SFCR

The SFCR (Safe Food for Canadians Regulation) Licence is mandatory as of July 15th, 2020 to import any commercial food items, ingredients that will further processed into food or any item that is edible.
Access SFCR

The licence came into effect in a phased approach:

Phase 1

January 2019
  • Meat Food Sector
  • Fish and seafood Food Sector
  • Dairy Food Sector
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables Food Sector
  • Processed fruits and vegetables Food Sector
  • Eggs and processed egg products Food Sector
  • Maple Food Sector
  • Honey Food Sector

Phase 2

June 15th 2020 – Manufactured Food Sector
  • Dried herbs and spices
  • Infant foods
  • Confectionery
  • Baked goods
  • Dried pasta, rice, flour
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Coffee/tea
  • Olive oil, Sunflower oil, cooking oils
  • Nutritional Supplements
  • Ingredients for baking or manufacturing edible products

As of March 15, 2021 all customs transactions will be automatically rejected if the importer does not have a valid SFCR licence.

The licence costs $250 CAD and takes about one to two weeks to obtain once the application is sent. The licence is valid for two (2) years. One (1) licence can be used for several Food Sectors. If you want to add an additional Food Sector, simply log into your CFIA account and click to add the additional Food Sectors for the same licence. You must set up an account with My CFIA to apply for the licence

Applying for an SFCR Licence How-To Video

SFCR website

My CFIA

Additional Resources Documentation

Preparing for validation of import transactions Presentation- March 15th 2021 Download   ↓ SFCR Webinar Q&A – March 15th, 2021 Download   ↓