RG-10 Importing livestock feeds (mixed feeds and single ingredient feeds) into Canada

Revised June 2025

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Purpose

The purpose of this regulatory guidance document is to provide information and direction to feed industry stakeholders concerning the importation of livestock feeds (single ingredient feeds (SIFs) and mixed feeds) into Canada. This guidance document explains the various regulatory requirements associated with feed imports and provides valuable references to assist stakeholders during the importation process.

Introduction

We are the regulatory body responsible for safeguarding Canada's food supply and protecting the animal health and plant resource base. The importation of livestock feeds may pose risks, either directly or indirectly, to these resources and as such may also negatively impact the Canadian environment or economy. Our import controls are an important part of managing these risks and provides us with the ability to ensure livestock feeds imported into Canada are safe, efficacious and labelled appropriately.

We, in cooperation with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), operates the National Import Service Center (NISC) whose function is to process import request documentation and data sent by importers. The NISC reviews the information supplied by importers to determine if the Canadian import requirements have been met and provides this decision electronically to CBSA. CBSA will then communicate this decision to the client, broker or importer. In addition, the NISC handles telephone inquiries regarding import requirements for all commodities regulated by us and when necessary, coordinates inspections for import shipments.

Livestock feeds imported into Canada are subject to the regulatory requirements outlined in the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024 as well as the Health of Animals Act and Health of Animals Regulations. The importation of livestock feeds may also be subject to other acts and regulations administered and enforced by us such as the Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations or by other Federal departments such as CBSA (Customs Act); Environment and Climate Change Canada (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) and Health Canada (Food and Drugs Act). It is essential for every importer to be aware of and address all applicable import conditions to prevent delays when product arrives at a Canadian port of entry.

Importing livestock feed – What you need to know

We regularly receive requests from Canadian importers and exporters from other countries regarding the import requirements for livestock feeds into Canada. Livestock feeds include both mixed feeds and SIFs which are imported for this specific end use.

Note 1: feeds for mink and foxes are not regulated under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 as these species are not designated as livestock in Canada. However, feeds for these species may still be subject to other regulatory requirements (such as animal health-related import conditions). Please consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) database for more information. 

Note 2: feeds for non-livestock species – such as pets (including dogs and cats), exotic animals, zoo animals and wildlife (including for conservation/restocking purposes) - are exempt from the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024. However, they may still be subject to import requirements under other authorities administered by us, such as the Health of Animals Act and its regulations.

Importers are responsible for ensuring that the feeds they import have been manufactured, stored, packaged and labelled in a manner and under conditions that provide at least the same level of protection as that provided by subsections 56(1) and (2) and sections 59 to 63 of the Feeds Regulations, 2024. This means that before the feed entered Canada it was made and handled in a system that analyzed hazards and put in place controls to prevent, eliminate or reduce those hazards so they do not pose a risk of harm to human or animal health or the environment. Importers must have evidence to demonstrate this, which may include:

  • third-party audits
  • on-site visits
  • product testing
  • document or record reviews
  • supplier agreements or
  • other methods

A combination of documentation types may be needed. It will depend on the livestock feed being imported and how is it manufactured in the foreign country.

Imported feeds that are exempted from the application of the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024

It is important to note that under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, while the majority of imported livestock feeds are subject to the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations 2024, certain livestock feeds and activities are exempt. This includes:

  • importing a complete feed, that is not a novel feed, that is packaged in containers weighing not more than 10 kg and that is intended for feeding to livestock animals that are not intended for human consumption as food
  • importing samples of a feed, other than a novel feed, weighing not more than 1 kg and
    • that are intended for the purpose of marketing promotion at exhibits, conferences or trade shows, are labelled with "Not for Sale/Non destiné à la vente" and either disposed of in a safe manner or exported from Canada
    • that are intended for analytical testing at a laboratory in Canada, are labelled as such and disposed of in a safe manner or exported from Canada
  • importing a feed, other than a novel feed, that is imported with or accompanies imported livestock that are temporarily staying in Canada
    • the feed must only be consumed by that livestock while the livestock is in Canada and any remaining feed must accompany the livestock when the livestock is subsequently exported from Canada or is disposed of in a safe manner
  • importing a feed, other than a novel feed, that is imported separately from and is only intended for consumption by imported livestock while the livestock is temporarily in Canada

Although these livestock feeds may be exempted from the application of the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024, (in other words, they do not require registration by the AFVBD prior to their importation into Canada) they must be properly declared using the correct Harmonized System (HS) code and may be subject to other import conditions, such as animal health or plant health import requirements.

