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: Yau Hin Cheung
Ontario Import Activity Coordinator
Phone: (416) 540-5893
Email: yauhin.cheung@inspection.gc.ca

• Distribution of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Samples

All exhibitors are allowed to sample their food products and non-alcoholic beverages for free within their booth. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your products to the visitors of the show.

Would you like to go further and promote your products in high-visibility areas such as the VIP space, Media space, or the Buyers’ Program? Contact us to learn more and reserve your spot in these strategic areas! ngaro@expocanadafrance.com

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• Import and Distribution of Alcoholic Products

Coming soon
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Benefits: All administrative tasks are handled by professionals (preparation and control of necessary documents, customs clearance, assistance in obtaining required permits from various government agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, assistance with tax refunds).

It is crucial to contact NALSI as early as possible to understand the deadlines.
For any questions, please contact Fernando Vera: fvera@nalsi.com / + 1 514-847-1791 / F + 1 514-655-3559 / Toll-Free + 1 877-332-8987

• If you wish to make an agreement with North American Logistics (NALSI), the official transporter and customs broker of SIAL Canada:
Click here to order

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➔ STORAGE

• If you are using your own transporter and customs broker and only wish to store with NALSI:
Click here to order. Deadline for warehouse receipt: April 18, 2025.

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➔ DISPOSAL OF INTERNATIONAL GOODS AFTER THE SHOW

Goods admitted for temporary importation at the Enercare Centre in Toronto (food and beverages) cannot be sold to exhibitors, visitors, or donated to the Food Bank. These goods cannot leave the Enercare Centre without written authorization from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. International goods must be destroyed by the organizer: think about waste! We strongly encourage exhibitors to bring only the products they really need to the show, in an effort to preserve resources.