Do I need an SFC Licence to import food commercially?

Yes, most commercial food importers require a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) Licence before importing. Apply online through My CFIA. Processing takes about 15 business days. Small samples under 100 kg for research or trade shows may be exempt, and personal food imports for your own use don't require a licence.

What is a Preventive Control Plan and do I need one?

A Preventive Control Plan (PCP) is a written document describing how you control food safety hazards throughout your import operation. While not always mandatory for all importers, CFIA strongly recommends it and may request it during an inspection. It covers supplier approval, food safety controls, allergen management, recall procedures, and record retention.

How much does it cost to import food into Canada?

Costs depend on your product and country of origin. Many basic grocery items are GST zero-rated; others attract 5% GST. Customs duties vary by HS code and trade agreement eligibility — products from CUSMA/USMCA countries may qualify for reduced or zero duty with a Certificate of Origin. Add brokerage fees (typically $75–200 per shipment), any CFIA inspection fees, and transportation costs.

How long does food customs clearance take?

Most food shipments clear in 1–2 business days when documentation is complete and in order. Products requiring CFIA inspection or holding for examination can take 3–5 days or longer. Providing your documentation and SFC Licence number to your broker before the shipment arrives speeds things up significantly.

What traceability records am I required to keep?

Canadian food regulations require you to maintain records that identify who supplied the food to you (one step back) and who you supplied it to (one step forward). These records must be available to CFIA upon request and are essential for managing product recalls.

Can I import food from any country?

Most countries, yes — but eligibility depends on the specific product and its country of origin. Some products from certain countries are restricted or require additional permits and certificates due to disease or safety concerns. Always check AIRS before ordering to confirm your product and country combination is admissible.

How to Import Food into Canada

Complete 2026 Importing GuideUpdated for 2026

Food is one of the most regulated import categories in Canada. This guide walks you through every compliance step — from licensing and food safety programs to labelling, duties, and traceability — so your shipments clear without delays.

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How to import food into Canada - CFIA compliance guide

Why Food Imports Require Extra Care

Food is regulated more heavily than almost any other import category in Canada. Whether you're bringing in packaged foods, beverages, ingredients, frozen foods, seafood, or fresh produce, you're subject to requirements from both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Most commercial food importers must hold a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) Licence before their first shipment arrives. Beyond that, you're responsible for a documented food safety compliance program, bilingual labelling, correct HS classification, full traceability records, and ongoing post-clearance compliance.

This guide breaks the full process into 10 clear steps. A good customs broker handles the border paperwork, but the licensing, food safety program, and record-keeping responsibilities rest with you as the importer.

10 Steps to Import Food into Canada

Follow these steps in order to import food products compliantly and avoid costly delays or border holds.

11–2 days

Determine Whether Your Product Can Be Imported

Before ordering, confirm that your specific product is admissible to Canada. Use CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to check requirements by product type and country of origin. Products like meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, and certain processed foods commonly require additional controls based on product type, country of origin, manufacturing facility, ingredients, and intended use.

Key Points

Search AIRS before placing your order — it only takes a few minutes
Country of origin matters: the same product from different countries can have very different requirements
Some products require import permits or export certificates from the country of origin

CFIA:AIRS Database

215 business days

Obtain a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) Licence

Most commercial food importers must hold a valid SFC Licence before importing. Apply online through My CFIA. The licence also covers preventive control requirements, traceability obligations, recall procedures, and record-keeping. Processing typically takes around 15 business days.

Key Points

Apply through My CFIA — it's the only way to apply
One licence covers all food types you want to import
Renew annually to keep your licence active

CFIA:SFC Licence Application

3Ongoing

Establish Your Food Safety Compliance Program

As importer, you are responsible for ensuring that all food you bring into Canada meets Canadian safety requirements. Your program should address supplier approval, food safety controls, product specifications, allergen controls, corrective actions, recall procedures, and record retention. Many importers document this in a formal Preventive Control Plan (PCP).

Key Points

CFIA provides guidance and templates for building a Preventive Control Plan
Supplier approval records are a key part of any CFIA inspection
Keep your compliance program documents current and readily accessible

CFIA:Preventive Control Plans

4Varies by product

Verify Labelling Requirements

All food sold in Canada must carry bilingual labels in English and French. Mandatory elements include: the common product name, net quantity, ingredient list, allergen declarations, a Nutrition Facts table, country of origin, and the name and address of the responsible Canadian party. All claims on the label must also comply with Canadian regulations.

