Chapter 4 – Exports

4.1 Export veterinary certification

Objectives of certification

The objective of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Animal Health Export Program is to ensure that only healthy animals and animal products and by-products that meet the import health requirements of an importing country are exported from Canada and, in the case of live animals, that they are transported in a humane manner.

Canadian animals, animal products and animal by-products are recognized around the world on the basis of the Canadian veterinary profession's reputation and integrity, and its Canadian competent authority's performance in disease control and eradication. Accredited veterinarians are an integral component of the CFIA's National Animal Health Program and must ensure that the delivery of the Animal Health Export Program is consistent.

Legislative basis

Under section 69 of the Health of Animals Regulations:

69 (1) Subject to this Part, no person shall export animal germplasm, livestock or poultry unless the person has

1. provided to a veterinary inspector or accredited veterinarian evidence that the animal germplasm, livestock or poultry meets the sanitary requirements of the importing country;
2. obtained a certificate issued by a veterinary inspector – or an accredited veterinarian, endorsed by a veterinary inspector – that identifies the animal germplasm, livestock or poultry and sets out the following information
   1. a statement that a veterinary inspector or accredited veterinarian has inspected the animal germplasm, livestock or poultry and found it to be free from any communicable diseases, and that the animal germplasm, livestock or poultry meets the sanitary requirements of the importing country,
   2. the date and place of inspection, and
   3. if tests are required prior to export, a statement that they were performed, and that the results of the tests on the animal germplasm, livestock or poultry meet the testing requirements of the importing country; and
3. provided to a veterinary inspector any requested information or documentation that demonstrates how the person intends to meet the requirements of Parts XII and XV respecting the health, protection and transport of animal germplasm, livestock or poultry, as applicable.

(1.1) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply in respect of animal germplasm, livestock or poultry destined for export to the United States if certification is not requested by the United States.

(2) No person shall export animal semen out of Canada unless the semen, from the time it was collected, was stored in an animal semen production centre or other place approved by the Minister.

(3) No person shall export animal germplasm, livestock or poultry unless the certificate referred to in paragraph (1)(b) bears the mark of the official export stamp referred to in subsection (4).

(4) The official export stamp required by this section shall contain the words "Government of Canada – CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY – Gouvernement du Canada – AGENCE CANADIENNE D’INSPECTION DES ALIMENTS" and it shall be applied on a certificate only by a veterinary inspector or a person authorized by one.

Legal basis

The Accredited Veterinarian Agreement is the legal instrument that authorizes licenced private veterinarians to perform duties such as the completion of international health certification under the authority of Health of Animals Regulations.

Obligations of the accredited veterinarian

Accredited veterinarians should ensure that they meet the highest possible ethical standards in the performance of procedures and in signing documents. Certifying accredited veterinarians must ensure that the information included in the certificates is accurate and only refers to matters that are within their knowledge at the time of signing, or that have been verified by a qualified third party, such as test results.

When a certificate is signed on the basis of supporting documentation, the certifying veterinarian should be in possession of that documentation before signing.

Documentation will be presented to a CFIA veterinarian for the purposes of certificate endorsement and/or audit, when requested.

The certifying accredited veterinarian should only sign certificates required once they have been completed correctly in full. It is inappropriate and considered a contravention of the Accredited Veterinarian Agreement for veterinarians to sign documents on the basis of information or events that have not yet occurred or to sign blank documents.

Accredited veterinarians must perform their duties with all due care and accuracy to maintain the credibility of Canada's inspection and certification mechanisms and to avoid inconvenience or expense to their clients as a result of having animals refused entry by the importing country.

When inspecting, testing or certifying animals for export, accredited veterinarians are required to:

• identify the animal(s) and verify that both the animal(s) and the herd(s) meet the export requirements specified on the certificate

• ensure that the animals identified on the certificate are the ones which were inspected by the AV on the date(s) indicated. 

Note:  confidence by an accredited veterinarian in animal identification records that were produced by an exporter or another party is not sufficient by itself in meeting an animal export identification requirement.

Where an accredited veterinarian has not personally determined the identification of animals inspected for export, the accredited veterinarian must establish and maintain evidence to demonstrate and defend under audit or independent examination how it is known that animals certified for export are the same animals that were inspected. The following conditions apply to animal identification in these circumstances:

• a written protocol for inspections where individual identification is not completed by the accredited veterinarian must be provided to the local CFIA District Veterinarian and approved by the authoring district prior to use
• no approval of such written protocol will be given if:
  • there have been any non compliances with respect to animal identification found in shipments of animals to the U.S. inspected and certified by the accredited veterinarian in the past 2 years.
  •  the feedlot / exporter named in the approved protocol has been subject to CFIA administrative monetary penalties or CFIA prosecutions within the past 2 years
  • the accredited veterinarian has had their accreditation suspended within the past 2 years
• the written protocol is the responsibility of the accredited veterinarian
  • the AV must identify which feedlot(s) it applies to and explain in detail how animal identification is performed as it relates to inspection and certification
  • a written protocol may apply to more than 1 feedlot / exporter IF the procedures employed for identification are the same
  • where different procedures are applied for a different feedlot / exporter, a separate written protocol is required for each one
• the written protocol must contain provisions for validation and verification of animal identification by the accredited veterinarian
  • validation must entail 100% verification of ID numbers in a shipment and must be successful on 3 consecutive shipments.
    Documentation that the validations have occurred and signed by the accredited veterinarian must be submitted to the CFIA District Veterinarian in order for approval to be granted.
  • verification of a percentage of IDs must also be done on a regular basis to ensure the written protocol  is effective
    • a minimum standard of verification of ID for at least 20% of the animals in the shipment is to be done every 3 months
    • AVs may choose to do this verification in 1 shipment every 3 months or propose an alternate level and frequency of verification that meets a similar level of confidence and is approved by the district office
    • if there is a failure in a verification, the accredited veterinarian must confirm the identification of all animals in the shipment prior to issuing the certificate
    • a failed verification will require corrective actions on the part of the exporter/broker, amendment of the written protocol and the accredited veterinarian must revalidate the protocol as described above
  • documentation on validation and verification must be kept for a minimum of 3 years and be available to CFIA for audit purposes
• during any routine or triggered on-site audit of the accredited veterinarian by CFIA, the accredited veterinarian must perform the verification procedures as detailed in the written protocol
• any non-compliance with respect to the animal identification written protocol that is found in a shipment of animals to the U.S. will require immediate corrective actions by the AV
  • if a second non-compliance in the animal identification written protocol is found within a 3-month period after corrective actions have been implemented, then the approval is suspended for a minimum period of 3 months, with revalidation to the protocol before reinstatement
  • if a third non-compliances is found within a 3-month period, approval will be suspended indefinitely

When conducting the certification of animals for export, accredited veterinarians must also:

• inspect the animal(s) and certify them free from any communicable disease in accordance with the Health of Animals Regulations and any terms and conditions established by the importing country
  The herd of origin must also be free from any communicable disease. Where testing is required, the type and results of the test(s) must be recorded on the export certificate along with the date and place of inspection. From time to time, countries modify their terms and conditions of import. Accredited veterinarians are notified of any such changes through the CFIA's email notification system, for which they must subscribe to the service at the link provided. It is the responsibility of the accredited veterinarians to avail themselves of the necessary information and ensure that the conditions are met.
• inform owners/exporters that, in some instances, import conditions above and beyond those required to enter the country may exist
  For example, in the U.S. certain states have established conditions that are more stringent than those of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Another example is the Mexican "hoja de requisitos" (that is, a list of requirements to be met and statements to be included on the International Sanitary Certificate). It is the responsibility of exporters to determine whether additional requirements exist, and to ensure that all conditions of import of the importing country are met.
• only the most recent version of an export health certificate is valid for use
  The version date will appear on the bottom lefthand corner of most certificates. The list of valid export certificates is available on the CFIA website and should be consulted to verify the correct version. If a certificate is not found on the CFIA website, contact the local CFIA district office to obtain the most recent version.
• ensure that export health certificates are fully completed in English, accurate, and endorsed by a CFIA veterinary inspector. No erasure is allowed. If the certificate mentions to delete, strike out, remove or invalidate a non-applicable option, a line must be made on the non-applicable text without hiding its contents, and the paragraph must be initialed.
• if accredited veterinarians cannot personally deliver the export health certificate, the completed certificate must be sealed in an envelope for endorsement by the CFIA veterinary inspector.
• use blue ink to sign export certificates. The name of the accredited veterinarian must appear in printed letters.
• when required by the importing country, all animals in a shipment must have their individual official identification listed on the export certificate before it is endorsement
• if exporting animals without individual identification (is permitted by the importing country), the exporter must be reminded that he/she may not export more animals than the number indicated on the certificate.

All animals must be certified fit for the entirety of the journey until unloading at the final destination transport and meet all requirements of the reimporting country.

Animals afflicted with certain health and welfare related conditions may be refused entry by the importing country. Accredited veterinarians must look for clinical evidence of such conditions during the physical examination of the animals. Examples may include but are not limited to:

• dermatitis
• warts
• vaginal discharge
• mastitis
• omphalophlebitis
• blindness
• recent dehorning
• ringworm
• lice
• diarrhea
• lameness
• hernia
• muscle conditions
• possibility of parturition during transport

Export certification requires veterinary inspection. The signing veterinarian must have carried out the inspection. This task cannot be delegated to a technician or other veterinarian, whether accredited or not, unless otherwise specified in the manual. Some specimen collection may be performed by a fully trained and qualified technician. Application of official seals to transport conveyances may also be done by technicians designated as inspectors under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act (see 1.4 Special Provisions).

According to CFIA policy, only condition statements on the validated export certificate (as negotiated with  the importing country are certifiable. Tests other than those required to meet the import requirements of the importing country do not constitute part of the official certification and are not to appear on the export health certificate; however, the results of such tests may be attached to the export documents.

Accredited veterinarians must be specifically authorized to inspect, test and certify a specific species of animal for export to the U.S. or Mexico. Inspections must always be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the accreditation agreement for the individual AV. The animals must be eligible and fully meet all conditions established by the USDA or SAGARPA for their entry into the U.S. or Mexico.

It should be noted that the original export certificate bearing the wet signatures and the official CFIA endorsement stamp must be presented at the port of entry. The exception to this would be for validated digital signatures issued within MyCFIA for commodities that have an established digital certification system that is accepted by the importing country.

A copy of the export certificate issued by the accredited veterinarian must be retained for a minimum of 3 years. The accredited veterinarian must be able to submit a copy to the district office upon request.

Export problems

If the accredited veterinarian is contacted by the importer, exporter or the competent authority of the importing country regarding an issue or error related to the certification or testing of animals for export, the accredited veterinarian must immediately notify the local CFIA district office. The local CFIA district office will provide appropriate instructions to the accredited veterinarian regarding the possible resolution of the problem. Official channels must be followed in these situations. Attempting to rectify the situation without immediately informing CFIA after the certificate has been endorsed or the animals have left the country may place the accreditation of the individual in jeopardy.

4.2 CFIA Fees

The following outlines the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) fees associated with testing and certification for export and admission to an animal semen production centre performed by accredited veterinarians. Fees are adjusted for inflation annually on March 31. For current fees, please consult the complete list of fees relating to the Animal Health Program. For each commodity listed below, the current fee can be found at the listed reference number in the Health of Animals Fees table, part 11 "Animal Health Fees" at the link above.

Fees may be subject to Government Sales Tax (GST) and in some provinces a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) may also be applicable. Contact your district office for more information.

Testing and certification for export

"Certification" means the signing by an inspector of a document authorizing an activity or attesting to the validity of information, no matter who prepared the document.

1. Cattle to U.S.

Certification

• first animal on the certificate - 24(3)(a)
• each additional animal on the certificate - 24(3)(b)

2. Cattle to Mexico

Certification

• first animal on the certificate - 24(7)
• each animal on the certificate - 24(7)

Testing

• testing of animals by a CFIA laboratory - 24(6) (Min. $15.61).

3. Equine to U.S. and Mexico

Certification

• all purposes other than immediate slaughter:
  • first animal on the certificate - 23(5)(a)
  • each additional animal on the certificate - 23(5)(b)

4. Porcine to U.S.

Certification

• first animal on the certificate - 22(2)(a)
• each of the next 50 animals on the certificate - 22(2)(b)
• each animal in excess of 51 on the certificate - 22(2)(c)

5. Porcine to Mexico

Certification

• first animal on the certificate - 22(5)(a)
• each additional animal on the certificate - 22(5)(b)

6. Ruminants (other than cattle, sheep and goats) to U.S. and Mexico

Certification

• first animal on the certificate - 25(3)(a)
• each additional animal on the certificate - 25(3)(b)

7. Ovine and caprine animals to U.S. and Mexico

Certification

• first animal on the certificate - 21(3)(a)
• each additional animal on the certificate - 21(3)(b)

8. Sheep and goats consigned to a sale in Canada for possible export to U.S. (same shipper, same sale), for individual certificates

Certification

• first certificate - 21(4)(a)
• each additional certificate - 21(4)(b)

9. Poultry or hatching eggs to U.S.

Certification

• ratites or their hatching eggs:
  • first animal or egg on the certificate - 2104)(a)(i)
  • each additional animal or egg on the certificate - 20(4)(a)(ii)
• chickens, turkeys, game birds, ducks, geese or their hatching eggs:
  • each certificate - 20(4)(b)
• other poultry or their eggs:
  • each certificate - 20(4)(c)

Testing

• ratites or their hatching eggs:
  • test performed in a CFIA laboratory, each animal - 20(3)

10. Animals not mentioned elsewhere (pets), animal products, by products

Certification

• each certificate - 26(2)

11. Correction of Certificate

• assistance to ensure compliance with import requirements or to correct an export certificate (documentation only) - 32(a)

Animals entering an animal semen production centre

On farm testing of animals by a CFIA laboratory for the purpose of admission to an animal semen production centre

• for each bovine - 47(1)(a)
• for each porcine - 47(1)(b)
• for any other animal - 47(1)(c)

Testing of animals in isolation by a CFIA laboratory

• for each bovine - 48(a)
• for each porcine - 48(b)
• for each ovine or caprine - 48(c)
• for any other animal - 48(d)

Note: if an account with the CFIA exists, fees will generally be assessed to a client, whether a producer, an accredited veterinarian, or their clinic. If no account exists, the fees shall be paid when the service is requested.

4.3 Supervision of registered horses for export to the European Union

Current European Union (EU) import regulations require registered horses to have been under official veterinary supervision for 30 days before export. A registered horse is defined as a kept animal of the species Equus caballus registered with an international association or organisation, either directly or through its national federation or branches, which manages horses for competition, racing or breeding.

Canadian accredited veterinarians (AV), who are authorized under the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations to conduct activities on behalf of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), meet the EU definition of an official veterinarian and can provide the necessary oversight for registered horses.

Official veterinary supervision in this context does not mean an official veterinarian is present on the establishment at all times when the registered horse is located there, however the official veterinarian must have the appropriate knowledge of the establishment to be able to attest that the following elements have been met.

1. Equine animals exported to the EU must have a minimum residency in the establishment of origin of 30 days and a minimum period without contact with animals of a lower health status of 15 days. An animal considered to be of lower health status would be one such that would not meet the conditions laid out in this module (for example, has been on a premises where a disease communicable to equines was present during the previous 30 days).

   The EU provides a derogation for registered horses for competition, races and cultural events. Based on this derogation, it is acceptable for registered horses to attend these events during the 30-day period before export to the EU as long as it has been under official veterinary supervision, including at the venue where the competition or race has occurred, and those establishments have had no cases of communicable disease during that time.

   • The possibility of direct contact with other animals was limited to the period of competition and the related training, warm-up and/or pre-race presentation
     That is, the horses are stabled individually, without nose to nose contact and do not share feeding, grooming or other equipment with other horses.
   • The accredited veterinarian responsible for supervision at the other establishment(s) may be the same accredited veterinarian responsible for supervision at premises of residency or a different AV.
     In cases of the latter, each AV must keep record of their supervision (that is, examinations, treatments, vaccinations, etc.) during the time the horse was present on each premises.
   • It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that such supervision can occur at the competition establishment should they leave the premises of residency

2. The accredited veterinarian must be familiar with the health status of the establishment(s), as well as the biosecurity program, where the registered horse has resided during the 30 days before dispatch to the EU.

   The registered horse should be examined routinely for signs of communicable disease or any other animal health concerns. The frequency of these examinations is at the discretion of the supervising AV as necessary to confirm the health status of the registered horse.

   • For example, if there are active cases / outbreaks of a disease communicable to equine species in the region, this might warrant more frequent (for example, weekly) examinations.

   There have been no movement restrictions in place for diseases affecting equine species.

   With regards to equine infectious anemia (EIA):

   • EIA has not been reported during the 12-month period prior to the date of dispatch of the animal to the Union

     or

   • EIA has been reported in the establishment during the 12-month period prior to the date of dispatch of the animal to the EU and following the last outbreak the establishment has remained under movement restrictions either

     • until the remaining equine animals in the establishment have been subjected to an agar gel immuno-diffusion test (AGID or Coggins test) or enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for equine infectious anemia carried out, with negative results, on samples taken on 2 occasions with a minimum interval of 90 days following the date on which the infected animals have been killed and destroyed, or slaughtered, and the establishment was cleaned and disinfected

       or

     • for at least 30 days after the date on which the last animal of listed species on the establishment was either killed and destroyed or slaughtered, and the establishment was cleaned and disinfected

   Infection with rabies virus in kept terrestrial animals has not been reported during the last 30-day period prior to the date of dispatch of the animal to the Union.

   Anthrax in ungulates has not been reported during the 15-day period prior to the date of dispatch of the animal to the Union.

   The equine animal was not vaccinated against African horse sickness in the country, territory or zone thereof of dispatch and there is no information suggesting previous vaccination.

   The equine animal has not been vaccinated against Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis during the 60-day period prior to the date of its departure.

   The AV must ensure that the registered horse is not housed with animals of a lower health status.

   The AV must keep records of their examinations of and any treatments administered (including vaccinations) to the registered horse during the period of supervision.

All other elements required for the export of registered horses to the EU will be completed by CFIA veterinarians (for example any required testing, examination within 48 hours or on the last working day prior to the date of dispatch, etc.). As part of this process, the endorsing CFIA veterinarian may request confirmation or documentation from the AV(s) to demonstrate the registered horse meets all required certificate elements.