system  
1.  The importation of explosives is governed by the Explosives Act and Regulations , which is 
administered by the Department of Natural Resources.  The legal definition of explosive s includes 
blasting explosives, detonators, propellants, sporting and industrial cartridges, and all types of 
fireworks and pyro technic devices.  Before an explosive may be imported into Canada or 
manufactured in Canada it must be declared an authorized e xplosive by the Chief Inspector of 
Explosives appointed under the Explosives Act .  The process of authorizing an explosive consists of 
the manufacturer submitting data on the nature and composition of the explosive and on its 
packaging and markings. Such a n application is subject to a minimum user fee of CAN$125. 
Samples are usually required for laboratory examination. Testing fees depend on the type of tests 
to be carried out and the number of samples to be examined. This can vary, for example, from 
CAN$21 08 for one fireworks sample and up to CAN$16881 for ten fireworks samples.  The criteria 
for authorization are based on the safety characteristics of the explosive substances or articles 
during handling, storage, transport and use. The objective of the aut horization process is to 
confirm that characteristics meet declared values and relevant standards. Authorization also 
confirms that the product classification is in conformity with the recom mendations of the 
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Danger ous 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 single use permit issued for a specific quantity in one shipment, 
and an annual permit issued for unlimited shipments of authorized explosives during a 
twelve -month peri od.   
 
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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 14 - 
 
  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.  
 
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 se cure 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 au thorized 
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 Explosives 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 or security 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 the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations  
relative to transport, of the explosive to be imported may apply for an importation permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The latest application form and guidelines are located on Natural Resources Canada’s 
webpage: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/e xplosives/importation/9913 .    
 
11. The latest import process is described in Canada Border Services Agency’s D19 -6-1 
memorandum that can be found at: http://www.cbsa -asfc.g c.ca/publications/dm -md/d19/d19 -6-
1-eng.html .  
 
12. The present fee is CAN$160.00 for a single use Importation Permit and a minimum of 
CAN$160.00 for an Annual Importation P ermit with a maximum fee of CAN$1 300.  
 
13.  Other than the fee, there is no deposit or advance payment associated with the issuance of an 
importation permit.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Explosives Importation Permits can be issued for a period of 12 mont hs.  Single use 
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 issuance of an explosives importation permit relative 
to quantitative restrictions other than safe an d secure storage location in Canada.  Depending on G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 15 - 
 
  the quantity to be stored, a magazine (i.e. storage) licence issued by the Explosives Regulations  
Division may be required.  Importation permit applicants will be advised if this is the case.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. Persons not resident in Canada or not having a chief place of business in Canada are 
required to post a bond before being permitted to import explosives ( Explosives Act  Section  9(3)).  
 
5  NUCLEAR SAFETY AND C ONTROL ACT  
Outline o f 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 thes e activities in Canada must do so only in accordance 
with a licence, subject to the regulations under the Act. Licence application requirements are 
specified  in regulations, in general in the  General Nuclear Safety and Control 
Regulations  (SOR/2000 -202). The Commission may not issue a licence unless it is satisfied that 
the applicant is qualified to conduct the activity to be authorized, and that the applicant will make 
adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of pers ons, 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 l icence 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 respec t to the import and export of thos e 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 website ( http://www.nuclearsa fety.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, producti on and use of nuclear energy and the production, possession and use of 
nuclear su bstances, 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 n on-proliferation of 
nuclear weapons and nuclear explosive devices. Nuclear substances are defined in the NSCA 
(section 2), and include uranium, thorium, plutonium, deuterium a nd 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 de fine 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 pur pose 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 informat ion are transferred only to persons authorized to use them G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 16 - 
 
  safely and securely, pursuant to the provisions of the NSCA and its regulations. Licensing also 
enables the CNSC to t ake actions to assure that any applicable international, bilateral or 
multilater al obligations that Canada has entered into are met, including those related to nuclear 
non-proliferation.  
 
Import licences may specify the maximum allowable quantity of nuclea r substances, prescribed 
equipment and prescribed information authorized for impo rt. 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 ot herwise 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 requ irements are prescribed by regulation. The Commission has established 
classes of licences authorizing the licensee to carry out any a ctivity described in section 26 of the 
NSCA; this includes Import Licences. CNSC staff conducts risk -informed assessments o f 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 NSCA. The Commi ssion has the power to delegate 
responsibilities to Designated Officers for issuance of licences in certain circumstances, pursuant t o 
section 37 of the NSCA, and has done this for import and export licensing decisions.  
 
6. Not applicable. Quantity and val ue restrictions, beyond the terms and conditions contained in 
the individual import licence, do not apply to imports of nuclear subs tances, prescribed equipment 
and prescribed information, except as may from time to time be determined by Government 
policy.  
 
7. (a) -(b) An import licence is normally issued within 3 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 deci sion 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 
requirement s related to international obligations to which Canada has agreed (section 24, NSCA). 
In such cases, the NSCA provides the applica nt or, as appropriate the licensee, the right to be 
heard by the Commission, which can decide to uphold the decision of the De signated 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 val id license issued by the CNSC for the possession and use of the nuclear substance being 
imported. The CNSC dos not publish a li st 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 i n 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; cou ntry 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 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 17 - 
 
  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/ ). 
 
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 admi nistrative 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 through amendment upon written application.  
 
15. No; there is no penalty for non -utilization of a licence.  
 
16. Yes. The NSCA was amended in 2012 to allow for tr ansfer of licences. Those amendments 
allow the CNSC to authorize the transfer of an import licence from the existing licence holder to 
another importer, upon receipt of an application and subject to applicable re gulations. The CNSC 
must satisfy itself that  the recipient of the licence proposed for transfer is qualified to conduct the 
activity to be authorized, and that the recipient will make adequate provision for the protection of 
the environment, the health and  safety of persons, and the maintenance of n ational 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 requirement s are met, may require the 
CNSC to implement administrative procedures with regulatory counterparts in the exporting 
country. There are no additional requirements placed on importers as a resu lt of this, but 
implementing these bilateral procedures can requ ire additional time to complete the processing 
and assessment of import applications.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
  
6  NATIONAL ENERGY BOAR D ACT  
Note:   The Jobs, Growth and Long -term Prosperity Act  received Royal Assent on 29 June 2012. It 
contains amendments to the  National Energy Board Act  (the NEB Act) which affect the National 
Energy Board's (the Board) review of oil and gas export and gas import applications. A major 
consequence of the amendmen ts is that public hearings are no longer mandatory for gas import or 
export license applications.  
 
As a result of the amendments to the NEB Act, the NEB issued on 11 July 2012 an Interim 
Memorandum of Guidance Concerning Oil and Gas Export Applications and  Gas Import Applications 
under Part VI of the National Energy Board Act  (Interim Oil and Gas MOG). The Interim Oil and 
Gas MOG provided guidance to applicants until such time as the Board had completed a review and 
update of the National Energy Board Act  Part VI (Oil and Gas) Regulations , SOR/96 -244 (Part VI 
Oil and Gas Regulations).  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Additional details are available here:  http://www.neb -one.gc.ca/clf -
nsi/rpblctn/ctsndrgltn/rrggnmgpnb/xprtsndmprt/nb2012_09_20 -eng.html . 
 
Outline of system  (reflecting  NEB Act  amendments, but not the regulations being 
updated)  
 
1.  The National Energy Board Act  and the Part VI Regulations made thereunder control imports of 
natural gas, whether in gaseous or liquid state, by pipeline, railway tank cars and tank trucks or 
tankers. Imports are authorized by both licences and orders. Licences are issued for long -term 
imports while orders are used in the case of long -term small volume imports, emergency imports 
or and short -term large volume imports. An application is made to the Board for import 
authorization. In the case of a licence, the application may, at the NEB 's discretion, be set down 
for a public hearing. No licence is effective until approved by the Governor -in-Council. The 
issuance of an import order requires the approval of the Board and does not require a public 
hearing or Governor in Council approval.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2.  Import authorization, in the form of licence or order, is required for all imports of natural gas in 
either gaseous or liquid state (see the definition of "gas" in the National Energy Board Act ). 
Authorization from th e National Energy Board is not required for imports of propane, butanes, 
ethane, ethylene and propylene, which are each exempted from the requirement for import 
authorization by the Part VI Regulations. The term of any import licence cannot exceed 25 years . 
Imports of natural gas by orders are restricted to 24 months for volumes over 30 thousand cubic 
metres per day and to 20 years for less than 30 thousand cubic  metres per day. Imports for 
re-export for up to 25 years can be done by order.  
 
3.  The system described applies to gas originating in and coming from any country. In practice, 
however, all imports of natural gas prior to 2009 originated from the United States. LNG shipments 
commenced in 2009.  
 
4.  The purpose of licensing is to ensure that long -term imports of gas are in the public interest.  
 
5.  The authorization of imports is maintained under the National Energy Board Act , a statute of 
the Parliament of Canada, and the National Energy Board Part VI Regulations. The term "gas" is 
defined in the Act  and is not subjected to administrative discretion. Legislative action would be 
required to abolish the system.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. I-IV.  There is no quota system. Determinations are made on a case -by-case basis.  
 
V.   For processing license applications a pu blic hearing may be required and is at the discretion 
of the NEB. The length of time to process a licence application is approximately four months 
or longer depending on whether a public hearing is deemed necessary. Applications for 
orders can be approved very quickly. Typical processing time for emergency and short -term 
imports is 48 hours, while processing time for long -term import orders is two to six weeks or 
more.  
 
VI.  In some cases, imports commence immediately upon issuance of the authorization, or,  
depending on the requirements of the import arrangement, there may be some interval 
between the authorization and the commencement of the import.  
 
VII.  The prospective importer has to approach one administrative organ only, the National 
Energy Board. How ever, licences for imports require the approval of the Governor -in-Council 
to take effect.  
 
