October 19, 2012

Canada to begin enforcement of aquaculture import regulations

Canada will commence enforcement of new aquaculture import regulations as of December 10, 2012.

The three US federal agencies that function as Competent Authorities for exported aquatic animals (the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [USDA-APHIS]; the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service [NOAA Fisheries]; and the US Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Services [FWS]) have worked with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on specific export requirements that will facilitate continued US trade in aquaculture products with Canada.

As of December 10, 2012, each shipment must be accompanied by an import permit issued from CFIA and a health certificate from APHIS.

Two health certificates are nearly finalised and will be available in early November. Specific attestations for these certificates are available on-line.

Additionally, APHIS is working closely with CFIA to establish zones of equal disease health status and compartmentalisation (management) equivalence programmes to facilitate trade and provide alternative means for US exporters to meet CFIA requirements. APHIS anticipates some of these options will be available in 2013.