Our AIRS provides the option to select a variety of end uses, depending on the commodity being imported. With respect to livestock feeds imported into Canada, the following acceptable end uses would be applicable:

  • 57 – livestock feed
    • includes SIFs and mixed feeds being imported into Canada by individuals or companies and destined for livestock feed for commercial use to be fed as-is or to be further mixed with other approved feeds and feed ingredients to manufacture complete feeds, supplements or premixes
  • 35 – scientific use (research)
    • includes SIFs and mixed feeds being imported into Canada by individuals or companies to be fed as-is or to be further mixed with other ingredients to manufacture complete feeds, supplements or premixes for the sole purpose of conducting research feeding trials with the feed
    • the importer must obtain written approval from us prior to importation
  • 52 – samples for testing
    • includes individuals or companies importing small amounts (1 kg or less) of SIFs or mixed feeds into Canada for the sole purpose of conducting analytical testing (including samples of laboratory proficiency testing programs) and will not be used in the manufacturing of livestock feeds or be fed to livestock

Each end use is linked to specific import conditions. In order to ensure that a shipment meets all applicable import requirements, it is essential to correctly determine the intended end use when verifying import conditions. Importers who are aware that the livestock feed may be imported for more than 1 end use, must declare this on their import documentation and adhere to all applicable import requirements.

Note 1: in general, end uses 09 - animal feed, 34 - bird feed and 71 - aquaculture feed should only be used in those circumstances where the product being imported is destined for a species other than livestock as defined in subsection 1(2) of the Feeds Regulations, 2024. In cases where end use 57 – livestock feed and 1 or more of the previously mentioned end uses are available for the same commodity, end use 57 (livestock feed) must always be selected as the end use when the product is to be fed to livestock.

All importers are responsible for knowing the applicable import requirements for any products they wish to bring into Canada and ensuring each shipment meets those requirements when it arrives at the Canadian border. In addition, the importer is responsible for accurately declaring the end use(s) of those products as requirements are often dependent on the intended end use of the imported product. Any false declarations made on import documentation, including incorrect end use, may be subject to compliance and enforcement measures under the Customs Act as administered by the CBSA.

While this document provides guidance on the import requirements for livestock feeds regulated by the Feeds Act, the Feeds Regulations, 2024 and the Health of Animals Act and its regulations, it is important for every importer to be aware and address any additional import conditions outlined under other Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) legislation and as reflected in program specific guidance materials (for example, D-96-07: Import Requirements for Screenings and Grain and Seed for Cleaning; Import policies: animal products and by-products). In addition, and depending on the country of origin, there may be import restrictions set out in other regulations which would prohibit the importation of livestock feed, regardless of the intended end use (for example, the importation of certain rendered animal proteins is dependent on the animal health risk status of the exporting country).

The following are some examples of other documentation and information that may be required when importing livestock feed:

  • letter of approval for scientific use (research) or for samples for testing that are greater than 1 kg in net weight
  • letter of approval to import feeds that are imported separately from and are only intended for consumption by imported livestock while the livestock is temporarily in Canada
  • list of ingredients present in the livestock feed
  • zoosanitary certificate for animal health conditions
  • phytosanitary certificate for plant health conditions
  • permit to import (Plant Health or Animal Health)
  • import declaration

Our AIRS is a tool that can assist importers in determining the relevant import conditions for their shipments. Through a series of drop-down menus in AIRS, importers must first describe the product to be imported by identifying the applicable International HS code, the country of origin, the destination, end use and miscellaneous codes (if applicable). Based on this information, AIRS then leads the user to the import requirements for their specific commodity including any documents or instructions that may be required as well as references to the applicable CFIA acts, regulations, policies and directives. This provides the importer with the necessary information needed to ensure their product meets all applicable CFIA import requirements before arriving at the Canadian border.

Further information and guidance on the use of this system can be found on the AIRS page of our website.

Note 1: each importer is responsible for determining any additional import conditions stipulated by other government departments or agencies that may be applicable to their shipments. We do not maintain an exhaustive list of these additional requirements.

Note 2: a CFIA permit to import, if required, can be requested through our online service portal, My CFIA.

