Canada is one of the world's most reliable markets, with strong purchasing power. Specialty food products such as honey, olive oil, pulses, packaged foods, baked goods and spices attract considerable interest there. However, certification, customs and regulations play a critical role in the process of exporting food to Canada.
1. Food Exports to Canada: The Big Picture
- Canada relies heavily on imports for food products.
- A growing immigrant population is increasing demand for ethnic and healthy foods.
- In major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern products are widely sold.
2. Required Registrations and Certificates
The main registrations and certificates that companies looking to export food to Canada need to comply with:
- CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) registration: compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
- SFC Licence (Safe Food for Canadians Licence): required for importing and distributing food.
- Labeling rules: bilingual (English and French) labels are required.
- FDA and HACCP documents: added value in terms of credibility in export markets.
- Organic certification (optional): the organic market in Canada is growing quickly.
3. Canadian Customs and Logistics
- To ship food products to Canada, the HS code and any product-specific import permits need to be determined.
- Customs duties vary by product category, and they may also depend on whether your country has a free trade agreement with Canada.
- Cold chain products are subject to special transport and storage requirements.
4. Canadian Customs Procedures: Step by Step
In food exports to Canada, customs procedures are critical for the product to clear customs smoothly. Exporters should follow the steps below. Our article on food exports to the U.S. and Canada may also help.
1. Product Classification (HS Code): The correct HS code for the product should be determined. Incorrect classification can lead to additional duties and penalties.
2. Import Permit and Advance Notice: For some food products, the importer needs to notify the CFIA before arrival in Canada.
3. Document Preparation: The invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificates and analysis reports should be ready.
4. Customs Duties and Fees: Canada generally applies customs duties ranging from 0% to 20%, depending on the product type.
5. Working with a Customs Broker: In Canada, importers usually work with a customs broker. This can speed up paperwork and duty payments.
6. Product Inspection: For some products (for example honey, dairy products and meat), the CFIA may carry out physical inspections and laboratory tests.
7. Release: Once all procedures are completed, the products can
enter the Canadian market.
5. What Is an Importer of Record (IOR)?
One of the most important topics in food exports to Canada is the IOR (Importer of Record) role, meaning the official importer. Under Canadian customs regulations, all legal responsibility arising from the entry of goods into the country belongs to the importer. If the exporting company does not have its own company in Canada, it needs to work through an IOR.
Duties of the IOR:
- Paying customs duties and fees,
- Preparing and submitting import documents,
- Confirming compliance with CFIA and other regulations,
- Acting as the official contact for any issues that arise at customs.
For this reason, many companies shipping food to Canada work with local distributors or professional IOR service providers.
6. Sales Channels in the Canadian Market
- Amazon Canada (Amazon.ca): the fastest entry channel.
- Ethnic grocery stores and distributors: a strong sales outlet for imported specialty products.
- Online stores (Shopify, Etsy, etc.): Canadian consumers are open to online shopping.
- HORECA (hotels, restaurants, cafés): a suitable channel for honey, olive oil and deli products.
7. Advantages of Exporting to Canada
- High purchasing power and brand awareness.
- Cultural demand for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern products.
- Stable growth through long-term distributor agreements.
8. Points to Keep in Mind
- The Canadian market is closely tied to regulations. Missing certificates or labeling gaps may cause products to be held at customs.
- Working with local partners when entering the market can be a major advantage.
- Social media and influencer marketing are quite effective for promoting products in Canada.
Looking to export food to Canada but finding the procedures daunting? At Export Partners, we support you with Canadian customs, certification, Amazon sales, finding distributors and IOR services.
If you would like to see how the U.S. process works for the same product group, our guide to exporting olive oil to the U.S. walks through the FDA registration, labeling and customs steps in order.
