Aquatic Animal Health Export Program

Through the National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for export health certification of aquatic animals and aquatic animal products. While certification of these exports is not mandatory, it allows Canadian exporters to access many foreign markets that require certain health criteria be met prior to importing aquatic animals and their products.

Export certification under the NAAHP is distinct from the food safety export program run by the CFIA's Fish Seafood and Production Division, which addresses consumer safety rather than animal health.

The NAAHP strives to maintain access to existing fish and seafood markets while working to secure entry to new markets. The primary goal of aquatic animal health export certification is to facilitate safe and competitive trade. Export certification also helps preserve Canada's strong reputation as a provider of fish and seafood by ensuring pathogens are not spread to other countries as a result of importing products from Canada.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), an international intergovernmental organization, strives to promote animal health and safe trade. The World Trade Organisation recognizes the OIE as the standard setting authority for aquatic animal health and, as a member of the two bodies, Canada must observe the international trade rules and standards that are established by both. Likewise, Canada holds its trading partners to the same principles.

The CFIA facilitates export activities through inspection and certification programs that are supported by science-based principles and consistent with OIE standards. These activities are driven by market demands and the development of such programs is generally in response to international trends with regard to import controls on aquatic animals and their products, as well as new and expanding knowledge on aquatic animal disease issues.

Negotiation of import requirements for Canadian products is an important task for the CFIA. With support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Agency establishes import requirements with trading partners, aiming to set practical, cost-effective and science-based import conditions. In meeting these conditions, Fisheries and Oceans Canada plays a key role in providing health testing consistent with international standards that may be required by Canadian exporters.

The CFIA serves as a resource to exporters and industry by providing clarification of import requirements of other countries, as well as certification procedures. For information regarding the export program and general inquiries about exporting aquatic animals and their products please contact: Dr. Joanne Constantine, National Manager, AAHD Import/Export, 613-221-1469, Joanne.Constantine@inspection.gc.ca