Requirements for Cold Storage Warehouses that Store Fish and Seafood Products Prior to Export to the EU

PDF (22 kb)

December 17, 2012

To: All Exporters of Fish and Seafood Products to the European Union (EU)

Subject: Requirements for Cold Storage Warehouses that Store Fish and Seafood Products Prior to Export to the EU

The following is to inform exporters of the EU requirement to store frozen fish and seafood products, prior to their export to the EU, in a cold storage warehouse that is posted on the List of Canadian Establishments Approved to Export Fishery Products to the European Union - PDF (154 kb) (EU list).

The Canadian Fish Inspection Regulations require exporters to take appropriate measures to prevent the contamination and deterioration of fish and seafood. This includes storing frozen fish and seafood under appropriate conditions. Cold storage warehouses that store fish and seafood products prior to export to the EU must either hold a fish export licence or be registered with the CFIA. Only such cold storage warehouses are eligible to be posted on the EU list.

To obtain a fish export licence a cold storage warehouse must attest that they meet the Fish Inspection Regulations, including the development and implementation of controls to protect products from contamination and to ensure the maintenance of adequate storage temperature. For the fish export licence requirements and application form, please visit the CFIA website Fish and Seafood - Exports. Further information is also available on the fish export requirements for cold storage warehouses on the CFIA website at Certification Requirements - European Union.

In order to prevent unnecessary disruptions in trade, exporters should take the necessary steps to ensure that the cold storage warehouses where their fish and seafood products are stored are posted on the EU list by March 31st, 2013. Following this date the CFIA will certify frozen fish and seafood, for export to the EU, only if they are stored in a cold storage warehouse posted on the EU list.

To get on the EU list a licensed or registered cold storage warehouse must submit a request to the CFIA in accordance with the Procedure to update the EU Approval Lists. Requests for inclusion on the EU list can take over a month to come in effect.

If you require further information, please contact your local CFIA Fish Inspector.

Sincerely,

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