Exporting food out of Canada
Although the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) came into force on January 15, 2019, other requirements will be introduced in 2020 and 2021 based on food commodity, type of activity and business size. For more information, refer to the SFCR timelines.
Attention exporters
Countries may have different requirements for each food commodity. You are responsible for knowing the importing country requirements for public health, animal health, and plant protection.
Some countries require export certificates for certain foods. You can get these from the CFIA for products that are still in Canada. If the product has already left Canada, it is not eligible for certification.
The CFIA also verifies that the products you want to export meet Canadian requirements (if applicable).
Know your food exporting requirements. Explore the topics below to learn what is required to export food out of Canada.
Services and information
Exporting food: A step-by-step guide
Steps to export food out of Canada.
Checklist for exporting food
Ensure food can be exported out of Canada.
General requirements
Export requirements for processors, stores, and most exporters.
Exporting specific foods
Programs to make specific foods eligible for export out of Canada.
Export requirements library
Requirements for exporting food to specific countries, listed country-by-country from A-to-Z.
Export certification
Export certificate types and certification requirements.
Export registers and lists
Lists of exporters eligible to export food out of Canada.
Food export notices
Notices of changes to foreign market export requirements.
Additional resources for exporters
More information on exporting food including guides and export policies.
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