Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence

Where this applies

This record is scoped to Federal (Canada). Scope is part of the claim: a rule that binds one part of a country does not bind the whole of it, and this library states the scope its sources state.

Instrument

Safe Food for Canadians Act, S.C. 2012, c. 24, s.10(2); Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, SOR/2018-108, Part 3 (licensing) and Part 4 (preventive controls)

Who it binds

Businesses that import food, export food, or prepare food for interprovincial trade — including interprovincial or export slaughter of food animals, and storing imported meat for CFIA inspection. A business trading food only within its own province does not need this licence (a scope limit, not a statement that no provincial rule applies).

What it requires

A Safe Food for Canadians licence, issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) through the My CFIA portal, is required to import, export or move food across provincial lines. The licence expires two years after it is issued or renewed. Licensed businesses must also maintain a Preventive Control Plan under Part 4 of the Regulations. This is a legal precondition, not the same thing as ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 — those are voluntary schemes and do not substitute for the licence.

Related records and requirements

• Food and Agriculture — Applies if you import food, export food, or prepare food for interprovincial trade — including interprovincial or export slaughter of food animals.
• Logistics and Supply Chain — Applies if you store imported meat for CFIA inspection.