1. This Customs Notice replaces CN 20-01 Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence to import food to Canada.
2. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)’s Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) came into force on January 15, 2019. Since then, commercial importers of meat and poultry products, dairy, egg, fish and seafood, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, and honey and maple products have been required to hold a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence. Verification of the SFC licence prior to import has been in place for these commodities since March 2021.
3. On July 15, 2020, the licensing requirement came into force for the manufactured foods sector. Manufactured foods include confectionary and snack foods (chips, candy, cookies, chocolates), non-alcoholic beverages (tea, coffee, carbonated drinks), grain-based foods (e.g. bread, cereals, pasta, baked goods) but was not subject to system verification.
4. The purpose of this customs notice is to advise commercial importers that as of February 12, 2024, verification of the SFC licence requirement prior to import will begin for imports of manufactured foods. All food importers that require a SFC licence must include a valid SFC licence number on their import declaration. Importers that do not declare a valid licence may have their shipments delayed or refused entry at the border, and importers may be subject to enforcement actions.
5. To find out if you need a licence, please refer to the CFIA's Licensing interactive tool. More information, including how to apply for a licence, is available on the CFIA’s Food licences page. Importers requiring an SFC licence are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible to avoid delays or rejection of shipments at the border.
6. Businesses must obtain their SFC licence before presenting their shipment at the border. They will not be able to obtain a SFC licence at the border.
Note: The SFC licence number must be declared exactly as it was issued by the CFIA. All of the numbers and letters must be entered correctly on the import declaration.
SFC licence applications can take up to 15 business days, complex applications can take longer.