VIII.  Applications are examined on receipt. There is no allocation of import authorizations to 
applicants.  
 
IX.  There are no applicable bilateral or multilateral arrangements besides the Canada -U.S. Free 
Trade Agreement and the North American Free Trade Agreement.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 19 - 
 
  X.   The granting of import authorization would generally be conditional on an export 
authorization being granted by the appropriate foreign government a gency.  
 
7.(a)  Application for a licence should be made in advance of importation by a reasonable length of 
time, depending on the size and complexity of the importation arrangement.  
 
(b)   An order can be granted very quickly by the Board. A licence may, at the discretion of the 
NEB require that a public hearing be held.  
 
(c)   There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for import 
authorization may be made.  
 
(d)   See response to VII above.  
 
8.  An application for a licence may be refused for failure to meet criteria set out in the Part VI 
Regulations or where the import is not in the public interest. An applicant, in the event of refusal 
to issue a licence, may resubmit his application to the National Energy Board wi th appropriate 
amendments or may request a review. Appeal can be made to the Federal Court of Appeal on a 
question of law or jurisdiction, on leave being obtained from the Court.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9.  Any person is eligible to  apply for an import license.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
 
10.  The Governor -in-Council may make regulations respecting the information to be furnished by 
applicants and the procedures to be followed in applying for import authorization. Section 5 of the 
Part VI Regulations entitled "Information to be Furnished by Applicant for Licence to Import Gas" 
sets out the information required to be filed by an applicant for a licence to import gas. In 
addition, the National En ergy Board may require further information. With respect to import 
orders, applicants must file such information as the National Energy Board may require. However, 
no specific information requirements for order applications are set out in the Act or in the  Part VI 
Regulations.  
 
11.  No documents are required upon actual importation. However, the holder of an import 
authorization is required to provide the National Energy Board with information as required, 
including the actual volumes imported during the te rm of the authorization, and their value in 
Canadian currency.  
 
12.  There is no fee or administrative charge in respect of an application at present.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of the import 
authoriz ation.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14.  No import licence may be issued for a term in excess of 25 years. The validity of a licence 
cannot be extended beyond this period without an amendment to the Act by Parliament.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence. Licences are 
permissive only.  
 
16.  Yes. They are transferable subject to National Energy Board and Governor -in-Council 
approval.  
 
17.  Conditions attached to the issue of licences and orders may include tho se matters prescribed 
by the Part VI Regulations, including: duration of the licence, the period within which the import 
must commence  the quantities of import, points of importation into Canada, environmental 
requirements and the granting of export author ization by the appropriate foreign government 
agency.  
  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
 
18.  Apart from procedures defined in the Regulations made pursuant to the Act, including 
requirements associated with inspection, metering and reporting,  no additional administrative 
procedures are required.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
7  EXPORT AND IMPORT PE RMITS ACT  
For this Export and Import Permits Act  section,  general responses in respect of dairy products; 
chicken, turkey and eggs; broiler hatching eggs and chicks; beef and veal; margarine; wheat, 
barley and their products have been provided for questions 5, 8 -10, 12 -19 of the Questionnaire.  
The replies to th e remaining questions have bee n organized by separate product groups owing to 
difference in the procedures involved.  
 
7.1  A. General Responses Applicable to Dairy Products ; Chicken , Turkey and Eggs ; 
Broiler  Hatching Eggs and Chicks; Beef and Veal ; Margarine ; Wheat, Barley  and their 
products  
Note:  Effective 1 January 1995 (or 1 August 1995, for wheat, barley and their products, butter, 
dry whey and cream), in compliance with its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments, 
Canada converted its agricultural impor t controls to a system of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) . Under 
these TRQs, imports within the TRQ level, i.e. within the access commitment, require a permit 
issued through the Trade Controls and Technical Barriers Bureau of the Department of Foreign 
Affairs a nd International Trade in order to benefit from the lower rate of duty. Imports over the 
quota level, subject to higher rates of duty, may enter under a General Import Permit. For wheat, 
barley and their products, the TRQ is administered on a first -come, f irst-served basis.  
 
Effective 8 September 2008, Canada implemented import controls for milk protein substances with 
a milk protein content of 85 per cent or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not 
originate in a NAFTA country, Chile, Cost a Rica, or Israel. Import controls were established to 
implement a change in Canada's WTO obligations subsequent to a re -negotiation of a tariff 
concession, outlined in Joint Letters, as concluded with New Zealand, Switzerland and the EC 
under GATT Article  XXVIII. A TRQ for milk protein substances with a  milk protein content of 85 
per cent or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not originate in a NAFTA 
country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel, was established effective 1st April 2009. Certifi cation of these 
changes to Canada's Schedule V became effective 6 July 2011.  
 
Outline of system  
1.  See section 6 (B). 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2.-4.  See Product Outline in section 6 (B). 
 
5.  Licensing is maintained through regulations under the Export and Import Permits Act . 
Individual products are not designated in the Act.  
 
An Import Control List has been established by regulation by the Governor -in-Council. The list 
includes goods, the import of which it is deemed necessary to control for any of the following 
purposes, namely:  
 
- to ensure, in accordance with the needs of Canada, the best possible supply and distribution 
of an article that is scarce in world markets or in Canada or is subject to government 
controls in the countries of origin or  to allocation by inter -governmental arrangement;  
-   to restrict, for the purpose of supporting any action taken under the Farm Products 
Marketing Agencies Act , the importation in any form of a like article to one produced or 
marketed in Canada the quanti ties of which are fixed or determined under that Act;  
-   to implement any action taken under the Farm Income Protection Act , the Fisheries Prices 
Support Act , the Agricultural Products Co -operative Marketing Act , the Agricultural Products G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Board Act  or the  Canadian Dairy Commission Act , with the object or the effect of supporting 
the price of the article;  
-   to implement an intergovernmental arrangement or commitment; and  
-   where at any time it appears to the satisfaction of the Governor -in-Council on a report of the 
Minister made pursuant to an inquiry made under section 20 or 26 of the Canadian 
International Trade Tribunal Act  by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal in respect of 
any goods, that goods of any kind are being imported or are likely to  be imported into 
Canada at such prices, in such quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten 
serious injury to the production in Canada of like or directly competitive goods, any goods of 
the same kind may, by order of the Governor -in-Council, be included on the Import Control 
List in order to limit the importation of such goods to the extent and for the period that, in 
the opinion of the Governor -in-Council, is necessary to prevent or remedy the injury.  
 
Once an item has been placed on the  Import Control List, an import permit, either specific or 
general, is required by the Act to import such goods into Canada.  
 
Specific products can be made subject to either individual licensing or open general licensing by 
the Minister.  
 
Licensing require ments may be abolished by the Governor -in-Council by removing an item from 
the Import Control List. Only Parliament can alter or amend the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
The Minister may also decide to allocate shares of the within -TRQ access for any prod uct in 
advance. Where this system is used, import permits (licences) are normally issued automatically 
up to the level of an importer's share.  
 
Procedures  
6.-7.  See Product Outline in section 6 (B). 
 
8.  Permit applications that are complete and meet the g eneral requirements are not normally 
refused. If eligibility criteria have not been met (e.g., no quota entitlement) or the application 
contains errors, the applicant will be informed; in such event the applicant may correct the 
application or request reco nsideration, or the applicant may choose to pay the over -access tariff 
and import the goods under a General Import Permit, which is automatically applicable.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Any resident of Canada may apply for a permit. Citizenship is not a criterion.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  The applicant is required to provide the information requested on the application for an import 
permit. For certain products, additional information an d/or documentation may be required, as 
indicated in the specific product group responses.  
 
11.  See Product Outline in section 6 (B). 
 
12.  Any applicant may apply directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade 
in Ottawa for a permit,  for which the associated fee ranges from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00, 
according to the value of the goods.  
 
For permits issued at other authorized (non -Government) computer terminals, permit fees range 
from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of the  goods). This fee does not cover the 
cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  Import permits normally have a validity of 30 days. Requests for extension of the validity 
period submitted prior to the original expiry date are considered on their merits, e.g., supporting G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 22 - 
 
  documentation outlining extraordinary circumstances that prevented the importation of goods 
within the time frame of the permit. If a permit has not been used, the importer may apply for  its 
cancellation.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilization of import permits that are returned for cancellation.  
 
16.  Permits are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  Under very particular circumstances, special conditions may be attached from time to time.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
7.2  Other Responses – by Product Groups  
7.2.1   Dairy Products  
Outline of system  
1.  Dairy products remain on the Import Control List, established under the Export and Import 
Permits Act ; effective 1 January 1995, existing import controls on these products were replaced 
with tariff rate quotas (1 August 1995 for butter, cream and dry whey).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Dairy products on the Import Control List and subject to individual import permit licensing are: 
cheese of all types, butter, ice cream, yoghurt, cream, condensed milk, powdered buttermilk, dry 
whey, natural milk constituents, and dairy -based products fa lling within tariff item 
number  1901.90.33. This action was taken under the authority of Paragraph 5(1) (a) and (d) and 
Section 5.3 of the Export and Import Permits Act . Individual import permits are required for each 
shipment.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and imported  from all countries.  
 
4.  This licensing system is used to implement TRQs for dairy products in accordance with 
Canada's commitments under the WTO.  
 
