Bringing food into Canada for personal use (2024)

Animal fat or suetPermitted only if accompanied into Canada by you (cannot be brought in by mail or courier)

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

Baked goods such as bread, pastries, cakes, fruit pies, biscuitsCannot contain meat.20kgCondiments, dressingsNone

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

Confectionary, sweeteners, snack foodsCannot contain meat.

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

Dairy productsNone

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

Dried foods (except those included in food commodities)Please see AIRS.20kgEggs and processed egg products
  • During outbreaks of avian disease (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease), eggs must be retail packaged, for human consumption, and clearly labelled as a "Product of the USA"
  • Eggs from a farm or backyard flock are not permitted for import at any time

5dozen eggs

Processed egg products:

  • 20kg (if measured by weight) of processed eggs
  • 20L (if measured by volume) of processed eggs
Fish and seafood

Pufferfish and Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) are not permitted.

Shark fins or parts of shark fins that are not attached to a shark carcass are prohibited under the Fisheries Act.

You require a permit if:

Certain fish species, such as sturgeons, and their products are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and may be prohibited or require a CITES permit.

  • Find out if your fish is on the CITES list and what applies to their import by using the species search tool
  • Sturgeon caviar of a quantity greater than250g requires a CITES permit
  • If you need a CITES permit, consult Permits for trade in protected species

40kg (except for dried fish and fish roe)

10kg of dried fish

1kg of fish roe

Fresh fruits or vegetables

Refer to AIRS

Potatoes must be commercially packaged and graded US No.1

Fruits:20kg

Vegetables:20kg

Fruits and vegetables:

Processed fruit or vegetable (including herbs) such as dried, frozen, canned

None

Processed fruits:

  • 20kg (if measured by weight)
  • 20L (if measured by volume)

Processed vegetables:

  • 20kg (if measured by weight)
  • 20L (if measured by volume)
Game animal carcasses

You require a hunter's permit or a licence.

Permitted only if accompanied into Canada by you (cannot be brought in by mail or courier).

Provincial restrictions may apply. For example, on deer, there may be restrictions due to chronic wasting disease.

Note: there is no maximum quantity for the purpose of importing such a carcass or part of a carcass for personal use. However, this quantity may be subject to limits imposed by a hunter's permit or another form of permission from a competent authority.

N/AGrain-derived foodsNone

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

HoneyNone20kg

Infant formula

  • Dry milk-based
  • Liquid milk-based
  • Non-milk-based, (dry/liquid) formula
None

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

Maple syrup and productsNone

20L maple syrup

4kg maple products

Meat products (meat and poultry): fresh, frozen and chilled
  • Permitted only if accompanied into Canada by you (cannot be brought in by mail or courier)
  • Packages must have identifying marks, indicating what the product is
  • Proof of country of origin is required (label showing "Product of USA" is acceptable)
  • During outbreaks of avian disease (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease), poultry must be retail packaged, for human consumption, and clearly labelled as a "Product of the USA"
  • Eggs from a farm or backyard flock are not permitted for import at any time
  • Get additional information on restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States
20kgMulti-ingredient foodsNone

20kg (if measured by weight)

20L (if measured by volume)

Non-alcoholic beveragesNone50LNuts, grains, seedsRefer to AIRS20kgOils (food grade)N/A50LSpices, tea, coffeeNone20kg

As someone deeply immersed in the field of international food import regulations and customs, I've been involved in various aspects of border control and trade compliance. Regarding your article on the regulations for importing various food items into Canada, it's critical to understand the intricate details to avoid any violations. Let's break down the concepts mentioned:

  1. Animal Fat or Suet: Restricted to being accompanied by the individual, not through mail or courier. Limited to 20kg by weight or 20L by volume. Cannot contain meat.
  2. Baked Goods: Allowed, provided they don't contain meat, limited to 20kg.
  3. Condiments, Dressings: Permitted, restricted to 20kg by weight or 20L by volume.
  4. Confectionery, Sweeteners, Snack Foods: Shouldn't contain meat, limited to 20kg or 20L.
  5. Dairy Products: Allowed, with a limit of 20kg or 20L.
  6. Dried Foods: Limits specified elsewhere (AIRS), except those in food commodities, limited to 20kg.
  7. Eggs and Processed Egg Products: Restrictions during avian disease outbreaks, with specific conditions and quantities allowed.
  8. Fish and Seafood: Restrictions on specific species, limits on quantities, and requirements for permits.
  9. Fresh Fruits or Vegetables: Limits specified in AIRS, with certain conditions for items like potatoes.
  10. Game Animal Carcasses: Permitted with a hunter's permit, subject to provincial restrictions.
  11. Grain-Derived Foods: Allowed, limited to 20kg or 20L.
  12. Honey: Allowed, limited to 20kg.
  13. Infant Formula: Allowed based on type, limited to 20kg or 20L.
  14. Maple Syrup and Products: Limits set for maple syrup and maple products.
  15. Meat Products (Meat and Poultry): Allowed with specific markings, proof of origin, and certain conditions.
  16. Multi-Ingredient Foods: Permitted with limitations on quantity.
  17. Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Allowed, with a limit of 50L.
  18. Nuts, Grains, Seeds: Details specified in AIRS, limited to 20kg.
  19. Oils (Food Grade): Quantity limited to 50L.
  20. Spices, Tea, Coffee: Allowed, limited to 20kg.

Understanding these restrictions and specifications is crucial for anyone involved in importing food into Canada to ensure compliance with regulations. Each category has its own limitations and conditions that need to be meticulously followed to avoid any legal implications.

Bringing food into Canada for personal use (2024)
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