Rules and restrictions

The Government of Canada protects the health of Canadian animals and plants, and it protects natural habitats. It does this by restricting imports of food, plants, animals and related products from foreign countries.

Food, plant, animals and related items are added and removed from restriction daily. So each time you prepare for a trip outside Canada, you should find out about the most up-to-date rules and restrictions.

Canada has complex requirements, restrictions and limits for the importation of meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables and other food from around the world. You can avoid problems by not bringing these kinds of goods into Canada.

A wide variety of food is available in Canada, including foods sourced from international markets. Visitors to Canada can be assured they will be able to purchase good quality food to suit their tastes and dietary needs.

Find out more about restrictions on alcohol and tobacco, or information about personal exemptions for Canadian residents.

Food, plants, animals and related products

Around the world, threats related to diseases, pests, and the environment are constantly changing These changes will impact what food, plants and animals and related products are restricted and prohibited. To be sure about whether you can bring a specific product into Canada, seek advice before travelling.

Travellers and importers should use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) as a first step to help determine import requirements. AIRS is an extensive database designed for commercial importers but it does include helpful import information for individuals who are familiar with product classification systems. If travellers have further questions, they should contact the CBSA Border Information Services (BIS) line.

Find out more about restrictions on food, animals and plants.

The importation of the animal, plant or related products is restricted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

For more precise release recommendations, please refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

If commercial importers have further questions, they should contact a Canadian Food Inspection Agency import service centre (ISC).