How To Determine If My Product Needs A Canadian Import Permit

Follow the steps below to obtain Canadian importation requirement information:

1. Visit the Automated Import Reference System: Import Requirements at inspection.gc.ca. 
2. Watch the Tutorial Video.

3. Input the Commodity name, or its HS code (with OGD code), Country of Origin, End Use, etc. into the tool.

   If uncertain about the HS, or how to categorize your item, Please contact CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) at 1-800-461-9999 to ask for the HS Tariff Code (Canada Customs is the ONLY authority to assign/give out HS code.)

4. The summary page will indicate ‘Approved’, ‘Not regulated by CFIA’, ‘Refer to CFIA-NISC’, or ‘Refused Entry’ etc.
5. Pay attention to the section ‘Import Conditions’, especially when the summary page indicates ‘Refer to CFIA-NISC’.
6. Contact NISC if you have questions after following the above steps, by emailing: cfia.nisc-csni.acia@canada.ca.
7. Contact CFIA Centre of Administration for Permissions if any kind of license or permit is required.  Their webpage is found here.