Import conditions for livestock feeds

SIFs

All feed ingredients must be approved for use in livestock feeds in Canada prior to being imported and/or sold in Canada. The list of ingredients that are approved for use in livestock feeds in Canada can be found in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT) of the Feeds Regulations, 2024. In Canada, an approved livestock feed ingredient is called a SIF, as defined in subsection 1(1) of the Feeds Regulations, 2024. SIFs listed in part 1 of the CFIT do not require registration before being imported into Canada. However, SIFs listed in part 2 of the CFIT do require registration by the CFIA prior to their importation and/or sale in Canada. Approved SIFs (including those that are registered as required) may be imported into Canada if the following criteria are fully met:

  • they conform to the standards for composition as described in the applicable ingredient description listed in the CFIT
  • they conform to the labelling requirements described in the applicable ingredient description as listed in the CFIT and sections 44 to 54 of the Feeds Regulations, 2024
  • they conform to the applicable safety standards outlined in section 35 of the Feeds Regulations, 2024 and RG-8 Regulatory Guidance: Contaminants in Feed
  • they conform to any additional import conditions related to other acts and regulations, if applicable (for example, permit(s) to import, export certificates from the country of origin)

An ingredient intended for use in livestock feeds that is not listed in the CFIT is considered an unapproved feed ingredient and cannot be used in livestock feeds in Canada. The importation of an unapproved feed ingredient for this purpose is also prohibited, as per section 3 of the Feeds Act. Stakeholders wishing to import unapproved ingredients must first submit a completed application using My CFIA along with the required supporting information to us to have this ingredient approved prior to importation into Canada. Please see Regulatory Guidance (RG-1): Feed Registration Procedures and Labelling Standards for further information.

The CFIT can be found on our website on the Documents incorporated by reference web page for livestock feeds.

Note 1: materials sieved out in the cleaning of imported cereals, pulses, oilseeds and other field crops, also known as screenings, are not permitted to be used as livestock feeds unless they are approved SIFs as defined in the CFIT. There are currently 4 cereal-based and 4 pulse-based screening products approved for use in livestock feeds consisting solely of or as a mixture of wheat, oats, rye, barley and triticale or chickpeas, lentils, peas and beans respectively.

Any screenings destined for use as an ingredient in livestock feed that contain crops not previously mentioned, for example, products consisting solely of or as a mixture from oilseeds (canola, flax, soybeans, etc.), would be considered unapproved feed ingredients requiring approval by us prior to being sold or imported into Canada.

Importers wishing to import grains or seeds for cleaning purposes must adhere to all regulatory requirements, including requirements for the by-products originating from that cleaning process.

Note 2: given the range of different SIFs that may be imported into Canada for feeding to livestock, the conditions for these importations are found in various chapters of AIRS. While it is the responsibility of each importer to ensure they adhere to all import requirements, if difficulties exist identifying the appropriate AIRS code to use for a specific commodity, the following groups can be contacted for assistance:

Plant-based single ingredient feeds and African swine fever (ASF)

ASF is a severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It originated in Africa but is now spreading in various parts of the world. Although not present in Canada, ASF can spread through contaminated feed or feed ingredients and, as such, we have put controls in place for the import of plant-based single ingredient feeds of concern. Importers of any grains and oilseeds and their associated meals should be familiar with the import requirements for plant-based SIFs that are being imported for use in livestock feed. They should also understand when and how these controls are applied. For more information on the impacted products and countries as well as the Animal Health Import Permit application process, please visit: Importers: understanding feed controls to prevent ASF.

Mixed feeds

All mixed feeds require registration with us prior to importation into Canada and must be manufactured using only those ingredients listed in the CFIT. In the case where a mixed feed contains an unapproved ingredient, that ingredient must first undergo the feed ingredient approval process with us prior to the mixed feed being eligible for registration and subsequent importation. Furthermore, any changes to the product formulation of an already registered feed would be considered a significant change requiring re-registration prior to import and sale in Canada.

Once registered, the feed is assigned a registration number. The registration process also includes the assessment and approval of the product label to be used in the Canadian marketplace. The registration number is required on any product labelling and import documentation as verification the product has been registered as prescribed by the Feeds Regulations, 2024.

In addition to the feed ingredient approval process (if applicable), mixed feeds may be imported into Canada if the following criteria are fully met:

  • the mixed feed has been registered by us and is labelled appropriately (that is, using the approved product label)
  • the registration number is clearly indicated on the product label and on the applicable import declaration(s)
  • the mixed feed conforms to the applicable safety standards outlined in section 35 of the Feeds Regulations, 2024 and RG-8 Regulatory Guidance: Contaminants in Feed
  • the mixed feed conforms to any additional import conditions related to other acts and regulations, if applicable (for example, permit(s) to import, export certificates from the country of origin)

Note 1: List of Registered Livestock Feeds in Canada. This search tool allows the user to find livestock feeds with an active registration that can be manufactured, sold or imported in Canada. The search of active registrations can be done by either providing a registration number, a brand name, a feed name, a company name or searching by any combination of feed type and species.

