Programs and Services for Commercial Importers

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for the initial import inspection of food, agricultural inputs and agricultural products. The CFIA sets the policies and regulations for these importations and they are enforced by CBSA at Canadian entry points.

The CFIA has several programs and services for commercial importers. These include:

• Automated Shipment Inspection Status Search Tool (ASISST)
• Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
  • New CFIA regulated HS codes
• Food and Horticultural Products Import Guide for Trade Fairs and Shows in Canada
• Good Importing Practices For Food (GIP)
• Guide to Importing Food Products Commercially
• Info Kit for Brokers
• National Import Service Centre
  • Communiqué - 2012-03-16
  • Communiqué - 2012-02-15
  • Communiqué - 2011-02-04
  • Communiqué - 2010-11-16
• Pre-Arrival Review System

Information for businesses that import commercial goods into Canada. (Canada Border Services Agency)

• Importing Goods into Canada
• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises - A Step-by-Step Guide to Importing
• Border wait times

Information for travellers: What can I bring into Canada?

Travellers are required, by law, to declare all plant, animal, and food items they bring into Canada. For more information visit the "Be Aware and Declare"! website.