Notice issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on November 1, 2023
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food import notice to inform importers that on February 12, 2024, the CFIA will activate the automatic verification of Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licences for imports of manufactured foods.
Key Takeaways
- Food import transactions will be automatically rejected unless a valid SFC licence is declared.
- A valid SFC licence to import is:
– active (not expired, surrendered, suspended, or cancelled);
– issued for the activity “Importing Food”;
– and issued for the commodities that are being imported. - The importer’s SFC licence number must also be entered correctly on their import declaration.
- If a transaction is rejected, the importer’s shipment will be denied entry into Canada until their licensing error(s) are corrected and their import declaration is re-submitted.
The CFIA has also updated its guidance on an Importing food with a valid Safe Food for Canadians licence. If you import food into Canada, refer to this guidance for more information on automatic licence verification and the steps you can take to make sure your SFC licence is valid.
Holding a valid SFC licence before you submit your import declaration will
help prevent your food shipment from being delayed at the border.
Helpful Links
Importing food with a valid Safe Food for Canadians licence
What to consider before applying for a Safe Food for Canadians licence
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the declaration of a Safe Food licence, please reach out to Argo Customs Brokers. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the requirements for the CFIA. Contact ARGO Customs brokers today for any import/export services or information you may require.