From stylish collars and organic treats to grooming kits and cat furniture, the pet industry in Canada is booming. With pets increasingly seen as family, demand for innovative, high-quality pet supplies in Canada continues to grow. For importers, this presents a major opportunity, but it also comes with strict customs regulations you must follow.

If you’re looking to import pet products and supplies into Canada, this guide will help you understand classification, labeling, permits, and duty requirements, so you can clear customs confidently.

1. What Counts as a Pet Product?

“Pet products” is a broad category, and in the eyes of Canadian customs, that matters. Your shipment may fall under different regulatory bodies, such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada.

Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Pet food and treats: Heavily regulated and require approval by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
  • Toys, collars, leashes, beds, grooming tools: Regulated as general consumer goods
  • Health supplements or treatments: May fall under Health Canada or be considered veterinary drugs

Ensure each item is properly categorized—not just as “pet supplies”—to assign the correct HS code and determine duties and permits.

2. HS Classification for Pet Products

Correctly classifying your products under the Harmonized System (HS) is essential for clearing customs and calculating duties. These codes impact duty rates and determine if permits or approvals are needed.

Some examples of typical classifications:

  • Pet food and treats – HS 2309.10
  • Leashes, collars, and harnesses – HS 4201.00
  • Grooming tools (combs, brushes) – HS 9615.90
  • Toys and accessories – HS 9503.00
  • Beds and carriers – HS 6307.90
  • Aquarium filters and supplies – HS 8421.21 or 8479.89, depending on the function

Mistakes in HS coding can lead to shipment delays, incorrect duties, or even penalties. Our article on Top Ways to Streamline Your Import Process offers practical tips on getting it right the first time.

3. Permits and Approvals You May Need

Some pet products require pre-import approval, especially anything pets consume or absorb:

  • Pet food, chews, and treats: May require a Notification or Registration under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) animal feed regulations
  • Animal health products or supplements: May require a DIN (Drug Identification Number) or Natural Product Number (NPN) from Health Canada
  • Importing animal-origin materials (e.g., rawhide, bones): Often requires veterinary certification and CFIA permits

If you’re importing from the U.S., you may qualify for faster clearance under trade agreements, but you still need to meet Canadian standards.

To avoid complications, partner with a broker early. Learn more about Customs Brokers for Importers and how they help with regulatory navigation.

4. Labeling Requirements

Most pet accessories, like collars or beds, don’t require complex labeling. However, products intended for consumption or health must follow specific rules.

For pet food and consumables:

  • Ingredients and nutritional information must be listed
  • Manufacturer and importer details must be included
  • Language must be bilingual (English and French)
  • Packaging must not have misleading health claims

Even general accessories must include a country-of-origin marking and a product description that matches your invoice.

Labeling errors are one of the leading causes of customs clearance delays in Canada.

Need help managing compliance? Read our Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing Customs for First-Time Importers.

5. Taxes and Duties on Pet Products

Duty and tax rates vary based on product type and country of origin. For example:

  • Most pet accessories from the U.S. enter duty-free under USMCA
  • Products from other countries may face duties ranging from 0 to 15%
  • All imports are subject to 5% GST, plus provincial taxes (HST or PST, depending on the province)

Even if duty-free, customs still require accurate documentation, valuation, and proper HS coding.

Need help cutting costs? Becoming a Non-Resident Importer can streamline logistics and tax compliance for non-resident businesses.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Importing pet products into Canada can be straightforward—but only if you know the rules. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

  • Misclassifying consumable products as general goods
  • Forgetting CFIA approval for pet food or chews
  • Omitting bilingual labeling (English and French) on packaging
  • Inaccurate or incomplete invoices
  • Incorrect country-of-origin markings

Customs can hold or reject shipments for minor errors that can be easily avoided with early planning.

Explore more common mistakes in our guide: Top Reasons for Import Delays.

Conclusion

The Canadian pet market is filled with opportunity, but only if you play by the rules. Whether you’re importing organic treats, designer dog beds, or grooming gear, proper classification, documentation, and regulatory compliance are key.

With the right strategy and the right licensed customs broker, you can keep your shipments moving and your customers’ pets happy.

Clearit Canada: Your Partner in Pet Product Imports

If you want to simplify your process, reduce errors, and avoid delays, Contact Clearit Canada today to simplify your next pet shipment, reduce compliance errors, and ensure smooth customs clearance.