New Regulatory Requirements for Aquatic Animals Stream of Commerce Policy

November 18, 2011: As of December 10, 2011, there will be new requirements for all aquatic animals (finfish, molluscs and crustaceans) imported into Canada.

These new import permit requirements represent a significant regulatory change for importers of aquatic animals to Canada. Because of this, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing a Stream of Commerce Policy. The policy will be in effect until December 10, 2012 to allow for a transition period before the import permit requirements are enforced.

During this transition period, the CFIA will

• provide information on the new requirements for an aquatic animal health permit,
• advise importers of aquatic animals on where and how to obtain all of the required permits and other documentation, and
• issue import permits.

Foreign trading partners will also be informed of their obligations for providing export certification during this transition period.

The CFIA will take enforcement action if there is a risk of introducing a significant aquatic animal disease into Canadian waters.

After December 10, 2012, a CFIA permit will be required for any species listed in Schedule III of the Health of Animals Regulations. Without this permit, a shipment could be refused entry into Canada.

For more information on how to obtain an import permit, contact your CFIA Area office.

• Atlantic: 506-851-7651
• Quebec: 514-283-8888
• Ontario: 519-837-9400
• West: 403-292-4963

You can find your local CFIA Animal Health Office on the CFIA website or by consulting the blue pages of your local phone directory.

For more information on the National Aquatic Animal Health Program, visit www.inspection.gc.ca/aquatic.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest on animal health: www.twitter.com/CFIA_Animals.