Import Inspection Program

Fish and fish products imported into Canada are inspected to prevent the marketing of unsafe or unwholesome or mislabelled products. Inspection effort is directed at foreign processors which have demonstrated a history of poor compliance with Canadian standards. On the other hand, inspection effort is reduced through the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with other countries having reliable inspection systems.

Import Policy and Documents

Information we provide for the food industry includes:

• Changes to the Automated Import Reference System for Aquatic Animals
• Enhanced Inspection List
• Forms – available in PDF format
  • Fish Import Licence Application – PDF (12 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 5587)
  • Application for Credit – PDF (12 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 0015)
  • Request for an Inspection to Reinstate an Import Licence – PDF (36 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 5373)
  • Request for an Inspection of Fish – PDF (52 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 2003/05)
  • Fish Import Notification – PDF (12 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 5588) / Instructions
  • Mandatory Inspection List Update – PDF (12 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 5467)
  • Import Products Destined for Further Processing in Federally Registered Establishments – PDF (12 kb) (CFIA/ACIA 5608)
• Import Information by Jurisdiction
  • Ecuador – Preferred Status Plant List – shrimp
  • Philippine – Preferred Status Plant List – shrimp, tuna
  • Approved List of Fish Processing Establishments – Thailand PDF (31 kb)
  • Vietnam Establishments Eligible for Certification by Vietnam Authorities
• Mandatory Inspection List

Reference Material

Import Licences

• Canadian Regulatory Requirements for Fish Import License Holders (Basic)
• Canadian Regulatory Requirements for Quality Management Program Import Licence Holders (QMPI Importers)

Maintaining Compliance

• Corrective Action Plan Standard

Molluscan Shellfish

• Importing Live and Raw Molluscan Shellfish

Product Inspection

• Information for Importers using Private Laboratories for Testing of Fish and Fish Products
• List of Large Predatory, Freshwater, and Bottom Feeder Fish (see species risks in CFIA Fish List)
• List of Fish Species Associated with a Histamine Hazard (see species risks in CFIA Fish List)