Language selection

Search

Importing live and raw molluscan shellfish

Live or raw molluscan shellfish, whether frozen or unfrozen, must be harvested, handled and processed in a manner to ensure that the products are safe for human consumption.

These requirements apply to the following species of molluscan shellfish imported live or raw (frozen or unfrozen) for direct consumption or to be cooked prior to consumption:

Species of live or raw (frozen or unfrozen) molluscan shellfish (bivalves and predatory gastropods) such as but not limited to

Molluscan shellfish are considered "cooked" and exempt from these requirements only when the process control documents demonstrate that the heat process results in a fully cooked product.

Imports of live or raw (frozen or unfrozen) molluscan shellfish are permitted entry into Canada only if the following conditions are met:

1) The live or raw (frozen or unfrozen) molluscan shellfish were harvested in an authorized country of harvest and are a species approved to be exported to Canada:
Authorized countries of harvest Species of molluscan shellfish approved
Chile All Species
European Union All Species
Korea Shucked Frozen Oysters only
Mexico All Species
New Zealand All Species
United Kingdom All Species
United States All Species

2) The live or raw (frozen or unfrozen) molluscan shellfish were handled and processed by an authorized shipper / establishment.

Requesting listing of an authorized shipper / establishment

Requests for listing of shippers and/or establishments that meet all requirements for exporting live and raw molluscan shellfish can be made by competent authorities of authorized countries of harvest. Email requests to cfia.foodimport-alimentsimportes.acia@inspection.gc.ca

Authorized shippers / establishments

Chile

European Community Member States

Korea

Mexico

New Zealand

United Kingdom

United States

The Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List (ICSSL) is published by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Please note that the ICSSL includes shippers from countries that are not authorized to export live or raw molluscan shellfish products to Canada.

Instructions for import

The National Import Service Centre may be contacted at:

National Import Service Centre
Telephone: 1-800-835-4486 or 905-795-7834
Facsimile: 613-773-9999

Related information

Date modified: