Export control plan at a glance
A well-developed ECP will help demonstrate that your products are acceptable to foreign markets and will facilitate the process to obtain export certificates and eligibility list endorsement.
An ECP will not be assessed by the CFIA:
- when the exporter does not apply for an export certificate, or endorsement to an export eligibility list
- when the export is of small quantities of food products, exported for personal use, for example, sport-caught fish
Elements of the ECP
An ECP is a written document that:
- describes export requirements and conditions; and
- demonstrates how export controls result in exported food products that meet all applicable requirements and conditions
The ECP will incorporate export controls for the following elements, as applicable:
1. Controls for meeting Canadian export requirements and conditions
In order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the SFCR, exporters must prepare, keep, and maintain:
- 1.1 A preventive control plan (PCP)
- 1.2 Traceability documentation
- 1.3 Export documents
- 1.3.1 Export of non-compliant Food (SFCR 16)
- 1.3.2 Documents that prove an exported meat product meets the importing country conditions (SFCR 168)
- 1.3.3 Certificate controls
Where the importing country is satisfied with the exported products meeting Canadian regulatory requirements alone, an ECP that includes the controls identified in 1.1-1.3 is sufficient to demonstrate eligibility for export certificates and eligibility lists.
2. Controls for meeting importing country conditions
Where there are additional export conditions from the importing country (Food export requirements library), you must include the following in your ECP :
- 2.1 Description of importing country conditions
- 2.2 Description of the controls for meeting importing country conditions
- 2.2.1 Product controls
- 2.2.2 Establishment Controls