On this page
- 1. Background
- 2. Objective
- 3. Scope
- 4. Seals excluded from this policy
- 5. Application and removal of seals
- 6. Control of seals
- 7. Record keeping
- 8. Disposition of seals
- 9. Related documentation
1. Background
We are responsible for safeguarding food, animals and plants in Canada. We oversee domestic, international trade and movement of animal, plant and food commodities, as well as meeting international obligations related to exported commodities. To prevent contamination and meet biosecurity requirements, some shipments that are moved domestically or traded internationally may require official CFIA seals. Some countries importing Canadian products require that each shipment must be sealed with an official CFIA seal.
2. Objective
This policy standardizes the requirements for official CFIA seals across each of its 3 business lines. It also outlines the importance of having documented processes for each of the CFIA business lines when official CFIA seals are controlled, procured, stored, applied, removed and disposed of.
3. Scope
This policy applies to official CFIA seals that are affixed to a conveyance, container or thing as per the applicable act, regulation, policy or other requirement.
An official CFIA seal is defined as a device designed for one-time application to the lock or exterior of a container, marked with the identifying characters "CFIA-ACIA" on the body of the seal, followed by a numeric or alphanumeric sequence.
This policy explains how CFIA designated officials must control the use and safekeeping of these seals. These controls:
- protect the integrity and biosecurity of shipments
- prevent abuse and fraudulent use of seals
- prevent risks to domestic movements and international trade
- maintain Canada's credibility with foreign countries
4. Seals excluded from this policy
This policy does not apply to CFIA seals without a sequence number to establish their unique identification or to industry seals. However, for shipment traceability purposes, it is important for industry stakeholders to keep records of all seals used for shipments transported domestically and internationally. In this policy the term "seal" refers exclusively to an official CFIA seal.
5. Application and removal of seals
Seals must be affixed:
- by a CFIA designated official,
- under the authority of a CFIA designated official
or - by an authorized third-party individual (that is Alternative Service Provider (ASP) or regulated party) who has been authorized by the CFIA to handle and affix an official seal
Where required, to be eligible to export, application of official CFIA seals to export shipments must meet the importing country's requirements. Some countries may require additional levels of control.
Seals must only be removed by a CFIA designated official or an authorized third party individual, unless pre-authorization has been granted by the CFIA through commodity-specific guidance or on a case-by-case basis.
6. Control of seals
The CFIA designated official must bear in mind that the control and access of seals is ultimately their responsibility. Seals must be stored securely at all times to ensure access is given only to authorized individuals.
Seals may be transferred to authorized third parties if they have CFIA-approved written procedures in place for the control and application of seals. These procedures must comply with this policy and any foreign country requirements. Any individual involved in control and application of seals must be trained in those written procedures.
When transferring seals to the custody of an authorized third party, the CFIA designated official must ensure the number of seals transferred is only what is appropriate. When additional seals are requested, any outstanding seals previously issued must be accounted for and those used must be documented under CFIA records.
7. Record keeping
Each seal has a unique number that must be recorded on certificates or documents. Records must include:
- seal numbers received
- dates seals were moved in or out of custody
- locations and purposes of use
- references to related certificates or shipments
Every time a seal is used, a reference or serial number of the corresponding certificate, commodity, sample or thing being sealed must also be recorded in the CFIA seal record keeping log.
8. Disposition of seals
If seals go missing or are misused, CFIA must investigate. If seals are lost or used improperly, it is treated as a security incident under the Policy on Government Security.
If an unused seal must be disposed of, it must be destroyed by a CFIA official in a manner that prevents it from being used.