5.  See General Responses.  
 
Procedures  
6.  The following is a list of TRQ levels for the dairy products whi ch are subject to import control:  
 
-   The TRQ level for  cheese  is 20,411.866 tonnes. As a result of an agreement between 
Canada and the European Union (EU), not less than 66 per cent of the cheese TRQ is 
allocated to member states of the EU and the remain ing 34 per cent is allocated to any other 
(non-EU) country in the world. Current cheese TRQ allocation holders who are active in the 
cheese trade have retained a quota, which is allocated on a yearly basis.  
-   The TRQ for  butter  is 3,274 tonnes. As a resu lt of an a greement between Canada and 
New Zealand, there is a country reserve of 2,000 tonnes of butter for New Zealand, with the 
balance open to all supplying countries; imports from New Zealand are counted against the 
balance only once the reserve is exh austed. The TRQ that applies to butter has been 
allocated to the Canadian Dairy Commission for the benefit of processors and further 
processors.  
-   The TRQ for  ice cream  is 484 tonnes. Traditional ice cream importers continue to receive an 
initial allocat ion, as adjusted, e.g., for under -utilization; the remainder is allocated to ice 
cream distributors.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 23 - 
 
  -   The TRQ level for  yoghurt  is 332 tonnes. Traditional yoghurt importers continue to receive 
an initial allocation, as adjusted, e.g., for under -utilizat ion; the remainder is allocated to 
yoghurt distributors.  
-   The TRQ level for  cream  is 394 tonnes; allocations are made in priority to importers with 
established distribution lines, and once the requirements of these importing companies have 
been met, the  balance (if any) is allocated to applicants who can support their application by 
demonstrating that they have in place a distribution line for this kind of product.  
-   The TRQ level for  condensed milk  is 11.7 tonnes, allocated on a yearly basis to a 
traditional allocation holder. The TRQ for condensed milk is allocated entirely to Australia.  
-   The TRQ level for  powdered buttermilk  is 908 tonnes, allocated on a yearly basis to a 
traditional allocation holder. The TRQ for powdered buttermilk is allocated entirely to 
New Zealand.  
-   The TRQ level for  dry whey  is 3,198 tonnes. Allocations are made in priority to users of 
specialty -type whey not available from domestic sources that can demonstrate a 
requirement for this product in their manufacturing / production formulations. The balance, 
if any, is allocated to processors and further processors that can demonstrate a requirement 
for whey in their manufacturing / production formulations.  
-   The TRQ level for  other products of natural milk constituents  is 4,345 tonnes. 
Allocations are made in priority to users of milk protein concentrate that can demonstrate a 
requirement for this product in their manufacturing / product formulations. The balance, if 
any, is allocated to processors and further processors  that can demonstrate a requirement 
for other products of natural milk constituents in their manufacturing / product formulations.  
-   The TRQ level for  milk protein substances  with a milk protein content of 85 per cent or 
more by weight, calculated on the  dry matter  , that do not originate in a NAFTA country, 
Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel,  is 10,000 tonnes. 7,500 tonnes are allocated to residents of 
Canada that can demonstrate a requirement for these products in their manufacturing 
operations and product fo rmulations. 2,500 tonnes are made available to residents of 
Canada that purchase (i.e., take ownership of) and re -sell these products.  
-   The TRQ level for  food preparations falling within tariff item number 1901.90.33  is 
70 tonnes. Allocations are made t o food processors that can demonstrate a requirement for 
food preparations in their manufacturing/product formulation containing products classified 
under tariff headings 04.01 to 04.04.  
 
I.   Information on TRQs and related formalities is published in the  Canada Gazette and in 
Notices to Importers, which are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders and 
are available upon request from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade 
(DFAIT).  
  
Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the DFAIT website 
at: http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/prod/agri/index.aspx . 
 
II.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
III.  If an allocation holder uses less than 90 per cent of its allocation (95 per cen t for cheese, 
products of natural milk constituents, dry whey, milk protein substances with a milk protein 
content of 85 per cent or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not originate 
in a NAFTA country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel, and c ream), the allocation in the next year 
will normally reflect the actual level of use. Allocations not used in a quota year are not 
available for carry -over to the next quota year.  
 
IV.  Individual import permits are required for each shipment at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Trade Controls and Technical 
Barriers Bureau of the Department of Foreign Af fairs and International Trade in Ottawa. 
Requests for permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the 
shipment to Canada. Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of 30 days 
around the date of arrival specified by  importers (five days prior to and 24 days after). 
Utilization of permits for one quota year may not be utilized in the next quota year.  
 
VIII.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 24 - 
 
  IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  Supplementary imports may also be authorized f or re-export or to meet domestic market 
shortages.  
 
7.  See Section 6.  
 
8.  See General Responses.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  See General Responses.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  See General Responses.  
 
11.  Documents required upon actual importation: import permit, customs entry documents and 
food certificates as required under the Canadian Dairy Products Act and Regulations . 
 
12.  Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
Permits may also be requ ested, by fax, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the value of the goods).  
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. See General Responses.  
 
7.2.2   Chicken, Turkey and Eggs  
Outline of system  
1. Chicken, turkey, shell eggs and egg products remain on the Import Control List, established 
under the Export and Import Permits Act . Effective 1 Jan uary 1995, existing import controls on 
these products were replaced with TRQs.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Imports of chicken and chicken products, turkey and turkey products, and eggs and egg 
products are subject to global TRQs.  For all these products, individual import permits are required 
for each shipment imported into Canada. These products were placed on the Import Control List 
under the authority of Paragraph 5(1)(a) and (b) and Sections 5.3 and 6 of the Export and Import 
Permits Act.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and imported from all countries.  
 
4. The licensing system is used to implement TRQs on chicken and chicken products, turkey and 
turkey products, and eggs and egg products in accordance with Canada's WTO commitments.  
 
5. See General Responses.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Procedures  
6. The TRQ level established for chicken and chicken products under the WTO is 39,843.7 tonnes 
(bone -in eviscerated equivalent basis). Under the provisions of the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFT A), Canada provides a global TRQ for chicken and chicken products equivalent to 
7.5 per cent of the previous year's domestic production.  Conversion factors of 1:0.75 apply in the 
case of live to eviscerated, and 2:1 in the case of boneless to eviscerated.    
 
The TRQ level for turkey and turkey products established under the WTO is 5,588 tonnes (bone -in 
eviscerated equivalent basis). Under the provisions of the NAFTA, Canada provides a global TRQ 
for turkey and turkey products equivalent to 3.5 per cent of the current year's estimated 
production (bone -in eviscerated equivalent basis). Conversion factors of 1:0.82 apply in the case 
of live to eviscerated, and 2:1 in the case of boneless to eviscerated.  
 
The TRQ level for eggs and egg products established unde r the WTO is 21,370,000 dozen.  Under 
the provisions of the NAFTA, Canada provides a global TRQ for shell eggs and egg products of 
2.988 per cent of the previous year's domestic production. It is split among shell eggs 
(1.647  per cent), frozen, liquid and further processed eggs (0.714 per cent), and powdered eggs 
(0.627  per cent).     
 
For chicken, turkey, shell eggs and egg products, the access provided by Canada is the greater of 
its NAFTA or WTO commitment.  
 
The basic procedure that applies to imports of  chicken and chicken products, turkey and turkey 
products, and eggs and egg products, is that a quantitative limit for imports from all sources is 
established yearly.  Individual allocation holders are informed of their allocations, which are based 
on crit eria published annually in Notices to Importers.   
 
In the case of turkeys, individual allocations may be utilized at any time during the quota year.  
For chicken and chicken products, utilization of individual allocations by larger TRQ holders is 
limited to 30% per calendar year quarter, while shell egg allocations to larger TRQ holders are 
accompanied by an import schedule to help ensure that imports coincide with periods of peak 
demand in Canada.  Applications for single -shipment permits are made against  these allocations at 
any time during the 30 days preceding the expected date of arrival of the shipment.  
Supplementary import policies for these products are in place to accommodate market shortages.  
Supplementary imports may also be authorized for re -export.  
 
I.  Information on TRQs and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in 
Notices to Importers. The latter are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders, 
and are available upon request from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade (DFAIT).  
 
 Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the DFAIT website at: 
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id=3&menu=R . 
 
II.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
III.  If an allocation holder for these products uses less than 90 per cent of its allocation (95 per 
cent in the case of egg  products), the allocation in the next year will normally reflect the 
actual level of use.  Allocation not used in one quota year is not available for carry -over to 
the next quota year.  
 
IV.  Individual import permits are required for each shipment at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Export and Import Controls 
Bureau of the Department of Foreign  Affairs  and International Trade in Ottawa. Requests for 
permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment to 
Canada.  Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the 
date of arrival specified by imp orters (five days prior to and 24 days after). Utilization of 
permits for one quota year is not allowed in the next quota year.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 26 - 
 
  VIII.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  A supplementary import policy is in place to accommodate  market shortages. 
Supplementary imports may also be authorized for re -export.  
 
7. See Section 6.  
 
8. See General Responses.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See General Responses.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for applications for licence  
10. See General Responses.  
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required in addition to health certificates 
as required under the Canada Agriculture Products Act.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals.  Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested,  by fax, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other  procedural requirements  
18-19. See General Responses.  
 
7.2.3   Broiler Hatching Eggs and Chicks  
Outline of system  
1. Broiler hatching eggs and chicks remain on the Import Control List, established under the 
Export and Import Permits Act.  Effective 1 January 1995, existing import controls on these 
products were replaced with tariff rate quotas.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. In order to support action taken under the Farm Products Agencies Act, Broiler Hatching Eggs 
and Chicks were placed on the Import  Control List.  "Chick" means a chick for chicken meat 
production hatched from a broiler hatching egg.  This action was taken under the authority of 
Paragraph  5(1) (b) and Section 5.3 of the Export and Import Permits Act.  Individual import 
permits are req uired for each shipment of these products.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and imported from all countries.  
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement TRQs for broiler hatching eggs and chicks in 
accordance with Canada's WTO commitments.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 27 - 
 
  5. See General Responses.  
 
Procedures  
6. The annual TRQ level established under the WTO for broiler hatching eggs and chicks is 
7,949,000  dozen (egg equivalent).   
 
Under the provisions of a bilateral agreement with the United States, Canada provides a TRQ level 
for broiler hatching eggs and chicks of 21.1 per cent of the current year's estimated domestic 
production, split into separate access commitments for eggs (17.4 per cent) and chicks 
(3.7 per cent).  Each chick is counted as 1.27 hatching eggs.  H olders of TRQ for hatching eggs 
may convert their allocation into TRQ for chicks, but TRQ for chicks is not convertible into TRQ for 
hatching eggs.  
 
TRQ access provided by Canada is the greater of its NAFTA and WTO commitments.  This access 
level is determ ined annually and is allocated to federally registered hatcheries on the basis of 
market share minus adjustments for under -utilization.  Allocation holders are permitted to import 
up to their allocated annual level at any time during the calendar year.  
 
