On this page
- About environmental release novelty determinations
- How to submit a request for a novelty determination
- Review process
- Outcomes of novelty determinations
About novelty determinations
You can request a novelty determination if you would like additional support from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on whether a line is a plant with novel traits. For information on novelty with respect to food and feed uses, please refer to the CFIA's novel feed guidance and to Health Canada for guidance on novel foods.
How to request a novelty determination
Please request an environmental release novelty determination form by contacting the CFIA's Plant Biosafety Office: pbo@inspection.gc.ca.
Novelty determinations are currently only available for crop kinds with published biology documents.
Review process
The CFIA reviews the completed form to verify that all necessary information has been provided. If the form is complete, the CFIA will proceed to determine the product's novelty status and provide a written response within 60 calendar days. Incomplete forms will not be accepted and the CFIA will notify applicants accordingly. If the form is complete but a clarification is needed, the CFIA will send a follow-up request. If the response is sufficient and timely, the CFIA will provide a written response about novelty within 60 calendar days of receiving the additional information.
Outcomes of novelty determinations
The CFIA will determine whether the plant is novel or non-novel, based on the information received at the time of the request. You may request a new determination if new information becomes available. If you have additional questions regarding a novelty determination outcome, please contact us at pbo@inspection.ca.
Outcome 1: Novel
The CFIA will inform you that your plant with novel traits requires an authorization prior to any environmental release. This includes authorization to conduct research field trials, or authorization for unconfined release. You can request a pre-submission consultation for advice on preparing an unconfined release submission.
Outcome 2: Non-novel
The CFIA will inform you that your product is not considered a plant with novel traits. In addition, with your consent the CFIA will make an entry on the list of non-novel plants.