Requirements for Importing Live and Raw Molluscan Shellfish - New Mandatory Declaration of Country of Harvest on CFIA Documents

PDF (277 kb)

17 October 2007

TO: ALL IMPORTERS OF FISH AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS

SUBJECT: REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTING LIVE AND RAW MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH - NEW MANDATORY DECLARATION OF COUNTRY OF HARVEST ON CFIA DOCUMENTS

In light of recent incidents where approved shippers sent to Canada live mussels harvested in non-agreement countries, we would like to remind all Canadian importers of the requirements for importing live and raw molluscan shellfish, whether frozen or unfrozen.

As described on CFIA's webpage titled "Importing Live and Raw Molluscan Shellfish", only live and raw molluscan shellfish that were harvested from the waters of an agreement country and were handled by an approved shipper or exporter may be imported into Canada. For more details on the shellfish, countries, shippers and exporters that are covered by an agreement with Canada, please refer to the above-mentioned webpage.

Starting November 15, 2007, importers of live and raw molluscan shellfish will be required to declare the country where the shellfish were harvested in the comment section of the CFIA Import Service Center Cover Sheet. Failure to do so may result in the shipment being refused entry into Canada.

We also want to remind importers that they must notify their local CFIA office of all shipments of fish, including live and raw molluscan shellfish. For the purpose of live and raw molluscan shellfish, the importers should note that the "country of origin" on the CFIA Fish Import Notification (PDF 153 kb) is defined as being the country where the shellfish were harvested.

If you have questions related to this matter, please contact your local CFIA office or Mr. Alf Bungay, National Manager, Inspection Systems and HACCP, Fish Seafood and Production Division at 613-694-3083.

original signed by

Mary Ann Green
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Animal Products Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency