CARM: What all importers need to know about CARM

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Imported Food SFCR Licence verification effective February 12, 2024

Imported Food SFCR Licence verification effective February 12, 2024 - Route Newsletter: November 2023

In order to import food into Canada most food importers are required to hold a valid Safe Food for Canadians Licence Regulations (SFCR licence), issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

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

A valid SFCR licence to import is:

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

If a transaction is rejected, the importer’s shipment will be denied entry into Canada until their licensing error(s) are corrected and their import declaration is re-submitted with a valid SFCR licence.

A licence is required to import food, except for the following:

Click here to determine if you require an SFCR Licence.

For more information, contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.

Quick Tip #45
Secure written quotations for all traffic lanes and pay careful attention to the validity dates – Understand the assessorial charges right from the start

Freight rates can change frequently – sometimes every 1-2 weeks. It is important to pay attention to the validity dates to ensure you have requested an updated rate at the time of your shipment.

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