The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is changing the process for certifying compliance to the Fish Inspection Regulations. In order to export, exporters must comply with the requirements outlined below.
Exporters must also comply with any additional requirements imposed by the importing country. Such requirements could include that the exporter be licensed in Canada and/or be on an export eligibility list.
For Federally Registered Fish Processing Establishments
By December 1, 2014, federally registered fish establishments must complete the Export Certification Control Program (ECCP) - Attestation for Registered Establishments form and send it to their local CFIA office. The form is available from the Fish and Seafood Exports webpage. This form attests that establishments have updated their Quality Management Program (QMP) plan to include relevant elements of the ECCP plan. These elements, including control measures and procedures, will be reviewed at the establishment's next compliance verification audit.
After December 1, federally registered establishments that have not implemented the ECCP plan elements into their QMP will be subject to 100 per cent product inspection by the CFIA and will be removed from foreign country export eligible lists except for the United States list. Request for inclusion on a specific export eligibility list should be made to the CFIA at least three months in advance of anticipated shipments.
For Non-Registered Establishments of Live and/or Fresh Fish
As of November 2013, any establishment of live and/or fresh fish requesting export certificates requires a licence and an ECCP plan. An Application for a Fish Export Licence and a copy of the ECCP plan must be submitted to the local CFIA office.
For Brokers
Brokers are defined as an individual or party who purchases fish or seafood for resale without any further transformation, including repackaging or labelling. Customs brokers or parties who facilitate the buying transactions are not considered brokers and are not able to obtain a licence.
By December 1, 2014, brokers are required to obtain a fish export licence and complete the required elements of the ECCP if they wish to continue to receive export certificates (without 100 per cent inspection) or to be eligible for export lists (where applicable). An Application for a Fish Export Licence and a copy of the ECCP plan must be submitted to the local CFIA office.
After December 1, licensed brokers will be able to receive export certificates, with reduced product inspection, for products from federally registered establishments. However, they will not be able to receive partially completed certificates. Also, the CFIA will issue export certificates based on the broker's ECCP and not on master certificates.