I.  Information on TRQs and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in 
Notices to Importers. The latter are distributed to customs brokers, associations and  traders, 
and are available upon request from the Department of Foreign Affairs a nd International 
Trade (DFAIT).  
 
 Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the DFAIT website at: 
http://www.international.g c.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id=3&menu=R . 
 
II.  See introduction to Section 6.  
 
III.  If an allocation holder uses less than 90  per cent of its allocation, the allocation in the next 
year will normally reflect the actual level of use.  An allocation not used in one quota year 
will not be available for carryover to the next quota year.  
 
IV.  Individual  import permits are required for each shipment at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line autom ated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Export and Import Controls 
Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa. Requests for 
permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment to 
Canada.  Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the 
date of arrival specified by importers (five days prior to and 24 days after). Utilization of 
permits for one quota year is not allowed in the next quota year.  
 
VIII.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  A supplementary import policy is in place to accommodate market shortages.  
Supplementary imports may also be authorized for re -export.  
 
7. See Section 6.  
 
8. See General Responses.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See General Responses.  
 
  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. See General Responses.  
 
11. Documents required upon actual importation:  import permit, customs entry documents and 
health certificates as required under the Canada Agriculture Products Act.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals.  Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by fax, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Internat ional 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. See General Responses.  
7.2.4   Beef and Veal  
Outline of system  
1. Effective 1 January 1995, beef and veal were placed on the Import Control List established 
under the Export and Import Permits Act; and the existing import control measures for these 
products provided for under the Meat Import  Act were replaced with a tariff rate quota.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2-3. In order to implement Canada's WTO commitments, beef and veal were placed on the Import 
Control List.  This action was taken under the authority of Paragraph 5(1)(a) and Section 5.3 of 
the Export and Import Permits Act.  An import permit is required for each shipment of these 
products originating in and imported from all countries except the United States, Mexico and Chile.  
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement TR Qs for beef and veal in accordance with Canada's 
WTO commitments.  
 
5. See General Responses.  
 
Procedures  
6. In keeping with its WTO commitments, Canada has established an annual TRQ level for imports 
of fresh, chilled and frozen beef and veal from non -NAFTA countries of 76,409 tonnes.  Of this 
quantity, 29,600  tonnes are reserved for imports from New Zealand and 35,000 tonnes are 
reserved for imports from Australia. The balance of the TRQ, 11,809 tonnes (known as the MFN 
reserve) is reserved for imports fro m all other eligible suppliers, including those from New Zealand 
and Australia once their country -specific allocations are filled.   
 
I.  Information on TRQs and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in 
Notices to Importers. The latter  are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders 
and are available upon request from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade (DFAIT).  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Notices to Importers and additional information are also ava ilable on the DFAIT website at : 
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id=3&menu=R . 
 
II.  See the  introduction to Section 6.  
 
III. If an allocati on holder uses less than 90  per cent of its allocation, the allocation in the next 
year will normally reflect the actual level of use.  An allocation not used in one quota year 
will not be available for carryover to the next quota year.  
 
IV.  Individual im port permits are required for each shipment at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Export and Import C ontrols 
Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa.  Requests 
for permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment to 
Canada.  Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of  30 days around the 
date of arrival specified by importers (five days prior to and 24 days after).  Utilization of 
permits for one quota year is not allowed in the next quota year.  
 
VIII.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  The Minister may authorize the importation of beef and veal supplementary to the TRQ if he 
judges that the importation serves the overall needs of the Canadian market.  
 
7. See Section 6.  
 
8. See General Responses.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for permit  
9. See General Responses.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. See General Responses.  
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required in addition to health certificates 
as required under the Canada Agriculture Products Act.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals.  Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by fax, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the va lue of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18-19. See General Responses.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 30 - 
 
  7.2.5   Margarine  
1. Effective 1 January 1995, margarine and butter substitutes, excluding liquid margarines, were 
placed on the Import Control List established under the Export and Import Permits Act;  and the 
existing import prohibitions for these products were replaced with a tariff rate quota.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. In order to fulfil Canada's WTO c ommitments for margarine, margarine was placed on the 
Import Control List.  This action was taken under the authority o f Paragraph  5(1)(b) and 
Section  5.3 of the Export and Import Permits Act.  An import permit is required for each shipment 
of margarine im ported under the applicable within access tariff items.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and imported from all countries.  Once the TRQ level 
is reached, products originating from Mexico (by virtue of NAFTA), from Chile (by virtue of the 
Canada-Chile FTA), and from Costa Rica (by virtue of the Canada -Costa -Rica FTA) will continue to 
be assessed the “within access” rate of duty.   
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement a TRQ for margarine in accordance with Canada's 
WTO commitments.  
 
5. See General Responses.  
 
Procedures  
6. The TRQ level is 7,558 tonnes.  Import permits are allocated on a first -come, first -served basis, 
without restriction on the applicants (except that no applicant may import more than 500 tonnes in 
a calendar year).  P ermits are normally valid for 30 days, but only within the TRQ year.  
 
I.  Information on TRQs and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in 
Notices to Importers. The latter are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders 
and are available upon request from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade (DFAIT).  
 
Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the DFAIT website at:  
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id=3&menu=R . 
 
II.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
III.  Not applicable.  
 
IV.  Individual import permits are required for each shipm ent at the within -TRQ rates of duty.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Export and Import Controls 
Bureau of the Department of Fore ign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa.  Requests 
for permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment to 
Canada.  Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the 
date of arrival spec ified by importers (five days prior to and 24 days after).  Utilization of 
permits for one quota year is not allowed in the next quota year.  
 
VIII.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  The Minister may authorize the importation  of margarine supplementary to the TRQ if he 
judges that the importation serves the overall needs of the Canadian market.  
 
7. See Section 6.  
 
8. See General Responses.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See General Responses.  
 
Documentational  and other requirements for application for licence  
10. See General Responses.  
 
11. Documents required upon actual importation are: import permit and customs entry 
documents.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped w ith authorized 
computer terminals.  Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by fax, from the  Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other procedural requir ements  
18-19. See General Responses.  
 
7.2.6   Wheat, Barley and their Products  
Outline of system  
1. Effective 1 August 1995, wheat, barley, wheat products, and barley products were placed on the 
Import Control List, established under the Export and Import Permits Act; and existing import 
controls on these products were replaced with tariff rate quotas.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. In order to fulfil its WTO commitments for wheat, barley and their products, Canada removed 
the requirement under the Canadian  Wheat Board Act and related regulations for import licences 
for wheat, barley and their products and replaced them with a system of TRQs.  This required 
placing them on the Import Control List under the authority of Paragraph 5(1) (a) and Section  5.3 
of the Export and Import Permits Act.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and imported from all countries.  Once the TRQ levels 
are reached, the following products continue to be assessed the "within access" lower rate of duty:  
 
(a)  Mexican, U.S., Chilean, Costa Rican and Peruvian wheat, barley, wheat products and barley 
products (pursuant to NAFTA, CCFTA, CCRFTA and CPFTA);  
 
(b)  Wheat and barley products from any country, classified under the following specific tariff 
items:  
 
(i)  mixes and dough s, falling under tariff item No. 1901.20.14;  
(ii) pasta products, falling under tariff items Nos.1902.11.21, 1902.19.12, 1902.19.22, 
1902.19.92, 1902.30.12 and 1902.30.31;  
(iii) cereals , falling under tariff items No. 1904.10.21, 1904.10.41, 1904.20.21, 
1904.20.41, 1904.30.21 and 1904.90.21;  
(iv)  bread products, falling under tariff item No. 1905.10.21, 1905.10.51, 1905.40.31, 
1905.40.61 and 1905.90.32;  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 32 - 
 
  (v)  biscuits, waffles and wafers falling under tariff item No. 1905.31.22, 1905.31.92, 
1905.32.92 and 1905.90.43; and  
(vi)  pretzels of tariff no. 1905.90.62 in packages of a weight not exceeding 1.36 kg.  
 
4. This licensing system is used to implement TRQs for wheat, barley and the ir products in 
accordance with Canada's WTO commitments.  
 
5. See General Responses.  
 
Procedures  
6. The TRQ levels are: wheat - 226,883 tonnes, barley - 399,000 tonnes, wheat 
products  B 123,557 tonnes (grain equivalent) and barley products - 19,131 tonnes ( grain 
equivalent).  There are no allocations to importers.  The TRQ is admi nistered on a first -come, 
first-served basis from August 1 to July 31 each year.  
 
I.  Information on TRQs and related formalities is published in the Canada Gazette and in 
Notices t o Importers. The latter are distributed to customs brokers, associations and traders 
and are available upon request from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade (DFAIT).  
 
Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the DFAIT website at: 
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/prod/agri/index.aspx?menu_id=3&menu=R . 
 
II.  See the introduction to Section 6. 
 
III.  TRQ not used in any quota year will not be available for carry -over to the quota year.  
 
IV.  The General Import Permit number must be stated on the customs entry document.  When 
the TRQ level for any product is reached, a different General Import  Permit allows 
importation at the applicable over -access rate of duty.  
 
V-VII. Not applicable.  
 
VIII.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  The Minister may authorize the importation of wheat, wheat products, barley and barley 
products supplementary to the respective TRQ if he judges that the importation serves the 
overall needs of the Canadian market.  
 
7. See Section 6.  
 
8. See General Responses.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. See General Responses.  
 
Documenta tional and other requirements for application for licence  
10. See General Responses.  
 
