International Exhibitors

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Click here to access the Guide for importing food products to trade shows or exhibitions in Canada.

CFIA officers will be present to verify that your imported products meet the requirements. Your permit issued by the CFIA must be permanently displayed at your booth.

• Product Safety: It is the responsibility of the importer or legal agent to ensure the safety and suitability of food products that will be offered for sampling during the event. Therefore, conditions during transport, storage, and exhibition must prevent any alteration of the product. Unsanitary or infested products must be returned to their place of origin or destroyed under the supervision of the CFIA.

• Sales Prohibition: Exemptions to various laws and regulations enforced by the CFIA are provided when products are imported solely for the purpose of being displayed at exhibitions or trade shows. It is not permitted to sell these products at these events. It is also prohibited to distribute these products outside the exhibition venue unless prior special authorization has been obtained from the CFIA. The products must be presented to the CFIA – National Import Service Centre (NISC) for approval. Your customs broker must go through the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to know the specific import requirements such as import permits, certificates, or licenses. Once in AIRS, you can select “Fair or Exhibition.” Click here

• High-Risk Product Imports, such as dairy products intended for food exhibitions, can be handled according to the same guidelines as a commercial shipment or with an “Animal Health” import permit. The request must be made through the permit administration center: cfia.permission.acia@canada.ca

• Meat Product Imports intended for food exhibitions from certain countries will require an import permit before the products arrive in Canada, with a case-by-case evaluation. An “Animal Health” risk assessment may also be required. All high-risk products, of animal or plant origin, that are new to the Canadian market, require a product evaluation, and this information must be provided to the appropriate programs several weeks in advance. We strongly recommend obtaining a CFIA Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) APPROVAL to ensure the products will be allowed to enter Canada and to avoid any costly refusals.

IMPORTANT: If no permit has been obtained in advance and the merchandise is refused by the CFIA at the Enercare Centre, it will be destroyed. Collection, transportation, and disposal fees will then be charged to the exhibitor.

For any questions, please contact:
Cathy Dallaire
(514) 283-3815 ext. 4303 | cathy.dallaire@inspection.gc.ca
Fax: (514) 283-3143
Acting Area Import Coordinator
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
2001 Robert Bourassa Blvd., Suite 671-X, Montreal, QC H3A 3N2
www.inspection.gc.ca