Key Points

Sticker labels applied before sale are acceptable for most products
CFIA has free label templates and a labelling compliance tool online
Allergen declarations are strictly enforced — review Canada's priority allergen list carefully

CFIA:Food Labelling Requirements

51–2 days

Confirm Tariff Classification and Duty Rates

Every food product needs a correct Harmonized System (HS) code. Classification determines applicable duty rates, eligibility under trade agreements like CUSMA/USMCA, additional regulatory requirements, and statistical reporting. Duty rates vary by product composition, processing level, packaging, and country of origin. Free trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties — but only with proper origin documentation.

Key Points

Work with your customs broker to confirm the correct HS code before your first shipment
Misclassification can result in back-duties, penalties, and re-examination
Request a Certificate of Origin from your supplier to access trade agreement rates

CBSA:Canada Customs Tariff

6Before each shipment

Prepare Required Import Documentation

A complete documentation package is essential for smooth customs clearance. Core documents include a commercial invoice (listing seller, buyer, detailed product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and country of origin), and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on your product, you may also need export certificates, health certificates, veterinary certificates, import permits, or quota documentation.

Key Points

Use specific product descriptions — 'frozen salmon fillets' not just 'seafood'
Accurate quantities and values on the invoice prevent duty disputes
Confirm any permit requirements through AIRS before the shipment ships

CBSA:CBSA Import Requirements

7Ongoing

Ensure Traceability Requirements Are Met

Canadian food regulations require you to maintain records that trace your products one step back (who supplied the food to you) and one step forward (who you supplied it to). This traceability chain is a core compliance requirement and is essential for effective recalls and CFIA inspections.

Key Points

Establish a simple record-keeping system from day one
Records should link lot numbers or shipment identifiers to suppliers and customers
CFIA can request traceability records at any time — be ready to respond quickly

CFIA:Traceability Requirements

8Same day to several days

Arrange Customs Clearance

Submit your documentation to CBSA before your shipment arrives. Your customs broker prepares import declarations, confirms product classification, calculates duties and taxes, submits release requests, and coordinates with CFIA when inspection or additional review is required. Clearance times range from the same day to several days depending on the product and CFIA involvement.

Key Points

Provide your SFC Licence number to your broker before the shipment arrives
Pre-arrival submission speeds up release — don't wait until the truck is at the border
Build extra time into your first few shipments of a new product

CBSA:CBSA Import Guide

9At time of clearance

Pay Duties, Taxes, and Other Charges

Customs duties vary by HS classification, country of origin, and trade agreement eligibility. GST treatment depends on the product — many basic grocery items are zero-rated, while others are subject to the 5% GST. Additional charges to budget for include brokerage fees, examination fees, storage charges, CFIA inspection costs, and transportation charges.

Key Points

Ask your broker for a landed cost estimate before your first shipment
Zero-rated GST applies to many staple foods — confirm with your broker
Trade agreement eligibility can significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties

CBSA:CBSA Duties & Taxes

10Ongoing

Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Clearing customs is not the end of your obligations. After release, you must maintain supplier records, traceability records, recall procedures, import documentation, food safety records, and your regulatory compliance programs. CFIA may request any of these records during an inspection — sometimes years after the import.

Key Points

Keep all import records for a minimum of 2 years (longer for some products)
Review your food safety program at least annually and after any significant change
Test your recall procedure periodically so you can act quickly if needed

CFIA:CFIA Food Safety for Industry

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Importing Before Obtaining Required Licences

Risk: Shipments will be held at the border or refused entry. You'll pay storage fees while waiting, and repeat violations can lead to licence suspension.

Solution: Apply for your SFC Licence at least 3 weeks before your first shipment. Check AIRS for any additional permits required before you place your order.

Using Incorrect HS Codes

Risk: Wrong classification leads to incorrect duty rates, missed trade agreement eligibility, penalties, and shipments flagged for re-examination.

Solution: Work with your customs broker to confirm the correct HS code before your first shipment of any new product. Don't carry over codes from other markets.

Assuming Foreign Labels Meet Canadian Requirements

Risk: Non-compliant labels result in border delays, mandatory relabelling at your cost, and potential rejection of the shipment.

Solution: Review Canadian labelling requirements for every product before shipping. Bilingual labels, allergen declarations, and Nutrition Facts tables are mandatory — US or EU labels are almost never compliant as-is.

Failing to Verify Supplier Compliance

Risk: You are responsible for your supplier's food safety practices. Importing from an unapproved or non-compliant supplier can result in recalls, border holds, and regulatory action against your business.

Solution: Establish a supplier approval process. Request food safety certifications, facility audits, and product specifications from all suppliers before your first order.

Poor Record Keeping

Risk: CFIA can request traceability and compliance records during an inspection — sometimes years after the import. Inadequate records can result in fines and loss of import privileges.

Solution: Set up a simple, consistent record-keeping system from day one. Retain all import documentation, traceability records, and food safety program materials for at least 2 years (longer for some products).

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