Import Regulations & Standards
The import regulations imposed by the countries time to time to ensure Food Safety and Quality assurance includes non Tariff barriers for the various food products.
| S.No. | Circulation Date | Country | Report Title | Report Highlights | View Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 OCT 2024 | Canada | Canada Consults on Compositional Requirements for Infant | Health Canada opened public consultations on proposed compositional requirements for infant foods and foods currently regulated as foods for special dietary use. Interested stakeholders may submit their comments until December 23, 2024. | Click here |
| 2 | 02 AUG 2024 | Canada | Canada to Develop Guidance on New Greenwashing Provisions | On July 22, 2024, Canada s Competition Bureau launched consultations to inform the development of industry guidance for new greenwashing provisions under the Competition Act. The new provisions are meant to tackle unsubstantiated environmental claims through marketing and advertising, including claims on product labels | Click here |
| 3 | 19 JUL 2024 | Canada | FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual | This report highlights certification requirements for food and agricultural products exported to Canada and supplements the FAIRS Country Report. | Click here |
| 4 | 03 JUL 2024 | Canada | FAIRS Country Report Annual | In April 2024, Canada launched the Federal Plastics Registry requiring businesses to report each year, starting in 2025, on the quantity and types of plastic they place on the market and how that plastic moves through the economy | Click here |
| 5 | 05 JUN 2024 | Canada | Ontario Fast Tracks Allowing Sales of Wine and Beer in Retail Stores | On May 24, 2024, the Ontario provincial government announced an accelerated plan to allow sales of wine, beer, cider, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages in grocery and convenience stores by the end of October 2024. The initial timeline provided for implementation to begin in January 2026. | Click here |
| 6 | 15 APR 2024 | Canada | Canada Updates on Sulfur Dioxide Used on Fresh Grapes During Storage and Transport | The Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated its labeling requirements for fresh grapes and the use of sulfur dioxide gas on fresh grapes during storage and transport a result of the reclassification of sulfur dioxide when used under different scenarios | Click here |
| 7 | 02 APR 2024 | Canada | Canada Reviews Its Food Safety Legislation | The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) opened public consultations on the scheduled five-year review of the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA). Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments on how this food safety legislation has worked since coming into force in January 2019. | Click here |
| 8 | 20 FEB 2024 | Canada | Comment Period Open for Bill 96 in Quebec | On January 10, the Quebec Ministry of the French Language launched consultations on the Draft Regulations, which includes necessary amendments and clarifications to Bill 96, An Act respecting French, passed on June 1, 2022 | Click here |
| 9 | 11 JAN 2024 | Canada | Canada Proposes a Federal Plastics Registry | Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) opened consultations on the establishment of a federal plastics registry as a reporting tool to monitor and track plastic, including plastic packaging used in agriculture and food manufacturing, through its life cycle on the Canadian market. Comments are accepted until February 13, 2024. | Click here |
| 10 | 05 DEC 2023 | Canada | Canada Proposes Modernized Regulations for Foods for Special Dietary Use and for Infant Foods | Health Canada opened pre-consultations on a proposed new regulatory framework for foods for special dietary use and infant foods, which include categories such as infant formula, prepackaged human milk, medical foods, gluten-free foods, formulated nutritional foods, and foods for use in weight reduction diets. Stakeholders may provide comments until February 6, 2024. | Click here |
| 11 | 04 DEC 2023 | Canada | Canada Offers Additional CARM Onboarding Webinars | As Canada s new Assessment and Revenue Management project (CARM) becomes mandatory in May 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) offers additional webinars for businesses to become familiar with this new electronic customs platform, and assist with enrollment through the CARM client portal in advance of the coming into force date. | Click here |
| 12 | 22 NOV 2023 | Canada | Canada Proposes Streamlined Regulations for Food Additives and Compositional Standards | Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have opened consultations on a comprehensive regulatory package. It is meant to modernize the development and update of regulations for food compositional standards, food additives, as well as microbiological criteria and official methods of analysis used to determine food adulteration. Comments are accepted until February 2, 2024. | Click here |
| 13 | 18 OCT 2023 | Canada | CARM Customs Program Mandatory in May 2024 | Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project becomes mandatory in May 2024. | Click here |
