Application evaluation process
There are 3 main steps to the overall evaluation process of a research feed permission:
1. Preliminary screening
On receipt of your application, the CFIA performs a preliminary screening of the materials. The purpose of this screening is to determine if all necessary elements are present (application form, fees and supporting data).
Based on the preliminary screening, the CFIA will notify you if your submission has been accepted for evaluation or rejected.
If the CFIA accepts your submission, the CFIA will log it in the queue for evaluation and your payment will be processed.
If the CFIA rejects your submission, the reasons will be detailed in return correspondence to you.
2. Evaluation
If deficiencies are identified during the evaluation, the CFIA will either:
- place your submission on hold until you provide the CFIA with more information or
- return your submission
3. Notice of decision
Once the assessment is completed, the CFIA will communicate with you that your permission request has been either:
Permission request granted
You will receive a letter granting approval for one of the following:
- a research exemption
- a research exemption with a safety assessment
- a research authorization for the novel feed for research purposes
The letter will contain information specific to the research trial.
If the research feed is imported, the letter will state the import conditions that will allow you to import the feed. This letter must accompany the shipment into Canada.
Permission request refused
You will receive a letter refusing an approval or authorization, stating the reasons for denying the permission request.
Inspections
Any authorized research trial may be subject to inspection by the CFIA to verify that applicable conditions have been met.