11. Normal customs entry forms indicating the appropriate General Import Permit are required.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals.  Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Permits may also be requested, by fax, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$15.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other procedur al requirements  
18-19. See General Responses.  
7.2.7   Textiles  
Outline of system  
1.  Textiles are on the Import Control List , established pursuant to the  Export and Import Permits 
Act (EIPA). Quantitative restraints (i.e., quotas) on imports of textiles were eliminated for goods 
shipped after 31 December 2004 in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing 
(ATC). Individual import licensing or open general licensing requirements for such goods were 
eliminated on 1 April 2005. An import licensing system remains in place for textiles shipped in 
connection with Tariff Preference Level (TPL) provisions established pursuant to the North 
American, Canada -Chile, Canada -Costa Rica , and Canada -Honduras  Free Trade Agreements.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licen sing 
2.  Textile products on the Import Control List  subject to individual import permits for TPL are as 
follows: cotton or man -made fibre fabrics and made -up goods  (NAFTA, Chile, Costa Rica) ; wool 
fabrics and made -up goods (Chile and Costa Rica); cotton o r man -made fibre spun yarns  (NAFTA, 
Chile, Costa Rica), and fabrics and made -up goods (Honduras) . 
 
3.  The system applies to imports from United States, Mexico, Chile , Costa Rica , and Honduras . 
 
4.  Tariff Preference Levels (TPL) are special FTA provisions  that provide tariff preferences for 
imports of non -originating textile and apparel goods up to a specified quantity. Above these 
specified quantities, non -originating textile and apparel goods a re subject to the 
Most-Favoured -Nation rate of duty. The impo rt licensing system is in place in order to implement 
quantitative import limits on goods shipped in connection with TPL provisions established pursuant 
to the Free Trade Agreements.  
 
5. The EIPA provides for the establishment of an Import Control List  to implement an 
intergovernmental arrangement or to prevent the frustration or the circumvention of such 
arrangements. Import permits are issued for goods, including textiles, on the Import Control List . 
 
Procedures  
6.  The TPL levels primary units of measure  (other than for yarns) are converted into Square Metre 
Equivalents (SME s) by means of conversion factors found in each FTA. The yearly TPL levels for 
each FTA are as follows:  
 
-   Canada -Honduras Free Trade Agreement – Fabrics and made -up goods: 1,000,000 . 
-   Canada -Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement - Cotton or man -made fabrics and made -up 
goods: 1,000,000 SME; Wool fabrics and made -up goods: 250,000 SME; and Cotton or 
man-made fibre spun yarn: 150,000 kg.  
-   Canada -Chile Free Trade Agreement - Cotton or m an-made fabrics and made -up goods 
(limited to goods of Chapter 60 of the HS): 1,000,000 SME; Wool fabrics and made -up 
goods: 250,000 SME; and Cotton or man -made fibre spun yarn: 500,000 kg.  
-   North America Free Trade Agreement - United States: Cotton or man-made fabrics and 
made -up goods: 2,000,000 SME; and Cotton or man -made fibre spun yarn: 1,000,000 kg; G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Mexico: Cotton or man -made fabrics and made -up goods: 7,000,000 SME; and Cotton or 
man-made fibre spun yarn: 1,000,000 kg.  
-   There are no allocations  to importers. The TPLs are administered on a first -come, first -
served basis from 1 January to 31 December each year.  
 
I.   Information on TPLs and related formalities are published in the Canada Gazette, Canada 
Border Services Agency (CBSA) D -Memoranda an d in Notices to Importers. This information 
is available to customs brokers, associations and tr aders and upon request from Global 
Affairs Canada . Notices to Importers and additional inform ation are also available on Global 
Affairs Canada and CBSA websites  at: 
 
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -
controles/textiles/index.aspx?menu_id=21&view=d&lang=eng . 
http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html . 
 
II.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
III.  TPL not used in one year is not available for carry -over in the following year.  
 
IV.  Applications for TPL permits are accepted until the TPL level for a given TPL is filled.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Trade Controls Bureau of  Global 
Affairs Canada  in Ottawa. Requests for permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected 
date of arrival of the shipment to Canada. Import permits are normally issued with a validity 
period of 30 days around the date of arrival specified by importers (five d ays prior to and 
24 days after) . Utilization of permits for one quota year is not allowed in the next quota 
year. 
 
VIII.  TPL is made available on a first -come, first -served basis, whereby import per mits are issued 
to importers on demand until the TPL has been filled in a given year.  
 
IX-X.  Not applicable.  
 
XI.  No. 
 
7.  (a)  An import permit is required for each shipment of textiles for which a TPL benefit is sought. 
An importer may apply for an imp ort permit up to 30 days prior to the expected date of 
arrival of the associated goods.  
 
(b)   A permit is normally granted immediately upon request.  
 
(c)   See response to 7(a).  
 
(d)   Permit applications are considered by only one organization, the Trade  Controls  Bureau , 
Global Affairs Canada . 
 
8.  Import permits are not normally refused if the criteria relating to issuance are met. If a permit 
is refused, for example, because of incomplete information on the application, the applicant is 
advised and give n the opportunity to correct the anomaly.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Any resident of Canada may apply for an import permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  Instructions and the information required to complete an import permit application and the 
form can be found on the web at:  
 
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/about -a_propos/impor/permits -licences.aspx . 
http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html . G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 35 - 
 
   
11.  Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required.  
 
12.  Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers equipped with authorized 
computer terminals. Permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according to the value of 
the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by such issuers.  
 
Permits may also be requested, by fax, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International 
Trade in Ottawa for which the associated fees range from CAN$1 5.00 to CAN$31.00 (according to 
the value of the goods).  
 
13.  No. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  A permit is valid for 30 days, and may be extended for a further 30 days if the request for 
extension is submitted prior to expiry.  
 
15.  No. 
 
16.  Licences ar e not transferable.  
 
17. (a) No.  
 
(b)   No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  Import permits issued pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act  are not a condition of 
foreign exchange transactions.  
 
7.2.8   Clothing  
Outline of system  
1. Clothing is on the Import Control List , established pursuant to the Export and Import Permits 
Act (EIPA). Quantitative restraints (i.e., quotas) on imports of clothing and handbags were 
eliminated for goods shipped after 31 December 2004 in accordance with the WTO Agreement on 
Textiles and Clothing (ATC).  Individual import licensing or open general l icensing requirements for 
such goods were eliminated on 1 April 2005. An import licensing system remains in place for 
clothing shipped in connection with Tariff Preference Level (TPL) provisions established pursuant to 
the North American, Canada -Chile, Can ada-Costa Rica, and Canada -Honduras Free Trade 
Agreements.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Clothing products on the Import Control List  subject to individual import permits for TPL are as 
follows: wool apparel (NAFTA, Chile); cotton or man -made fibr e apparel (NAFTA, Chile); and 
apparel (Costa Rica, Honduras).  
 
3. The system applies to imports from United States, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, and Honduras.  
 
4. Tariff Preference Levels (TPL) are special FTA provisions that provide tariff preferences for 
imports of non -originating textile and apparel goods up to a specified quantity. Above these 
specified quantities, non -originating textile and apparel goods a re subject to the 
Most-Favoured -Nation rate of duty. The import licensing system is in place in ord er to administer 
quantitative import limits on goods shipped in connection with TPL provisions established pursuant 
to these Free Trade Agreements.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 36 - 
 
  5. The EIPA provides for the establishment of an Import Control List  to implement an 
intergovernmental arra ngement or to prevent the frustration or the circumvention of such 
arrangements.  Import permits are issued for goods, including clothing, on the Import Control List . 
 
Procedures  
6. The TPL levels primary units of measure are converted into Square Metre Eq uivalents (SME) by 
means of conversion factors found in each FTA.  The yearly TPL levels for each FTA are as follows:  
 
-  Canada -Honduras Free Trade Agreement – Apparel goods: 4,000,000 SME.  
-  Canada -Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement - Apparel goods: 1,379,570 SME.  
-  Canada -Chile Free Trade Agreement - Cotton or man -made f ibre apparel and made -up 
goods: 2,252,324 SME; and Wool apparel and made -up goods: 112,616 SME.  
-  North America Free Trade Agreement - United States: Cotton or man -made fibre appare l 
and made -up goods: 9,000,000 SME; and Wool apparel and made -up goods: 919,740; 
Mexico: Cotton or man -made fibre apparel and made -up goods: 6,000,000 SME; and Wool 
apparel and made -up goods: 250,000 SME.  
-  There are no allocations to importers. The TPL s are administered on a first -come, 
first-served basis from 1 January to 31 December each year.  
 
I. Information on TPL and related formalities are published in the Canada Gazette, Canada 
Border Services Agency (CBSA) D -Memoranda and in Notices to Importers. This information 
is available to customs brokers, associations and traders and upon request from Global 
Affairs Canada.  
 
Notices to Importers and additional information are also available on the Global Affairs 
Canada and CBSA websites at :   
http://www.international.gc.ca/controls -controles/textiles/index.aspx?menu_id=21&view=d .  
http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html .  
 
II.  See the introduction to Section 6.  
 
III. TPL not used in one year is not available for carry -over in the following year.  
 
IV.  Applications for TPL permits are accepted until the TPL level for a given TPL is filled.  
 
V-VII. Import permits are issued through an on -line automated system either (a) in the offices of 
customs brokers in major cities across Canada, or (b) at the Trade Controls Bureau of Global 
Affairs Canada in Ottawa.  Requests for permits are accepted 30 days prior to the expected 
date of arrival of the shipment to Canada.  Import permits are normally issued with a 
validity period of 30 day s around the date of arrival specified by importers (five days prior to 
and 24 days after). Utilization of permits for one quota year is not allowed in the next quota 
year. 
 
VIII.  TPL is made available on a first -come, first -served basis, whereby import permits are issued 
to importers on demand until the TPL has been filled in a given year.  
 
IX-X. Not applicable.  
 
XI.  No. 
 
7.(a)  An import permit is required for each shipment of clothing for which a TPL benefit is sought.  
An importer may apply for an im port permit up to 30 days prior to the expected date of 
arrival of the associated goods.  
 
(b)  A permit is normally granted immediately upon request.  
 
(c)  See response to 7(a).  
 