| 14 | 20 SEP 2023 | Canada | Quebec Government Passes Legislation Impacting Trademarks - Bill 96 | On June 1, 2022, the Quebec government passed legislation titled Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec, to make new amendments to Quebec’s Bill 101. The declared purpose of Bill 96 is to reinforce and strengthen the use of the French language in Quebec by expanding the linguistic obligations and requirements originally outlined in Bill 101. Bill 96 has introduced significant trademark amendments and requirements for non-French trademarks on product packaging, labeling, public signage, posters & commercial advertising. These amendments will come into force on June 1, 2025. | Click here |
| 15 | 03 JUL 2023 | Canada | Canada Consults on Food Compositional Standards Modernization | The federal government opened consultations on regulatory changes to the Food and Drug Regulations to allow the incorporation by reference of food compositional standards. Stakeholders have until September 22, 2023, to submit their comments | Click here |
| 16 | 26 JUN 2023 | Canada | FAIRS Annual Country Report Annual | Canada intends to establish a regulatory framework for plastic packaging, covering minimum recycled content requirements, and rules for compostability, and the use of recyclability signs on packaging. Additionally, Canada intends to introduce regulatory requirements for advertising foods and beverages to children under the age of 13. For both initiatives, draft regulations are expended at the end of 2023, or in early 2024, with the opportunity for stakeholder engagement via public consultations. | Click here |
| 17 | 25 MAY 2023 | Canada | Canada Consults on the Intent to Regulate PFAS | On May 20, 2023, Canada opened public consultations on the intent to add per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of toxic substances regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. PFAS are substances found in a wide range of products, including food packaging. Interested stakeholders may submit comments until July 19, 2023 | Click here |
| 18 | 11 MAY 2023 | Canada | Updated Guidance on Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling | Health Canada published an updated guidance document to assist businesses in complying with front-ofpackage nutrition labeling (FOPNL) requirements. The implementation date for these requirements remains January 1, 2026. | Click here |
| 19 | 29 MAR 2023 | Canada | Canada to Revise Uses of Aluminum-Containing Food Additives | Following a review of aluminum in foods, Health Canada announced, on March 9, 2023, its intention to revise certain permitted uses of aluminum-containing food additives. Restrictions in use would impact a wide range of food additives, such as anticaking agents, coloring agents, and gelling, thickening, and firming agents. Interested stakeholders may submit new scientific evidence to Health Canada by May 22, 2023. | Click here |
| 20 | 29 MAR 2023 | Canada | CARM Customs Program to Expand in Fall 2023 | Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will implement the second release of its Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project in October 2023. The project is aimed at importers of record, including U.S. non-resident importers (NRIs), who are strongly encouraged to become familiar with this new electronic customs platform and the CARM client portal. | Click here |
| 21 | 10 NOV 2022 | Canada | Guidance and Resources on Canada Supplemented Foods | In July 2022, Canada published final regulations on supplemented foods. The new regulatory requirements are complex, and the food industry has until January 1, 2026 to become compliant. Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to consult the variety of resources and information made available by Health Canada to assist with the implementation of the supplemented foods regulatory framework. | Click here |
| 22 | 29 SEP 2022 | Canada | Guidance and Resources on Canada Front of Package Nutrition Labels | In June 2022, Canada published final regulations on front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL). The new regulatory requirements are complex, and the food industry has until January 1, 2026 to implement label changes and become compliant. | Click here |
| 23 | 08 AUG 2022 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export Certificate Report | This report highlights certification requirements for food and agricultural products exported to Canada and supplements the FAIRS Country Report. Please note: The original version of this 2022 report, published July 13, included incorrect information on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certificates for export (i.e., Certificates of Exportability). This updated version includes information on the correct FDA certificates for export (i.e., Certificate to a Foreign Government). | Click here |
| 24 | 27 JUL 2022 | Canada | Canada Publishes New Regulations for Supplemented Foods | On July 20, 2022, Canada announced final regulations to amend the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) to establish detailed conditions for the use of supplemental ingredients in food. The amendments will also establish additional requirements on the labelling of supplemented foods beyond the general requirements in the FDR for prepackaged foods. S | Click here |
