E-commerce – what to consider when buying or selling food, plants or animal products online
People are shopping online more than ever before, but did you know that the same health and safety requirements apply to online products as those sold in store?
Some of these products could pose a risk to the health and well-being of Canadians, our environment and our economy; and some foreign products sold online may not meet all applicable legal requirements.
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- Importing food, plants or animals
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Contributors
Services and information
E-commerce (food, plant and animal)
Food, plants and animals and their products purchased online must meet Canadian requirements.
Food and food safety
Food products purchased online might not meet all Canadian requirements including those for food safety and accurate representation.
Food fraud
Food fraud may occur when food is misrepresented. This can include adulteration, substitution, dilution, and simulation.
Puppies and dogs
If importing, selling, adopting or buying a puppy or dog, be aware of Canadian legal requirements.
Insects and other invertebrates
Be aware that importing or shipping insects and other invertebrates across Canada could pose a risk to Canada's environment and economy.
Handicrafts and other wooden products
Protect Canada's environment from invasive insects. They can hide under bark, in the wood and on the surface of handicrafts and other wooden items.
Seeds, plants and bulbs
Don't let imported seeds, plants, or bulbs become Canada's next invasive species or spread plant diseases.
Other animals, animal products and animal by-products
When importing, selling or purchasing animals, animal products or by-products (such as food products, skins and pelts, horns and pet food), be aware that these may carry disease.
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