(d)  Permit applications are considered by only one organization, the Trade Controls Bureau, 
Global Affairs Canada.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 37 - 
 
  8. Import permits are not normally refused if the criteria relating to issuance are met.  If a permit 
is refused, for example, because of incomplete information on the application, the applicant is 
advised and given  the opportunity to correct the application.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any resident of Canada may apply for an import permit.   
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Instructions and the information  required to complete an import permit application and the 
form can be found on the web at:   
 
http://www.internation al.gc.ca/controls -controles/about -a_propos/impor/permits -
licences.aspx?%20menu_id=62&view=d&lang=eng   
http://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm -md/d11/d11 -4-22-eng.html . 
 
11. Import permits and normal customs entry forms are required.  
 
12. Any applicant may directly apply for a permit via customs brokers with access to the Export 
and Import Controls System.  Import permit fees range from CAN$10.00 to CAN$26.00 (according 
to the value of the goods). This fee does not cover the cost of any additional services provided by 
such issuers.  Import permits may also be requested, by fax, from the Department of Foreign 
Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa for which the associated  fees range from CAN$15.00 to 
CAN$31.00 (according to the value of the goods).  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A permit is valid for 30 days. Should the permit expire, the cancellation and subsequent 
issuance of a replacement permit may be completed upon request.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable.  
 
17. (a) No.  
 
(b)  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Import permits issued pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act  are not a condition of 
foreign exchange transactions.  
7.2.9   Carbon and Specialty Steel  
Outline of system  
1.  Carbon and specialty steel are on the Import Control List, established under the  Export and 
Import Permits Act , and are subject to general licensing.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Carbon steel products we re placed on the Import Control List un der the authority of 
subsection  5(3) of the Export and Import Permits Act  with effect 1 September 1986, for the 
purpose of monitoring their entry into Canada following a reference to the Canadian Import 
Tribunal pursu ant to section 48 of the Special Import Measures Act . The Tribunal concluded that G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 38 - 
 
  carbon steel products are being and are likely to be imported into Canada at such prices, in such 
quantities and under such conditions as to make it advisable to collect info rmation with respect to 
the importation of such goods. Carbon steel products are defined as semi -finished steel (ingots, 
blooms, billets, slabs and sheet bars), plate, sheet and strip, wire rods, wire and wire products, 
railway -type products, bars, structu ral shapes and units and pipe and tube. Specialty steel 
products were added to the Import Control List 1 June 1987, following an amendment to the 
Export and Import Permits Act , in order that the monitoring system for steel would be 
comprehensive. Specialty  steel products are defined as stainless flat -rolled products (sheet, strip 
and plate), stainless steel bar, stainless steel pipe and tube, stainless steel wire and wire product, 
alloy tool steel, mould steel and high speed steel.  
 
3.  The monitoring syste m applies to carbon and specialty steel imports from all countries.  
 
4.  The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports: it is intended to 
monitor the volume and the origin of carbon and specialty steel products.  
 
5.  The action  of placing carbon steel on the Import Control List was taken under the authority of 
section 5(1) of the Export and Import Permits Act . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  Effective 1 April 2012, all imports of carbon and specialty steel were exempted fro m the need 
of a transaction -based import permit, and imports of carbon and specialty steel now enter Canada 
under two General Import Permits. The appropriate General Import Permit number must be stated 
on the customs entry document.  
 
8.  See General Respon ses. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Any resident of Canada may invoke the General Import Permits.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Nil.  
 
11. Normal customs entry forms indicating the appropriate General Import Permit are required.  
 
12.  There are no fees related to the use of General Import Permits.  
 
13.  Nil. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.-17. See General Responses.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
8  PLANT PROTECTION ACT 
Note: The Centre of Administration of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency delivers and 
coordinates the full range of operational administrative services required for import related 
permissions under this section ( http://inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/permits -licences -and-
approvals/eng/1395348112901/1395348237219 ).  All permit applications are sent to the Centre of 
Administration, Regulatory Permissions and Registration Division, National Service Centres 
Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Outline of system  
1.  A permit to import outlines phytosanitary conditions import requirements which must be met 
prior to export from the co untry of origin, during export and upon arrival in Canada. These 
conditions are required to prevent the introduction or spread within Canada of plant pests.   
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2.  In accordance with Section 31 of the Plant Protection Regulations  and pursuant to the Plant 
Protection Act , a prospective importer must apply in writing for an import permit.  According to 
section 32 and section 43 of the Plant Protection 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 ob stacle to the control 
of a plant pest if, the Minister determines that every precaution necessary can and will be taken to 
prevent the introduction into Canada or the establishment and spread within Canada of a plant 
pest or biological obstacle to the cont rol 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 im ported in Canada conform to Canada's 
plant protection phytosanitary 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 th e 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 pest risk it poses. Lastly, it is not 
possible for the government to abolish the system without a regulatory amendmen t.  
 
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 th e 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 bee n 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.  Thi s 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 Licensing, Permitting and Registration Division, 
National Inspection and Investig ation 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 ground s that the plants, plant 
products or other matter intended for importation will result or is likely to result in the introduction G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 40 - 
 
  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 subm itted 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 writ ing, 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 telephone number of the owner of the thing to be 
imported, if different from paragraph (a);  
 
(c)  The name and complete address of the exporter;  
 
(d)  A description and the common and scientific names of the thing;  
 
(e)  The quantity of the thing;  
 
(f)  The purpose for which the thing is to be admitted int o 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 t he 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 associate d with the issuance of a 
permit. However, full payment is required 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 an d 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.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 41 - 
 
  15.  Th ere 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 Regulation s. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Generally, there are no other administrative procedures apart from the import permit 
application procedures.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
9  HEALTH OF ANIMALS ACT  
Note: The Centre of Administration of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency delivers and 
coordinates the full range of operational administrative services required for import related 
permissions under this section  (http://inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/permits -licences -and-
approvals/eng/1395348112901/1395348237219 ).  All permit applications are sent to the Centre of 
Administration, Regulatory Permissions and Registration Division, National Service  Centres 
Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  
 
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 Regulations . 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 Regulations . 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 ani mals, 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 a ll CFIA policies and directives that fall under the pertinent 
legislative authority by animal or commodity, such 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 preparation of food, cosmetics, drugs (including 
pharmaceuticals for use in animals, pharmaceuticals and biologics for human use, and natural 
health products for use in animals or humans), and medical devices are also regulated by Health 
Canada through product -specific regulatory programs. For these products, the regulatory 
requirements for animal products and by -products are administered by the CFIA under the 
authority of the Food and Drugs Act  and the Food and Drug Regulations . Veterinary biologics and 
their components are regulated by the CFIA under the Health of Animals Act  and the Health of 
Animals Regulations . Importers must comply with the import requirements of all Canadian 
government departments or agencies for a particular commodity.  
 
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 p ermit is required for the following: semen (except for 
equine and canine), embryos, veterinary biologics, psittacine birds (other than pet birds), turtles, 
tortoises, skunks, foxes and raccoons, some ruminants and swine, elephants, honeybees, dogs 
under 8 months of age (commercial shipments and for research) certain rodents, and certain other G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 42 - 
 
  animal products and by -products dependent on species. In response to changes in health status, 
import requirements can change at any time.  
 
For animal products and by -products the conditions 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 anima ls (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 Servic e, 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 internation al 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/plants/imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409 . 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. See No.1 above.  
 
3. For terrestrial animals: Imports are permitted only from coun tries 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 prior 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 
applica ble, and the accompanying permit and health certification (if required) are 
inspected to assure that import requirements are met; and  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 43 - 
 
  (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  
(v)  ornamental aquatic animals may be required to be imported to designated premises.  
 
In the case of veterinary biologics, production outlines and data to support purity, safety, potency 
and efficacy for each product must be submitted  and approved prior to the issuance of the permit. 
They are examined and reviewed to assure the product is safe, free from contaminants and that 
the label meets all requirements.  
 
(b)   In most cases where permit conditions exist, a permit can be issued wi thin five working 
days.  
 
(c)   No. 
 
(d)   Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), except 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 eit her Health Canada, or Public Health Agency of Canada, with regard to 
zoonoses or communicable diseases common to humans and animals or in the case of 
aquatic animals, Fisheries and Oceans Canada with respect to introduction into natural 
waters.  
 
(d)  Commercial importers of veterinary biologics must be approved by the foreign company 
manufacturing the products and also must have acceptable facilities and procedures to meet 
the CFIA's import conditions, such as maintaining the cold chain and reporting a dverse 
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 origin and purposes of import. For aquatic animals, 
Part XVI of the  Health of Animals Regulations  requires specific species listed in Schedule III to 
have an import permit. All other aquatic animals must meet the requirements of Section 194 which 
includes name and address of the import exporter, taxonomic name, quantity/number and the 
location where the animal was born.  
 
11. In addition to the permit to import animals, 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 identificat ion is normally required. Please 
consult the Automated Import Reference System for additional information on import 
requirements.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 44 - 
 
  12. Yes. See CFIA Fees notice at:  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/acts -and-
regulations/fees -notice/eng/130722284537 3/1307222984162 . 
 
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.  
 
10  FISH I NSPECTION ACT 
Note: The Centre of Administration of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency delivers and 
coordinates the full range of operational administrative services required for import related 
permissions under this section  (http://inspection.gc.ca/about -the-cfia/permits -licences -and-
approvals/eng/1395348112901/1395348237219 ).  All permit applications are sent to the Centre of 
Administration, Regulatory Permissio ns and Registration Division, National Service Centres 
Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  
 
Outline of system  
1.  Other than for personal consumption or personal use as trade samples, the importation of all 
fish and fish products into Canad a 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 
wholesomene ss, labelling, packaging, grading 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/fish -and-seafood/imports/molluscan -
shellfish/eng/1377987441620/1377987693551 . Other non -quantitative restrictions exist for the 
import of certain species.  For example, the import ation of live freshwater mitten crab (genus 
Eriocheir) or puffer fish (family Tetraodontidae) is not permitted under the Fish Inspection 
Regulations .  
 
4.  The purpose of licensing is to ensure that importers understand their responsibility for ensuring 
that the fish they import will meet all the applicable Canadian regulatory requirements.  Imports 
must also meet all the applicable import licence and fish inspection regulatory requirements.   
 
