Regulatory

On February 4, 2025, the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will be updated with new animal health import requirements for milk replacers from countries other than the United States (US).

Beginning May 26, 2025, there are changes to the import requirements for organic products. In CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS), “organic” has been added as a descriptor for many of the feed types. If a company is importing organic feed or feed ingredients, they should choose the correct Other Government Department (OGD) code and will need to provide a copy of their organic certificate as part of their Integrated Import Declaration (IID).

The second phase of requirements under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 comes into force in just over four months. Importantly, most of these elements apply to all feed businesses throughout the value chain including manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets of mixed feeds and feed ingredients.

Last July, the Notice with respect to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was published under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in the Canada Gazette, Part I requiring entities to report if they manufactured, imported and/or used substances or products containing certain PFAS during the 2023 calendar year. The reporting deadline is January 29.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is experiencing significant technical issues with their website.

Companies are required to submit data to the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR) on the quantity and types of plastic they put on the Canadian market. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) recently published the Guide for Reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry – Phase 1 to support stakeholders in meeting their reporting requirements.