International Exhibitors

All products you import must meet the standards of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Click here to access the Guide for Importing Food Products at trade shows or exhibitions in Canada.

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

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

• Sales Prohibition: Exemptions to various laws and regulations applied by the CFIA are granted when products are imported solely for presentation at exhibitions or trade shows. Selling these products at these events is not permitted. Distributing these products outside the exhibition premises is also prohibited, unless prior special authorization is obtained from the CFIA. Products must be presented to the CFIA – National Import Service Centre (NISC) for approval. Your customs broker must use the CFIA Automated Import System (AIS) to learn specific import requirements, such as import permits, certificates, or licenses. Once in AIS, you can select “Trade Show or Exhibition.” Click here.

• Imports of high-risk products, such as dairy products intended for food exhibitions, may be made according to the same recommendations as for commercial shipments or with an import permit for “Animal Health.” The application must be made through the permit administration center: cfia.permission.acia@canada.ca

• Imports of meat products destined for a food exhibition, from certain countries, will require an import permit before the products arrive in Canada, with a case-by-case risk assessment. An “Animal Health” risk assessment may also be necessary. All high-risk products, whether of animal or plant origin, new to the Canadian market, require product assessment, and this information must be transmitted to the appropriate programs several weeks in advance. We strongly recommend obtaining CFIA Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) APPROVAL to ensure that products will be allowed entry into Canada and to avoid costly refusals.

IMPORTANT: If no permit has been obtained in advance and merchandise is rejected by the CFIA at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, 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
Regional Import Coordinator. int./ Acting Area import coordinator
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
2001 Robert Bourrassa, Suite 671-X, Montreal, QC H3A 3N2 www.inspection.gc.ca

All alcoholic products you import must be declared to the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ), and you must obtain a Reunion Permit to Sell issued by the Régie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux (RACJ)

• Distribution of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Samples

Free distribution must be in sample format only: 60 ml (2 ounces) for liquids and 28 grams (1 ounce) for solids, equivalent to one bite.

The sale of samples is prohibited at all times. Products offered and distributed free of charge as samples during the exhibition must not compete with or limit the sale of products in food concessions. These products must be in line with the nature of the business involved.

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• Importation and Distribution of Alcoholic Products

Non-Quebec Exhibitors:

All non-Quebec exhibitors who wish to offer alcoholic beverages for tasting during the event must obtain the “Reunion Permit to Sell” issued by the Régie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux of Quebec (RACJ). Each non-Quebec exhibitor has the right to import alcohol up to 45 liters per Permit. This permit must be displayed at your booth throughout the event.

Click here to view the steps to obtain this permit based on your situation at the trade show.

Important: Each exhibitor must also complete the sample distribution request form with Maestro Culinaire, the official caterer of the Palais des Congrès, by clicking here.
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