5.  The authorization of imports is maintained under the Fish Inspection Act and its Regulations .  
The licensing is statutorily required (see Fish Inspection Regulations ).  The Fish Inspection Act  
allows the Governor -in-Council to regulate imports of fish.  There is no administrative discretion 
with respect to the pr oducts 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 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 45 - 
 
  or organization who wishes to import fish or fish products into Canada, for sal e 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 restric tions.  
 
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 gr ant 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 Notic e; 
-  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 
seafood/imports/documents/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 or dinary 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 Regulation s (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 a ppeals to the 
Regional Director in cases of a suspension or revocation of a licence and describe the procedures 
to do so.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 46 - 
 
  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 speci fic records, for no less than 
3 years, at an address in Canada.  The fish import licence application form and appl ication 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-
seafood/imports/eng/1299825431569/1299825501933 . 
  
Importers must notify the closest CFIA fish inspection office in writing using the Fish Import 
Notification (FIN)  prior to the impo rtation 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 -aboutcfia -sujetacia/STAGING/text -
texte/c5588_re_1383911986940_eng.pdf ), including but not limited to: importer name and license 
number, foreign producer, storage conditions, produ ct 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 these 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 processed and will r emain safe for its entire 
shelf-life). Failure to provide proper written notifi cation 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 different product types and are applied based on the 
declared weight and type of product (as described on the Fis h 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 imported 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 associat ed 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 47 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
11  CANADA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ACT  
11.1  Licensing and Arb itration Regulations  
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 v egetables in import or interprovincial trade conduct transactions in accordance 
with standard rules of trade.  
 
In terms of licensing for the above commodities, licensing applies only to Canadian importers of 
fresh fruits and vegetables. Foreign exporters s hipping 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 dealers importing fresh fruits and vegetables from any 
country. Dealers who have opted to become members 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 restrict the quantity or value of imports. The license 
system promotes fair and equitable trading of fruits and veg etables 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. Th e 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 b e fresh fruits and vegetables are 
required to be licensed, unless exempt as described 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 a s 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 the completeness of the 
company's application. At this time, over 85% of all Canadian dealers have chosen to 
become FFVDRC members and therefore are exempt 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.  
 
8. When assessing a dealer for a licence, refusal would be based on the regulatory requirements 
and respon sibilities not being met (as per the application documentation or through a complaint G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 48 - 
 
  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 w ill 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 CFIA policy allows for an appeal to the refusal to 
issue a licence. The appeal is as sessed 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 b usiness 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 represen tatives in positions of responsibility, a description of the type of 
business and products the company will be importing, and answer questions pertaining to the past 
business practices. See Application for a Produce License 
at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/ english/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 institution where they have recently done business.  
 
11. Imported fresh produce must be accomp anied by a Confirmation of Sale 
form http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/for/pdf/c3885e.pdf  at point of entry into Canada. A 
Confirmati on 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, there is a requirement of an inspection certificate 
certifying that the p roduct 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 prepare d by the New Zealand 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 ap plicable, 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 lice nce. 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 init iated 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.  
 
17. If a condition exists where a suspension or ca ncellation 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.  G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
18.  Any additional administrative procedures relating to the importation of goods under the 
Canadian Agricultural Products Act  would be the responsibility of the importer. For example, 
certain products are also subject to requirements under the Plant Prot ection Act and Regulations .   
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
11.2  Dairy Product Regulations  
Outline of system  
1. The importation of cheese into Canada is subject to licensing under the Canada Agricultural 
Products Act and its regulations (Dairy Product Regulations) , which are administered by the 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Licensing is intended to ensure that imported cheeses 
meet Canadian standards for safety, quality, composition, packaging and labelling.  
 
Requirements related to a cheese import licence are specified in Sections 26.2 to 26.6 of the Dairy 
Products Regulations  (DPR). These sections describe the requirements that must be met to apply 
for and maintain a cheese import licence as well as the conditions for suspension or cancellation of 
a licenc e.   
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. See No. 1.  
 
3. The system applies to cheeses from all countries imported into Canada. Licensing is not required 
for cheese which is not for sale in Canada and (a) weight 20 kg or less; (b) is carried on any 
vesse l, train, motor vehicle, aircraft or other means of transportation for use as food for the crew 
or passengers thereof; (c) is part of an immigrant's personal effects; (d) is consigned to a national 
or international exhibition and weighs 100 kg or less; or (e) is imported from the United States 
into the Akwesasne Reserve for use by an Akwasasne resident.  
 
4. The licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  The licensing 
system ensures that importers implement effective cont rols which provide assurance that the 
cheese they import is safe for consumption, and meets all relevant Canadian regulations and 
standards.  
 
5. The system for licensing of cheese is maintained under the DPR of the Canada Agricultural 
Products Act . There i s 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 Dairy Product Regulations . 
 
Procedures  
6. The quantity and value of imported cheese products are not restricted.  
 
7.(a) CFIA provides cheese import licences in a timely manner. The waiting time is dependent on 
the completeness and accuracy of the company's application. If the applicant's current 
information and annexed do cuments are not complete and accurate, the application will be 
returned to the applicant for resubmission causing delays in the licensing process.  
 
(b)  Cheese import licences cannot be granted immediately.  
 
(c)   There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application for a cheese 
license can be made.  
 
(d)   CFIA is the only administrative body which assesses cheese licence applications.  
 
8. Other than not submitting a complete and accurate application, there are no circumstances to 
refuse an application.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for licence  
9. Any person or company is eligible to apply for a licence to import cheese into Canada.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10. An application for the  issuance , renewal  or amendment  of a cheese  import licence shall be sent 
to the local CFIA dairy inspector  in a form provided  by the Agency  (CFIA / ACIA 5562 (2008/08), 
available  at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/for/mpppe.shtml ) and shall indicate : 
 
-  whether  it is an application for a new cheese  import licence or for the renewal  or 
amendment  of an existing  cheese  import licence;  
-  the number  of the importer's existing cheese import licence, if any and expiry date;  and  
-  the name, address, includi ng postal code, telephone  number , emergency contact number  
and e -mail address . 
 
The application shall have annexed  to it: 
 
(a) a copy of the importer's  cheese recall  program, indicating : 
-  the person responsible for carrying out the program;  
-  the cheese coding system description; and  
-  the notification and other procedures to effect the recall.  
 
(b)  a list of cheeses expected to be imported during the period of the cheese import licence, and 
the country in which they originate;  and  
 
(c)  if the  importer has an establishment in Canada for the purpose of cutting, shredding, 
repackaging, etc. (not including  storage ) of the imported  product , other  than a registered  
establishment, the application shall also have annexed : 
 
-  plans and specifications for the establishment including description of the location of 
the establishment in relation to adjacent facilities, intended uses of rooms and types 
and location of equipment to be used.  
 
-  a copy of the sanitation program for the establishment, indicati ng: 
-  the person responsible for carrying out the program;  
-  the equipment and chemical agents available for use to bring about and 
maintain clean and sanitary conditions; and  
-  the measures proposed to be taken to ensure clean and sanitary conditions .  
 
-  a copy of the pest control program for the establishment, indicating:  
-  the person responsible for carrying out the program; and  
-  the measures proposed to be taken to safely and effectively control insects, 
birds, rodents and other vermin; and  
-  a document indicating the source of water to be used at the establishment for 
drinking or for cheese preparation  and a copy of a certificate of microbiological 
analysis of this water . 
 
11. Brokers or importers  are required  to submit  the following  documents to the regional  CFIA 
Import Service Centres (ISC) for processing : 
 
-  the Request for Release Approval (for cheese, import licence number indicated in the 
comments section) (CFIA/ACIA 5272);  
 
-  Import Declaration (for cheese, import licence nu mber indicated in box 4) (CFIA/ACIA 4560) 
and Import Declaration Annex A - Dairy Products (CFIA/ACIA 5304) if necessary;  
 
-  any supplementary documents such as the commercial invoice, manifest, cargo control 
document.  
 
These  documents are initially  review ed for completeness  and accuracy  by the ISC staff, including  
validation of the CFIA cheese  import licence number .   G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  12. Importers are not required to pay any fee for the issuance, renewal or amendment of a cheese 
import licence; however, importers are requ ired to pay a dairy product import fee. The dairy 
product import fees reflect the resources needed to monitor and inspect the product and are based 
on the declared weight of a shipment as per:  
 
(a) in the case of a shipment of not more than 500  kg net weight, $44.  
 
(b) in the case of a shipment of more than 500 kg but not more than 2,000 kg net weight an 
amount of $44 for the first 500 kg plus $0.012 per additional kg.  
 
(c) in the case of a shipment o f more than 2,000 kg but not more than 6,000 kg net weight an 
amount of $62 for the first 2,000 kg plus $0.0084 per additional kg.  
 
(d) in the case of a shipment of more than 6,000 kg but not more than 10,000 kg net weight an 
amount of $95.60 for the first  6,000 kg plus $0.0036 per additional kg.  
 
(e) in the case of a shipment of more than 10,000  kg net weight an amount of $110 for the first 
10,000  kg plus $0.0012 per additional kg.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment required for a cheese import l icence.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The Cheese import licence is not assignable and expires two years after the date of issue 
indicated on it. Prior to expiry, the CFIA administers the renewal process.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -utilization of licence.  
 
16. No.  
 
17.(a) No. 
 
(b)   No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Depending on the product and country of origin other programs may have additional 
requirements. e.g., Animal Health.  
 
19.  No.  
 
12  WILD ANIMAL AND PLAN T PROTECTION AND REG ULATION OF I NTERNATIONAL AND 
INTERPROVINCIAL TRAD E ACT  
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 
derivative s are listed on Schedule I of the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations  (WAPTR) 
established under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and 
Interprovincial Trade Act  (WAPPRIITA) and subject to licensin g. Species which may be harmful to 
Canadian ecosystems if ever released to the wild, are listed in Schedule II of WAPTR and are also 
subject to licensing.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The purpose of this coverage is:  
 
(a)  to place a strict limi tation on trade in specimens and parts and derivatives of species 
classified as endangered or harmful to Canadian ecosystems;  
 G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  (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 a nd 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 endan gered 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 Anima l 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 Regulations , established by the Governor -in-Council to 
implement an intergovernmental arrangement 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 distributed 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 applica ble. 
 
