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FedEx Communication – Canada – Importing Food Products for Personal Use or Consumption [2022-12-23]

Dear Customers,

RegAlert: Reminder – Canada – Importing Food Products for Personal Use or Consumption

December 2, 2022

All food products imported into Canada are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), including products intended for personal use or consumption. Depending on the type of food (e.g., dairy, meat, seafood, etc.) and the quantity and/or origin of the products being imported, additional requirements or restrictions may apply.

All food products

To assist in determining what food products are admissible for import into Canada for personal use or consumption and the maximum quantity allowed for each product, please refer to the food product tables available in the following CFIA links.

· Table 1. Food products allowed into Canada originating from United States

· Table 2. Food products allowed into Canada originating from a foreign country other than United States

If the products you are importing are not listed in the CFIA tables, please refer to the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for the details.

If additional documentation is required for the food products being imported, please refer to AIRS to determine the specific documents (e.g., permits or licenses) or contact the Centre of Administration for Permissions.

Meat products

Meat products are prohibited from being imported into Canada for personal use or consumption, regardless of the quantity or origin of the goods. Consumers should review the requirements for their food products by referring to the CFIA food product tables or by using by AIRS (see links above) prior to importing into Canada to help reduce clearance delays and/or the goods from being refused entry.

Important: The CFIA has advised that online purchases of ‘gift baskets’ containing meat are prohibited for importation into Canada for personal use or consumption and will be refused entry. In addition, shipments imported from countries other than the U.S. that contain dairy products (other than cheese) or eggs, are also prohibited More information is available in the CFIA Import Food Notice - Imported gift baskets containing food. For any exceptions to specific meat products imported from the US or any other country, please refer to CFIA AIRS.

Additional Information

· CFIA – Importing Food, Plants or Animals

· CFIA Food Import Notices

References:

Table 1: Food products allowed into Canada originating from United States

https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-consumers/bringing-food-into-canada-for-personal-use/eng/1389630031549/1389630282362#tab1

Table 2: Food products allowed into Canada originating from a foreign country other than United States

https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-consumers/bringing-food-into-canada-for-personal-use/eng/1389630031549/1389630282362#tab2

Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)

https://inspection.canada.ca/importing-food-plants-or-animals/plant-and-plant-product-imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409

Centre of Administration of Permissions

https://inspection.canada.ca/about-cfia/permits-licences-and-approvals/centre-of-administration-for-permissions/eng/1395348583779/1395348638922