Which license or notification do I need to export to Canada?

It depends on your product group. With a few exceptions, importing food requires a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license (CFIA: SFC license); the license holder also keeps a written preventive control plan (PCP) (SFCR s. 86). For cosmetics, Health Canada must be notified within 10 days of the product’s first sale (Cosmetic Regulations s. 30). Related services: SFC license, PCP, cosmetic notification.

Can I obtain the SFC license myself as the exporter?

The license can be held by a business that operates from a fixed place of business in Canada or in a country whose food safety system is recognized by the CFIA (CFIA: SFC license). If you do not meet that condition, your importer in Canada holds the license. In our SFC license service we work out together which route suits you.

In which language should I prepare the label?

Mandatory label information is written in English and French (CFIA: bilingual labeling). Prepackaged food carries a Nutrition Facts table; since January 1, 2026, foods high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium must also carry a front-of-package nutrition symbol (Health Canada: front-of-package symbol). We check your label in our food and cosmetic label review services.

I have no company in Canada. Can I import in my own name?

Yes, as a non-resident importer (NRI). First a business number is obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), then the business registers in the CBSA’s CARM portal (CBSA: commercial importing guide). We walk through these steps with you in our NRI / CARM service.

Where are prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients checked?

Health Canada publishes prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients in the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (Health Canada: Hotlist). A product that has not been notified can be refused entry into Canada. Before notification we check your formula against this list in our cosmetic notification service.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which license or notification do I need to export to Canada?: It depends on your product group. With a few exceptions, importing food requires a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license (CFIA: SFC license); the license holder also keeps a written preventive control plan (PCP) (SFCR s. 86). For cosmetics, Health Canada must be notified within 10 days of the product’s first sale (Cosmetic Regulations s. 30). Related services: SFC license, PCP, cosmetic notification.
Can I obtain the SFC license myself as the exporter?: The license can be held by a business that operates from a fixed place of business in Canada or in a country whose food safety system is recognized by the CFIA (CFIA: SFC license). If you do not meet that condition, your importer in Canada holds the license. In our SFC license service we work out together which route suits you.
In which language should I prepare the label?: Mandatory label information is written in English and French (CFIA: bilingual labeling). Prepackaged food carries a Nutrition Facts table; since January 1, 2026, foods high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium must also carry a front-of-package nutrition symbol (Health Canada: front-of-package symbol). We check your label in our food and cosmetic label review services.
I have no company in Canada. Can I import in my own name?: Yes, as a non-resident importer (NRI). First a business number is obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), then the business registers in the CBSA’s CARM portal (CBSA: commercial importing guide). We walk through these steps with you in our NRI / CARM service.
Where are prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients checked?: Health Canada publishes prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients in the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (Health Canada: Hotlist). A product that has not been notified can be refused entry into Canada. Before notification we check your formula against this list in our cosmetic notification service.

Sources: CFIA: Obtain a Safe Food for Canadians licence; Food and Drug Regulations (C.R.C., c. 870), B.01; Cosmetic Regulations (C.R.C., c. 869), s. 30; CBSA: Importing commercial goods into Canada.