Note 2: the conditions for the importation of mixed feeds into Canada for feeding to livestock can be found primarily in Chapter 23 of AIRS (Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder) and will have an HS code starting with 23-09-90-XX.

Note 3: mixed feeds containing animal origin ingredients may be subject to additional import requirements as described in the Import policies: animal products and by-products. Animal origin ingredients include all ingredients of livestock feed that are derived from aquatic or terrestrial animals, with the exception of vitamin D originating from lanolin of sheep's wool and vitamin A originating from pig fat.

In-transit shipments

In-transit means the movement from a foreign country, through Canada, to another foreign country. In-transit feeds are required to meet the same regulatory obligations as other imported feeds and must be approved or registered as prescribed prior to their entry into Canada.

Feed for experimental purposes

The importation of a feed into Canada by a governmental, academic or private research establishment for experimental purposes, such as feed to be used in research feeding trials is permitted provided that the importer of the feed receives approval from us prior to importing the feed into Canada.

To import a feed for use in a research feeding trial an importer must select AIRS end use code "35 – scientific use (research)" and provide the documentation demonstrating the feed has been approved by the AFVBD at the time of import.

To seek approval from AFVBD to import a feed for research purposes, an application must be made via My CFIA which includes:

  • information such as a description of the composition of the livestock feed, location and purpose of the proposed research and research protocol
    • an explanation of how any remaining feed, animal products and/or livestock fed with the experimental feed will be disposed of in a safe manner, if applicable; and
  • import requirements such as total quantity to be imported, point of entry, date of entry and how the livestock feed will enter Canada

Please refer to Chapter 5 – Research with Livestock Feeds for additional guidance on the information that must be submitted as part of an application to conduct research with livestock feeds.

To import samples that are greater than 1 kg in net weight for analytical testing (laboratory) purposes, the following information and documentation must be provided to us when seeking an approval to import livestock feeds for this purpose:

  • the name, address and contact details of the person responsible for the analysis at the laboratory in Canada
  • the amount of each sample to be imported into Canada
  • labelling information that describes the sample
  • a list of each ingredient in the feed to be tested (product formulation)
    • For each animal product or animal by-product in the formulation, the country of origin of these ingredients must be identified
  • the name, address and contact details of the person responsible for shipping the samples
  • a description of the shipping method for the samples (for example, via air, ground transportation); and
  • the timing and point of entry into Canada

The previous information must be emailed to the AFVBD of the CFIA (cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca) with the subject matter "Import – Feed for analytical purposes (greater than 1 kg)" to request permission to import feed samples greater than 1 kg in net weight for analytical testing purposes. To avoid possible issues at the border, importers should not make shipping arrangements until their approval letter has been issued by us.

Importing feeds for livestock temporarily staying in Canada

To import feed that will be shipped separately from livestock that will be temporarily staying in Canada, the importer must obtain approval from the AFVBD of the CFIA prior to the import, as per paragraph 3(1)(f)(i) of the Feeds Regulations, 2024. The following information must be provided to the AFVBD as part of the request:

  • the name of each feed being imported
  • the complete and detailed list og ingredients for each feed, including the listing of the ingredients used in all premixes and mixed feeds used in the formulation of the imported feed
  • the complete address where it will be sent
  • the species and number of livestock for which each feed is intended
  • the quantity of each feed that is required to be sent to the imported livestock
  • the date on which each feed is to be imported and its port of entry into Canada
  • the date on which the livestock for which each feed is intended is to be imported and the livestock's port of entry into Canada and
  • the date on which any remaining feed is to be exported and its port of exit from Canada or the date on which each feed is to be disposed of in a safe manner

Note that any remaining imported feed cannot remain in Canada, nor can it be fed to other livestock. It must either be exported or disposed in a safe manner to be exempt from the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024. 

The previous information must be emailed to the AFVBD of the CFIA (cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca). To avoid possible issues at the border, importers should not make shipping arrangements until the approval letter has been issued by us.

Canadian goods returning to Canada

As previously mentioned, all mixed feeds imported into Canada require mandatory registration, prior to import. Should an exporter wish to return their Canadian origin feed to Canada, a case-by-case evaluation will be done to determine whether Canadian import conditions, such as registration, will be required.

In general, the following information would need to be supplied to the AFVBD (cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca) in advance of the importation:

  • evidence that the feed was certified by us prior to being exported, if applicable
  • evidence that the feed is in its original, sealed, clean and undamaged containers or on the original conveyance
  • the address of the Canadian destination for the returning product; and
  • evidence that the information on the packaging matches the information on the original shipping documentation

The Canadian exporter or re-importer may be contacted by us to provide additional details to support the import decision, as required.

