The Canadian Good Inspection Agency (CFIA) published a new industry regulatory guidance document Livestock Feeds Regulatory Guidance to provide information and direction to feed industry stakeholders concerning the importation of livestock feeds (single ingredient feeds (SIFs) and mixed feeds) into Canada.
This guidance document explains the various regulatory requirements associated with feed imports and provides valuable references to assist stakeholders during the importation process. The following document has been added: RG-10 Importing livestock feeds (mixed feeds and single ingredient feeds) into Canada.
Livestock feeds imported into Canada are subject to the regulatory requirements outlined in the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 1983 as well as the Health of Animals Act and regulations. The importation of livestock feeds may also be subject to other Acts and Regulations administered and enforced by the CFIA such as the Plant Protection Act and regulations or by other Federal departments such as Canada Border Services Agency (Customs Act); Environment and Climate Change Canada (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) and Health Canada (Food and Drugs Act). It is essential for every importer to be aware and address all applicable import conditions to prevent delays when product arrives at a Canadian port of entry.
Importing Livestock Feed – what you need to know
The CFIA regularly receives requests from Canadian importers and exporters from other countries regarding the import requirements for livestock feeds into Canada. Livestock feeds can include both mixed feeds and single ingredient feeds (SIFs) which are imported for a specific end use.
CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) provides the option to select a variety of end uses, depending on the commodity being imported. With respect to livestock feeds imported into Canada, the following acceptable end uses would be applicable:
- 57 – Livestock feed
- Includes SIFs and mixed feeds being imported into Canada by individuals or companies and destined for livestock feed for commercial use to be fed as-is or to be further mixed with other approved feed ingredients to manufacture complete feeds, supplements or premixes.
- 35 – Scientific use (Research)
- Includes SIFs and mixed feeds being imported into Canada by individuals or companies to be fed as-is or to be further mixed with other ingredients to manufacture complete feeds, supplements or premixes for the sole purpose of conducting research feeding trials with the feed. The importer must obtain written approval from the CFIA prior to importation.
- 52 – Samples for testing
- Includes individuals or companies importing small amounts of SIFs or mixed feeds into Canada for the sole purpose of conducting analytical testing (including samples of laboratory proficiency testing programs) and will not be used in the manufacturing of livestock feeds or be fed to livestock. Prior written approval from the CFIA is required before a sample may be imported.
Each end use is linked to specific import conditions, to ensure that the shipment meets all the requirments.
The following are some examples of other documentation and information that may be required when importing livestock feed:
- Letter of approval for scientific use (research) and samples for testing
- List of ingredients present in the feed
- Zoosanitary certificate for animal health conditions
- Phytosanitary certificate for plant health conditions
- Permit to import (Plant Health or Animal Health)
- Import declaration
Further information and guidance on the use of this system can be found on the AIRS webpage
This guidance document explains the various regulatory requirements associated with feed imports and provides valuable references to assist stakeholders during the importation process.
Topics covered:
-Import conditions for livestock feeds
-Single Ingredient feeds (SIFs)
-Mixed Feeds
-In-transit shipments
-Experimental purposes
-Canadian Goods returning to Canada
Canadian importers and foreign exporters can stay up to date on news and updates for the feed industry by subscribing to the Email Notification Services: Animal Information. In addition, the CFIA publishes Feed Industry Notices to advise of policies and guidelines enforced with respect to the importation of certain livestock feeds.
For additional questions or clarification on the importation of livestock feeds into Canada, please contact the Animal Feed Division (AFD) of the CFIA by email: cfia.afd-daa.acia@canada.ca.