Argo Customs Brokers is pleased to present pertinent points from a document issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The document titled Importing Fresh Fruit or Vegetables outlines requirements specific to importing Fresh Fruit or Vegetables (FFV).
In order to ensure that you will also meet the general import requirements for importing food and the preparation of your preventive control plan, please refer to Importing Food: A Step by Step Guide and Importer Guide: Prepare Your Preventive Control Plan.
The specific import requirements for importing FFV can be found in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). AIRS information is updated frequently, so prior to importing, you should verify AIRS to ensure that the import requirements have not changed.
To import fresh mangos, importers must first obtain an SFC CFIA licence and a DRC certificate (or an exemption letter when handling small volumes). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) imported into Canada. Certain imported fruits or vegetables involve additional requirements from other Canadian regulations, such as the Plant Protection Act and Regulations, where a phytosanitary certification or an import permit may be required.
In addition to a licence to import, importers of FFV must also hold membership with the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC). This does not apply to nuts, wild fruits, or wild vegetables. Information regarding membership in the DRC can be found on the DRC website. There are some permitted exceptions to requiring DRC membership:
- any person who only sells fresh fruits or vegetables directly to consumers, less than $100,000 within the previous twelve months
- any person who sends or conveys from one province to another or imports or exports less than one metric ton (2,205 lb) of fresh fruits and vegetables per day
- any person who only sells fresh fruits or vegetables that they have grown themselves
- any organization that is a registered charity as defined in subsection 248(1) of the Income Tax Act or a club, society or association described in paragraph 149(1)(l) of that Act
Note that the above exceptions to the DRC membership requirement are not exceptions to the requirement to hold a licence to import under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
Key Takeaways
- Importers must first obtain an SFC CFIA licence and a DRC certificate (or an exemption letter when handling small volumes).
- In addition to a licence to import, importers of FFV must also hold membership with the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC).
Associated Links
- Importing Fresh Fruit or Vegetables
- Importing food: a step by step guide
- Importer guide: prepare your preventive control plan.
- Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
- Membership in the DRC
Argo Customs Brokers is Available to Assist
ARGO Customs brokers specializes in the importation of fresh produce and provide knowledgeable personnel to ensure successful transactions. If you are an individual or represent a company that is involved with importing such products, ARGO Customs brokers can provide assistance. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you understand the effect that the information in this document can have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.