| 25 | 25 JUL 2022 | Canada | Canada Publishes Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling and Other Food Labelling Regulations | On July 20, 2022, Canada announced final regulations to amend the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) to require front-of-package (FOP) labeling for most prepackaged products containing certain nutrients (i.e., saturated far, sugars, and/or sodium) at or above specified thresholds | Click here |
| 26 | 13 JUL 2022 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country Report | The 2016 changes to nutrition labelling requirements came into force in December 2021, with enforcement discretion extended to December 2023. On June 20, 2022, final regulations banning certain single-use plastic products were published. Additionally, the publication of other final regulations is expected by the end of 2022, in the following areas: front of package labeling, and supplemented foods. From November 2022, the CFIA will resume normal enforcement, delayed during the pandemic, for food safety requirements for the manufactured food sector. | Click here |
| 27 | 22 JUN 2022 | Canada | Canada Publishes Final Regulations Banning Single-Use Plastics | On June 20, 2022, Canada announced final regulations banning the following single-use plastic manufactured items: checkout bags, cutlery, certain foodservice ware, ring carriers, stir sticks, and most straws. Depending on the specific product considered, coming into force of these regulations occurs between six months and three and a half years following June 20, 2022. | Click here |
| 28 | 13 MAY 2022 | Canada | Canada Consults on Guidance for E-commerce Food Labelling Compliance | The Canadian food regulatory authorities opened public consultations on guidance for e-commerce platforms on how to be compliant with relevant food labeling regulatory provisions. Interested stakeholders have until July 8, 2022, to provide comments on this initiative. | Click here |
| 29 | 01 FEB 2022 | Canada | Canada Allows Higher Vitamin D Fortification in Milk and Margarine | Canada published a marketing authorization allowing manufacturers to voluntarily increase vitamin D levels in cows milk. | Click here |
| 30 | 12 JUL 2021 | Canada | Canada Consulting on Proposed Updates to Feeds Regulations | Canada has released proposed changes to the Feeds Regulations, 1983. The proposed regulations, Feeds Regulations, 2022, will provide the first major update to Canada’s livestock feeds regulations in over 30 years. | Click here |
| 31 | 06 JUL 2021 | Canada | Consultations Launched on A Regulatory Framework for Supplemented Foods | Health Canada launched public consultations on a proposed regulatory framework for supplemented foods, closing on August 25, 2021. | Click here |
| 32 | 23 FEB 2021 | Canada | New Canadian Organic Standards 2020 | On December 11, 2020, Canada published the first update of the Canadian Organic Standards since 2015, updating a range of livestock measures and permitted substances lists among other changes. | Click here |
| 33 | 16 FEB 2021 | Canada | Canada Clarifies Timelines for Anticipated Labeling Changes | Canadian nutrition labeling changes published in 2016 will officially enter into force on December 14, 2021. | Click here |
| 34 | 11 JAN 2021 | Canada | Lot Code Packaging Requirement Enforcement Begins January 15 | On January 15, 2021 enforcement of lot code requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables will begin, following a one-year extension provided to industry to use up existing packaging. | Click here |
| 35 | 25 SEP 2020 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Export Certificate Report | This report highlights certification requirements for food and agricultural products exported to Canada and supplements the FAIRS Country Report CA2020-0081. | Click here |
| 36 | 25 SEP 2020 | Canada | Health Canada Announces Notices of Intent for Novel Food Regulations | Plants in Canada are regulated on the basis of the traits expressed and not on the basis of the method used to introduce the traits. | Click here |
| 37 | 23 SEP 2020 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country Report | Since July 1, 2020, the USMCA certification of origin requires the certifier (importer, exporter, or producer) to cover nine mandated minimum data elements. | Click here |
| 38 | 15 SEP 2020 | Canada | Canada Further Extends Labeling and Packaging Flexibility | On September 4, 2020 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced temporary flexibility in enforcing some Canadian labeling and packaging regulations for pre-packaged meat products. | Click here |
| 39 | 29 MAR 2019 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report | The report highlights certification requirements for food and agricultural products exported to Canada, and supplements the FAIRS Narrative Report CA18069. | Click here |
| 40 | 27 DEC 2018 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report | Canada’s ban on partially hydrogenated oils in foods came into force in September 2018. Safe Food for Canadians Regulations entered into force on January 15, 2019. Final front-of-package labeling regulations were expected to published by the end of 2018. Canada will continue to develop regulations restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children in 2019. | Click here |