7.(a)  Individual import permits can be applied for at least 35 days prior to the expected date of 
arrival and are not granted retrospectively.  
 
(b) An individual  import permit is normally granted within 35 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 the CITES Authorities of the Department of 
Environment Canada.  
 
8.  If the criteria have not been met, the applicant 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 d ocuments as in the response to Ques tion 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 accompanied by a Canadian CITES import permit.  
Customs entry forms are also required.    
 
12. No fees.  
 
13. Not applicable . G/LIC/N/3/CAN/16  
 
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  Conditions of licensing  
14. CITES import permits are valid for one year from the date of issue.  In cases of permit 
expiration before use, the applicant can apply for a replacement permit upon return of the expired 
permit.  
 
15. No. 
 
16. No. 
 
17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Applicants for import permits have to meet any provincial/territorial/federal  administrative 
procedures with regards to the specimen such as provisions for possession or transport within 
Canada.  
 
19.  Not applicable.  
 
13  EXPORT AND IMPORT OF  ROUGH DIAMONDS ACT  
Outline of system  
1.  The Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act  (S.C., 2002, c. 25) received Royal Assent on 
12 December 2002 and came into force on 1st January 2003. The Act provides for controls on the 
export, import or transit across Canada of rough diamonds and for a certification scheme for the 
export of rough dia monds in order to meet Canada's obligations under the Kimberley Process. 
Under this system, every person who exports rough diamonds must ensure that the diamonds are 
in a container that meets the requirements of the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds 
Regulations  (SOR/2003 -15) and are accompanied by a Canadian Certificate. On receiving an 
application for a Canadian Certificate from a resident of Canada for the export of rough diamonds, 
the Minister of Natural Resources must issue a Canadian certificate if t he application meets the 
requirements of the Regulations. Before issuing a Canadian Certificate, the Minister must be 
satisfied that the export is to a participant, the information contained in the application is accurate, 
and the rough diamonds in respect  of which the application is made originated in Canada, were 
extracted from mineral concentrates in Canada, were imported from a participant or were in 
Canada prior to 1st January 2003.  
 
Every person who imports rough diamonds must ensure that the diamonds  are in a container that 
meets the requirements of the R egulations and are accompanied by a valid Kimberley Process 
Certificate that was issued by a participant, has not been invalidated by the participant and that 
contains accurate information. For the pu rpose of this Act, in -transit rough diamonds are deemed 
not to be imported or exported.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The purpose of this Act is to provide for controls on the export, import or transit across Canada 
of rough diamonds in order to meet Canada's obligations under the Kimberley Process. The 
Kimberley Process is an international understanding among participants that was recognized by 
Resolution 55/56 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 1st December 2000. 
The Kimber ley Process establishes minimum requirements for an international scheme of 
certification for rough diamonds with a view to breaking the link between armed conflict and the 
trade in rough diamonds. A rough diamond is defined as a diamond that is unsorted, unworked or 
simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, and that falls under subheading 7102.10, 7102.21 or 7102.31 in 
the List of Tariff Provisions set out in the schedule to the Customs Tariff, but does not include 
diamonds that are of a class prescribed by regulati on. 
 
3. The system applies to rough diamonds originating in and coming from a participant. A 
participant is defined as a State, international organization of States or dependent territory of a 
State, or a customs territory, named in the Schedule to the Act . 
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  4.  The licensing is intended to impose controls on rough diamonds to regulate their import, export 
and transit across Canada in order to meet Canada's obligations under the Kimberley Process. The 
Kimberley Process establishes minimum requirements for a n international certification scheme for 
rough diamonds with a view of breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds 
and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts.  
 
5.  The licensing of exports is a re quirement under section 8 of the Act, which establishes that a 
Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate is required for exporting rough diamonds from Canada. 
Section 12 provides that if the Minister of Natural Resources determines that information provided 
by an applicant in order to obtain a Canadian Certificate, or information appearing on the 
certificate, is inaccurate or has changed, the Minister may invalidate the certificate.  
 
Section 14 of the Act requires that imports of rough diamonds be accompanied by a Kimberley 
Process Certificate issued by a participant, that has not been invalidated, and that contains 
accurate information. Subsection 15(1) provides that if imported rough diamonds arrive in Canada 
accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate tha t meets the requirements of section 14 of the 
Act, but are in a container that has been opened, the Minister may order the person who imported 
the rough diamonds to return them to the participant who issued the certificate.  
 
Pursuant to paragraph 35(a), th e Minister of Natural Resources may make regulations to prescribe 
the classes of diamonds to be excluded from the definition of "rough diamond".  
 
Legislative approval would be required to abolish this system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable. Quantity and value restrictions, beyond the minimum requirements for 
Certificates in Annex I of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Document, do not apply to 
imports of rough diamonds.  
 
7.    The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is implemented through the national legislation of 
the respective participants. The participants' exporting authority is responsible for issuance of 
licenses for export. Although participants' licensing systems conform to the Kimberley Process 
minimum requirements, the terms vary fr om participant to participant in respect to application 
requirements and time frame for issuance of licenses.  
 
It takes typically a business day to issue a Canadian license for exports of rough diamonds from 
Canada. For clients with remote printing capabil ity, it may take as little as a couple of hours from 
the submission of an application to issue a Canadian Certificate for exports. The Canadian licenses 
for exports are issued by the Kimberley Process Office in the Department of Natural Resources 
based in Ottawa. There are no further approvals required from other administrative entities for the 
issuance of export licenses.  
 
8.  If an application for a Canadian license for exports does not meet the criteria in subsection 9(2) 
of the Act, paragraph 9(1)(c) pr ovides that the Minister must reject the application and the 
applicant is provided with the reasons for rejection in writing. Section 10 provides that if the 
applicant does not remedy the deficiency, within such time as the Minister considers reasonable, 
the Minister may reject the application.  
 
9.  Import licenses are issued by foreign authorities of the respective participants. Export licenses 
are issued by the Kimberley Process Office in the Department of Natural Resources under the 
authority of the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act . Only Canadian residents may apply for 
a license to export rough diamonds from Canada. Although the system does not currently require 
registration of persons or firms, the Minister may make regulations respecting the man ner of 
submitting an application, specifying the information that must be included in it and the 
documents that must accompany the application.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  An application for a Canadian license f or export of rough diamonds under section 9 of the Act 
must include the following information as set out in section 2 of the Regulations:  
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  (a)   The applicant's name and address in Canada and, if the applicant is a corporation, the name 
of the individual s ubmitting the application on its behalf;  
(b)   If the applicant is not the exporter of the rough diamonds, the name and address of the 
exporter;  
(c)   The name and address of the person to whom the exporter is exporting the rough 
diamonds;  
(d)   The name of the participant to which the rough diamonds are to be shipped;  
(e)   the origin of the rough diamonds including:  
(i)    If they were mined in Canada,  the place and name of the mine;  
(ii)  If they were recovered during exploration in Canada, the longitud e and latitude of the 
exploration site, and the place and name of the facili ty in which they were extracted;  
(iii)  If they were extracted in Canada from mineral concentrates that originated outside 
Canada, the place and name of the facili ty in which they were extracted;  
(iv)  If they were present in Canada at the coming into force of section 8 of the Act, 
documentary evidence establishing their presence in Canada at that time;  and 
(v)  If they were imported into Canada after the coming into force of sectio n 8 of the Act, 
the serial number of each Kimberley Process Certificate that accompanied the rough 
diamonds;  
(f)   The mass, measured in carats, of the rough diamonds in the shipment;  
(g)  The value, in United States dollars, of the rough diamonds in the shipment;  
(h)  The subheading in the List of Tariff Provisions in the schedule to the Customs Tariff under 
which the rough diamonds are classified;  
(i)  The number of containers in the shipment and a seal number for each container; and  
(j)  A declaration s igned and dated by the applicant stating that the information contained in the 
application is accurate.  
 
Section 3 of the Regulations provides that an application for the replacement of a Canadian license 
for the export of rough diamonds under section 11 o f the Act must meet the following criteria:  
 
(a)   Be made before the export of the rough diamonds;  
(b)  Contain all the information required under section 2 of the Regulations including any 
information appearing on the Canadian license that is inaccurate of has changed; and  
(c)   Be accompanied by the Canadian license in respect of which the application is made.  
 
Under section 4 of the Regulations, an application to the Minister under section 9 or 11 of the Act 
must be delivered by hand or sent by mail or courier or by facsimile or other electronic means.  
 
11.  Pursuant to subsection 14(1) of the Act, a Kimberley Process Certificate issued by a 
participant is required to accompany import shipments of rough diamonds into Canada.  
 
12.  There are currently no licensing fees or administrative fees charged to applicants for the 
issuance of licenses for export of rough diamonds from Canada. However, section 34 of the Act 
provides that the Governor in Council may make regulations to prescribe the fees payable for t he 
issuance or replacement of a Canadian license.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of export 
licenses.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  Section 6 of the Regulations provides that a Canadian Certificate is valid until 24:00 
Greenwich mean time of the day that is 60 days after the date of issue. The validity of a license 
cannot be extended. However, the period of validity may be changed by regulation by the Minister 
of Natural Resources pursuant to subsection  35 (b) of the Act.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a license.  
 
16. Licenses are not transferable.  
 
17. (a) Not applicable.  
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  (b)  The Minister of Natural Resources may make regulations specifying the content of Canadian 
licenses. Additionally, pursuant to section 7 of the Regulations, every exporter of rough 
diamonds must report the export to attest to the accuracy of the information contained in 
the Canadian license by signing the report and sending it to the Minister within seven  days 
of Export.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Apart from procedures provided for in the Act and the Regulations, including requirements 
associated with inspections, record keeping and export and import reporting, no additional 
administrative procedur es are required.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
__________