The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a Notice for those who import manufactured foods into Canada with a Safe Food for Canadians license (SFC license).

On February 12, 2024, the CFIA will activate the automatic verification of SFC licences for imports of manufactured foods. Food import transactions will be automatically rejected unless a valid SFC licence is declared.

A SFC licence is valid if it is:

  • active (not expired, surrendered, suspended or cancelled)
  • issued for the activity “Importing Food”
  • issued for the commodities that are being imported.

The importer’s SFC licence number must also be entered correctly on their import declaration.

If a transaction is rejected, the importer’s shipment will be denied entry into Canada until any errors are corrected and the import declaration is re-submitted.

Which manufactured foods need a license?

For licensing purposes, the “manufactured foods” category includes a variety of foods that fall under the following sub-commodities:

  • alcoholic beverages
  • confectionary, sweeteners, snack foods (with or without nuts), non-bakery desserts
  • fats and oils
  • food chemicals
  • grain derived foods
  • infant foods
  • multiple foods (such as sports nutrition, meal replacements, vegetarian pizza)
  • non-alcoholic beverages
  • nuts, grains, seeds
  • spices, herbs, flavours, condiments, dressings
  • vegan dairy substitutes
  • foods not otherwise listed (such as cricket flour, yeast, simulated meat products, etc.)

Guidance from the CFIA

Holding a valid SFC licence to import before you submit your import declaration will help to prevent your food shipment from being delayed at the border.

Refer to the CFIA’s guide on Importing food with a valid Safe Food for Canadians licence for more information on automatic licence verification and the steps you can take to make sure your SFC licence is valid.

More information

CFIA food licenses page

Importing food with a valid Safe Food for Canadians license

CFIA food import requirements

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