| 41 | 01 JUN 2018 | Canada | Canada Includes Ag Products in Response to U.S. Tariffs | On May 31, 2018, Canada announced its intention to impose countermeasures against up to $12.8 billion of steel, aluminum, and other products from the United States, including agricultural exports worth nearly $2.5 billion in 2017. Targeted agricultural products could face a 10 percent tariff from July 1, 2018. | Click here |
| 42 | 15 FEB 2018 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Certification | The report highlights certification requirements for food and agricultural products exported to Canada, and supplements the FAIRS Narrative Report CA17049. | Click here |
| 43 | 05 FEB 2018 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Narrative | The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expected to publish the final version of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations in the Canada Gazette in early 2018. In 2017, Health Canada continued to advance its Healthy Eating Strategy, including initiatives on front-of-package labeling, restrictions on marketing of foods and beverages to children, and a ban on partially hydrogenated oils in foods. | Click here |
| 44 | 22 DEC 2015 | Canada | Canada : Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Certification | The report identifies export certificates issued by U.S. government authorities to comply with Canadian import standards and regulations or to attest that the product is subject to U.S. government regulation. This report serves as a supplement to the Food and Agricultural Importation Regulation Narrative Report (FAIRS/CA15117). | Click here |
| 45 | 05 DEC 2014 | Canada | Canada : Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Certification | This report identifies export certificates issued by U.S. government authorities to comply with Canadian import standards and regulations or to attest that the product is subject to U.S. government regulation. This report serves as a supplement to the Food and Agricultural Importation Regulation Report (FAIRS) submitted in December 2014. Updates, including some new hyperlinks and up to date contact information, were made to the report and additional electronic copies of certificates have been made available to U.S. exporters. | Click here |
| 46 | 24 DEC 2013 | Canada | Canada Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Narrative | In the fall of 2013, the Government of Canada moved the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) from the Agriculture portfolio to the Ministry of Health. The Safe Food for Canadians Act received Royal Assent in November 2012 and strives to simplify and consolidate the authorities under previous acts regulating food. | Click here |
| 47 | 21 DEC 2012 | Canada | Canada Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Certification | The report identifies export certificates issued by U.S. government issuing authorities to comply with Canadian import standards and regulations or to attest that the product is subject to U.S. government regulation. This report serves as a supplement to the Food and Agricultural Importation Regulation Report (FAIRS) submitted in December 2011, CA 12030. Updates, including some new hyperlinks and up to date contact information, were made to the sections covering Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contacts, organic standards, and the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification. | Click here |
| 48 | 27 JUL 2012 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards – Narrative | In 2012, the primary area in which there has been a significant regulatory change is allergen labeling. However, it is worthwhile to note that there are new updates and changes via the Regulatory Cooperation Committee (RCC), the Beyond the Border Initiative (BtB), and upcoming food safety legislation on the horizon. | Click here |
| 49 | 03 JAN 2012 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Narrative | Canada has introduced some food and agricultural regulations and initiatives in 2011 that may be of importance to U.S. exporters. Some of these regulations and/or initiatives include the approval of new health claims, new allergen labeling regulations, regulatory amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations to allow the use of sodium diacetate in meat products, as well as voluntary targets for sodium reduction for pre-packaged (processed) foods. | Click here |
| 50 | 23 DEC 2011 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Certification | The report identifies export certificates issued by U.S. government issuing authorities to comply with Canadian import standards and regulations or to attest that the product is subject to U.S. government regulation. This report is intended as a supplement to the Food and Agricultural Importation Regulation Report (FAIRS) submitted in December 2011, CA11073. Updates, including some new hyperlinks and up to date contact information, were made to the sections covering Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contacts, organic standards, and the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification. | Click here |
| 51 | 22 DEC 2010 | Canada | Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Narrative | Updates have been made in many sections of this report including Label Changes on Sodium Diacetate, Processed Horticultural Products, Marine Standards, Vitamin and Mineral Fortification, Organic Foods, Import Procedures, Labeling Service Offices, Non-Resident Importers, and Forms. N | Click here |