Planned Changes to Export Certification

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December 18, 2012

To: All Exporters of Fish and Seafood Products Requiring Export Certificates Issued Under the Fish Inspection Regulations

Subject: Planned Changes to Export Certification

The Canadian Fish Inspection Regulations (FIR) require exporters to take appropriate measures to export fish that are safe, wholesome and properly identified. Compliance with the FIR allows the CFIA to provide export guarantees regarding these requirements to support market access. This notice is to provide advance information on the steps CFIA will be taking to strengthen its approach for certifying that exporters comply with the FIR and any additional importing country requirements. These steps will be phased in over the next two years, beginning in summer 2013.

This notice does not apply to certificates issued for aquatic animal health purposes.

All (types of) exporters will be expected to apply preventative controls to ensure fish were handled properly throughout the production chain. The type of exporter will determine the preventative controls required in order to be eligible for export certificates.

Types of exporters include:

  • Establishments of Live and/or Fresh Fish ("non-registered" fish exporters)
  • Registered Establishments
  • Brokers

Types of mechanisms include:

  • Export Licence
  • Export Certification Control Program
  • Protocol for Partially Completed Certificates

Export Licence

Exporters currently not registered by the CFIA will need to apply for a licence to receive export certificates. For further information regarding licensing, please refer to the CFIA Fish and Seafood - Exports webpage.

Export Certification Control Program (ECCP)

All registered or licensed exporters will be required to have a documented ECCP plan as a condition of receiving export certificates. Registered establishments will only be required to update their QMP plan with specified ECCP elements not captured within their QMP, and initially only if they are participating in the protocol for partially completed certificates.

Protocol for Partially Completed Certificates

Licensed or registered exporters wishing to receive partially completed export certificates must adhere to this protocol, which will replace the existing Live Lobster Certification Protocol. This new Protocol is being implemented to update the security measures surrounding partially completed certificates and to broaden the scope of products eligible for them.

Brokers and Other Establishments

The licensing of brokers of fish products will begin April 1, 2014. Licensing will enable them to request export certificates, with product inspections reduced from those currently stated in the FIR.

Registered establishments not using the Protocol for Partially Completed Certificates will be required to implement identified elements of the ECCP Reference Standard into their existing QMP plan beginning April 1, 2014.

Future Notifications

As the phasing in of the new Fish Export Certification requirements continues, the CFIA will notify industry and post information on the CFIA Fish and Seafood - Exports webpage.

Sincerely,

Terence McRae
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Agrifood, Meat and Seafood Safety Directorate