Safe Food For Canadians Regulations To Require License For Businesses
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Safe Food For Canadians Regulations To Require License For Businesses

Safe Food For Canadians Regulations

If you have a business providing food to Canadians, you will most likely be affected by the new Safe Food For Canadians Regulations (SFCR) being implemented January 15, 2019. The SFCR focus is to prevent unsafe foods from entering into Canadian marketplaces, as well as, providing faster means to eliminate unsafe foods when they manage to penetrate the marketplace.

Canada Food Import Guide

How Will SFCR Affect Food Businesses?

Starting January 15, 2019, if you provide food to Canadians, and the food crosses provincial or territorial borders, you will be required to have a license under the SFCR.

The SFCR will also require you to have preventative controls, traceable goods, packaging requirements, and labeling standards to make sure your food is safe for Canadians.

As a food business, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has a helpful tool to inform you;

  1. If you need a license,
  2. When you will need the license by, and
  3. How to apply for the license.
Basic Import Requirements For Food Products Into Canada

What Food Business Activities Will Require A SFCR License?

For more information on if you need a license, the CFIA has also produced a well structured guide Food business activities that require a license under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. This guide is helpful for the DIY (Do It Yourself) approach. It covers who will need a license and who will not. For instance, if you are going on a road trip across Canada and you have a few snacks, you will not need a license. However, if you are importing food into Canada, you will need a license if you are importing food additives, alcoholic beverages, and for all unprocessed foods listed in Schedule 1 of the SFCR.

Canadian Food Importers: New Regulations Affecting Your Imports

An Expert Trade Advisor You Can Rely On

For those who do not want to study the requirements top to bottom, a customs broker or trade advisor will be able to help you navigate the new regulations of the SFCR beginning early 2019. You can contact one of our expert trade advisors today to help you simplify the complicated world of trade.

Speak To A Trade Advisor
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About the Author
Gloria Terhaar
CCS (CA/US), CTCS, CBSA Prof. Designate

Gloria Terhaar began her career in Canadian customs brokerage 2007. She currently works in our Canadian division as a Trade Compliance Supervisor and Regulatory Compliance Specialist. Gloria has extensive experience in all aspects of documentation and regulatory requirements as they relate to importing products into Canada. Gloria is often called upon to train industry with some recent talks for MNP, the Surrey Board of Trade, TFO Canada and the BC Produce Marketing Association. In 2018, Gloria also participated in the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and the Canadian Horticultural Council advocacy event "Fall Harvest" in Ottawa where she participated in advocacy efforts for the Canadian produce industry.

While we strive for accuracy in all our communications, as the Importer of Record it is incumbent upon your company to ensure that you are aware of the requirements under the new regulations so that you maintain compliance as always.