Feeds may also be subject to additional Animal Health import requirements (such as the Returns and Permit Application Process for Canadian Animals, Semen, Embryos, Animal Products, Animal By-Products, and Finished Pet Food and the Terrestrial animal products and by-products: Returning shipments policy) or additional Plant Health import requirements (Plant Import Procedures).

Note 1: mixed feeds or SIFs that required certification under the Health of Animals Regulations and which left the country without a certificate cannot be returned to Canada using this import procedure.

Note 2: feed returned to Canada would be permitted to be sold in Canada providing a CFIA inspector has confirmed the applicable regulatory standards are met, for example labelling requirements, general and safety standards and the ingredients are approved for use in livestock feed in Canada.

Note 3: feed returned to Canada which does not meet the applicable regulatory standards must be handled and stored in a manner that prevents cross-contamination with other SIFs or mixed feeds until such time that the feed can be re-worked to comply with the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024 and the Health of Animals Act and Health of Animals Regulations or disposed of using appropriate measures.

What to do if there are issues with importing feeds into Canada

It is important for importers to contact our NISC and/or their local CFIA inspection office for assistance. Importers should have the following information available to assist with our follow-up:

  • any relevant information from NISC/CBSA concerning the nature of the import issue
  • transaction number for the shipment
  • HS code used
  • end use indicated
  • copy of the feed (product) label

Stay up to date

Stakeholders can stay up to date on news and updates for the feed industry by subscribing to the CFIA's email subscriptions service and selecting "Livestock feeds" under the heading "Animal information" to get latest updates regarding our Animal Feed Program.

For questions or clarification on the importation of livestock feeds into Canada, please contact the AFVBD of the CFIA by email: cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca.

To get email updates for the AIRS database, importers can subscribe to our email subscriptions service and select "Imports: AIRS, EDI, NISC updates and notices" under the "General updates" heading.

Definitions

feed (section 2, Feeds Act)
means any substance or mixture of substances containing amino acids, anti-oxidants, carbohydrates, condiments, enzymes, fats, minerals, non-protein nitrogen products, proteins or vitamins, or pelletizing, colouring, foaming or flavouring agents and any other substance manufactured, sold or represented for use:
  • (a) for consumption by livestock,
  • (b) for providing the nutritional requirements of livestock, or
  • (c) for the purpose of preventing or correcting nutritional disorders of livestock,

or any substance for use in any such substance or mixture of substances

mixed feed (subsection 1(1), Feeds Regulations, 2024)
means a feed that contains at least two single ingredient feeds
single ingredient feed (subsection 1(1), Feeds Regulations, 2024)
means any substance or mixture of substances that has been approved for feeding to livestock and that is listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table
grain
means a commodity class for seeds intended for processing or consumption and not for planting.
novel feed (subsection 1(1), Feeds Regulations, 2024)
means a feed that is an organism, a part of an organism or a product of an organism or that consists of parts or products of an organism and that
  • (a) is not listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table; or
  • (b) has a novel trait
novel trait (subsection 1(1), Feeds Regulations, 2024)
in respect of a feed that is an organism, a part of an organism or a product of an organism or that consists of parts or products of an organism, means a characteristic of the feed that
  • (a) has been intentionally selected, created or introduced into the feed through a specific genetic change; and
  • (b) based on valid scientific rationale, is not substantially equivalent, in terms of its specific use and safety for human or animal health or the environment, to any characteristic of a similar feed that is listed in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table
disposed of in a safe manner (subsection 1(1), Feeds Regulations, 2024)
means disposed of, other than by human or animal consumption, in a manner that does not present a risk of harm to human or animal health or the environment

Note: for research trials involving the feeding of livestock animals, safe disposal means that the feed, livestock and all animal products and by-products from the research trial do not enter the food chain, the feed chain, or the environment. Rendering is not considered a safe disposal option, as rendered products may re-enter the food chain through their use as feed ingredients.

Any disposal into the environment must be in accordance with federal, provincial and municipal environmental regulations.

Any remaining feed and animal products and by-products that originate from the animals that were fed the experimental feed may need to be incinerated prior to disposal in a landfill facility. If they are not incinerated, the remaining feed and animal products and by-products may only be composted in a suitable landfill or waste disposal facility once the conditions have been authorized by us.

screenings
means separable foreign materials such as weed seeds, other grains, straw, chaff, hulls, etc., removed from grain or seed during the cleaning process.
seed
means a commodity class for seeds for planting or intended for planting and not for consumption or processing

References

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