I want to send food to Canada. What preparations do I need to make?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates imported food products in accordance with the Food Safety Regulations for Canadian Citizens (SFCR). Please review the following steps to prepare for shipping food products to Canada.

Step 1
Please check to see if the food items you are shipping are accepted by FedEx.

The following foods are not handled by FedEx.

• Alcohol for which both the exporter and importer lack a license to handle alcoholic beverages.
• Fresh foods or perishable foods (including foods that require refrigeration or freezing)
• Foods containing Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC).
• Foods containing partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs).

Step 2
Check the My CIFA website to determine if the food you are considering shipping requires a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) import permit or import approval for customs clearance in Canada.

Click here to visit the My CIFA website.

The same conditions may be required for free of charge shipments such as personal use or gifts.

Step 3
Please confirm in advance whether a  Prior Notice Confirmation Number (PNC#) is required for shipments transiting through the U.S.

Please click here for more information on a PNC# for shipments via the U.S.

Step 4
Please make necessary preparations for shipment.

Required documents and other shipping preparations

1. Air waybill
2. Commercial invoice
3. Import license and approval (see Step 2)
4. Printout of U.S. advance declaration number (see Step 3)
5. Packing

Note
Depending on customs inspections, it may take longer than usual to clear imports, which may cause delays in delivery.

The above information is subject to change without notice by the relevant authorities.

We do not obtain import licenses, import approvals or advance declaration numbers on behalf of our customers.

Related questions
What is an air waybill?
What is a commercial invoice?
How should I pack my shipment?