Author: designshopp

The implementation of a new import permit system for steel and steel products will come into effect on April 1, 2012.

 

Importers of steel and steel products will no longer be required to obtain individual permits but will, instead, be provided by FAITC with general import permits (GIP) for all steel covered by the Import Control List of the Export and Import Permits Act.

The new import permit system will eliminate a need for importers of steel and steel products to provide to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) the individual permit information (electronic transaction record or paper copy of the transaction record) with the release request.

http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/asfc-cbsa/Rv55-5-2012-011-eng.pdf

The CSCB recently participated in a discussion with CFIA and viewed a presentation concerning the New Aquatic Animal Health Program.

Click here to view the presentation.

The objectives of this program are:

• to prevent the introduction and spread within Canada of aquatic animal diseases, and
• to ensure healthy and sustainable aquatic resources.

 

Key points of the presentation include:

• Starting in December of 2011, import permits will be required for aquatic animals susceptible to regulated diseases.
• All finfish, molluscs, and crustaceans listed in Schedule III of the Health of Animals Regulations will need import permits.
• Permit applications need to be submitted prior to importation.
• CFIA will be modifying HS-OGD codes.
• Unless otherwise indicated by AIRS, Zoosanitary Certificates signed by competent authority in foreign country will need to accompany imports.
• For live animals and high risk end uses, inspections will be required.
• Inspections must be pre-arranged.

 

CFIA has produced two brochures relating to this program. They can be accessed at the following links:  Aquatic Animal Diseases and Aquatic animal health in Canada.

To: All Federally Registered Fish Establishments and Importers of Fish Products
Subject: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fish Program update with respect to Health Canada’s Policy on Listeria Monocytogenes (Lm) in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Foods

Health Canada’s Policy on Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Foods (“Listeria Policy (2011)”) is effective April 1st, 2011 and replaces the current 2004 Policy.

The CFIA, along with other federal government departments, will be working with industry to promote the recommended food safety practices detailed in the Listeria Policy (2011).

For more information please see http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/fispoi/commun/20110426e.shtml

1. The purpose of this notice is to confirm that February 1, 2011 marks the end of the twelve-month transition period leading up to the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) implementation of a strengthened commercial importation process respecting goods contaminated with soil and/or related matter (soil).

2. Goods contaminated with soil are not admissible into Canada. Non-compliant goods will be refused entry and ordered removed from Canada at the first point of arrival (FPOA) under the authority of the Plant Protection Act and the Health of Animals Act.

3. Under highly regulated circumstances, however, and where operational capacity exists, goods contaminated with soil may be allowed to be cleaned within a CBSA-controlled environment at the FPOA by a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)-approved mobile wash facility. Alternatively, these goods may be allowed to proceed by a bonded carrier to a CBSA-bonded facility within the existing urban environment of the FPOA for cleaning by a CFIA-approved wash facility, provided such action will not result in the introduction of soil into the environment. Where the above-mentioned conditions cannot be met, the goods will be refused entry and ordered removed from Canada. Note: Plants and plant products are not eligible for remedial action.

4. The client is responsible for all associated costs – including the inspection, handling, transportation, storage, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated goods.

5. The CFIA is responsible for establishing the policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing that policy to the extent it applies at the border.

6. This strengthened approach is in line with the CBSA’s existing commercial processes and procedures, as well as the CFIA’s policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. It further ensures that the CBSA maintains appropriate control over the contaminated goods, thereby preserving the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

7. Inquiries and comments about this notice should be directed to:

Food, Plant and Animal Program
Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone : 613-957-6868
Fax : 613-946-1520
E-mail: fpa-ava@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Effective April 1, 2011, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will no longer accept generic itinerant carrier codes (77YY) for any mode of transportation.

Applications for Non-bonded Codes

CBSA has advised that two new forms are available.

BSF329-7, Application to Transact Non-Bonded Highway Carrier Operations at Point of Arrival in Canada, replaces form E369 of the same name.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf329-7.pdf

BST329-9, Application to Obtain a Non-Bonded Freight Forwarder Code (to Supply Electronic Supplementary Data for Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Only), replaces form E369-1, of the same name.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/bsf329-9.pdf

The use of forms E360 and E3609-1 will be phased out.

Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification CBSA has recently started to publish rulings on their website (https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/ar-da/ar-da-eng.html).

Advance rulings for publication are selected on the basis of being precedent decisions or in the interest of providing clients with examples illustrating a significant classification principle, for example the application of GIRs 3(b) and 3(c). As this is a recent endeavour, we have tried to cover a wide variety of products covered by as many HS headings as possible.

Classification of products containing Fish & Meat:

1.  Products containing Fish & Meat but classified as Fish – exempt from Meat Inspection Regulations.

2- Products containing Fish & Meat but classified as Meat – exempt from Fish Inspection Regulations.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/fispoi/product/fismeae.shtml

The CFIA has provided revised procedures documents for the importation of pet food from the United States.

The documents include information on procedures and documentary process for the import of pet food, pet treats, compound pet chews containing BOVINAE ingredients, NON BOVINAE ingredients, and a template Importer Statement of Compliance.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/animal-products-and-by-products/pet-food/2001-9-10/eng/1321117589216/1441124119155

The list of goods currently subject to measures under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) and the relevant countries of origin or export has been updated, and is available on the CBSA website at:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/mif-mev-eng.html.