Clarification of Import Requirements for Pet Food

(Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Recently, there has been a change in the animal health status of Brazil and Chile. Both Countries’ classification has changed from negligible risk to a controlled risk for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). As a result, pet food, some pet chews and pet treats from these countries require an import permit.

It has come to our attention that product of Brazil in particular is being imported to Canada via the United States without the proper documentation. It is therefore important to clarify certain issues regarding country of origin:

• If an animal product such as pet food is legally imported into the United States from a third country and is released into commerce in the U.S., the pet food cannot be considered a U.S. product.

• Repackaging and re-labelling a product originating in a country other than the U.S. and shipping to Canada does not qualify as product of the U.S.

• To qualify as a product of the U.S., the item must undergo sufficient processing in the U.S. Sufficient processing means a significant change, such as re-processing the product. Sections 41.1(1) and 52.(1) of the Health of Animals Regulations refer to sufficient processing “in such a manner that it would not introduce and spread exotic animal diseases in Canada”.

• Any product originating in a third country and transhipped through the U.S. requires an import permit and must meet all the import requirements of Canada with regard to the entry of the product.

Please consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for import requirements. AIRS can be accessed here.