Changes to Import Permit Requirements for Pet Food and Treats From USA

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Canadian Food Inspection Agency Apr 14, 2015

CFIA has issued two notices to importers regarding imported pet food from the U.S. These notices advise that the requirement for an import permit for certain pet foods will be phased out.

1.  Notice to Importers of Processed Pet Food From the USA Containing Bovine Ingredients

As of April 15, 2015, import permits will no longer be required for PROCESSED PET FOOD AND TREATS FROM THE USA CONTAINING BOVINAE INGREDIENTS FOR COMMERCIAL SALE OR RE-SALE IN CANADA.

Import permits for these commodities that have expired or are due to expire before this date will be extended to April 15, 2015. The CFIA Centre of Administration (CoA) is currently amending the expiry dates on import permits for import permit renewal applications received to-date. The expiry dates for these renewals will be updated and these permits will be reissued in priority sequence. Shipments arriving before April 15, 2015 without a valid import permit will be refused entry.

Please note:  Import Permits will continue to be required for:

• raw pet diets containing animal products and by-products that are not heat-treated/shelf stable and;
• processed pet foods and diets containing animal products and by-products, imported for use in laboratories, as samples for analysis, research and/or diet trials (not for commercial sale)

Read more: Pet food containing bovine ingredients

2. Notice to Importers of Processed Pet Food From the USA NOT Containing Bovine Ingredients

CFIA import permits for PROCESSED “NON-BOVINAE” PET FOOD AND TREATS FROM THE USA FOR COMMERCIAL SALE OR RE-SALE IN CANADA (those not containing bovine ingredients) will be extended to be valid until June 30,2015.

The CFIA is planning to remove the requirement of an import permit for all processed (heat-treated and shelf stable) pet foods containing animal products and by-products, including pet foods not containing bovine ingredients. The implementation date for the removal of the import permit by a zoosanitary export certificate from the USDA will be decided after April 30, 2015, which is the closing date for the 60 day stakeholder consultation period.

Please note: Import Permits will continue to be required for:

• raw pet diets containing animal products and by-products that are not heat-treated/shelf stable and
• processed pet foods and diets containing animal products and by-products, imported for use in laboratories, as samples for analysis, research and/or diet trials (not for commercial sale)

Read more: Pet food not containing bovine ingredients

Questions can be directed to:
CFIA Animal Import Export Division, Animal Products and By-Products Section 
apabpimport@inspection.gc.ca