CFIA's Progress Report on Red Tape Reduction

Eliminate outdated and overly prescriptive regulatory requirements that no longer serve their intended purpose or hinder innovation and competitiveness. Efforts are focused on cutting red tape, increasing regulatory agility, and enabling quicker updates through modern tools (for example, incorporation by reference). The result is a more modern, efficient regulatory system that supports economic growth and competitiveness while maintaining high standards for safety and consumer protection.

Help build a One Canadian Economy by supporting internal trade and helping Canadians businesses. As agreed to by Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture, the CFIA is collaborating with Canadian businesses, provinces and territories to increase the interprovincial trade of food, while maintaining Canada's robust food safety system. Actions include enhancing client service support for businesses to obtain a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence.

Advance regulatory cooperation and promote regulatory alignment with key trading partners. This includes leveraging decisions from trusted foreign jurisdictions to streamline pre-market assessments of certain agricultural products. These actions will make it easier for producers and industry to access the latest products, to build stronger supply chains, and compete globally.

Modernize regulatory frameworks to simplify rules, reduce administrative burden and provide stakeholders with greater clarity and flexibility so Canadian businesses can innovate and adapt more easily to changing market conditions.

Enhance digital tools and guidance to better serve Canadians by making services more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly. Ongoing digitalization efforts will allow stakeholders to access a wide range of online services to improve service delivery and lower administrative burden. These efforts will enable stakeholders to focus more on business and less on navigating complex processes.

Context

As noted in a ministerial statement on March 18, 2025, the CFIA is removing red tape and ensuring its regulations and associated processes continue to enable economic prosperity for the agricultural sector. As part of its regulatory review, the CFIA has identified various regulatory requirements that:

• are outdated
• are overly prescriptive
• add red tape
• may hinder innovation and competitiveness

Action

The CFIA is proposing to amend the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) to:

• remove prescriptive labelling requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) to support trade and reduce regulatory burden and industry costs
• modernize FFV regulations by transferring certain grades to the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, while removing mandatory grading requirements for produce intended for further processing to reduce regulatory burden and support innovation and competitiveness
• update import conditions for veal to increase flexibility for veal producers and enable them to optimize the value of their carcasses
• update import conditions for hatching eggs to require Salmonella Enteritidis testing when imported from the U.S. and destined to a licensed Canadian hatchery to align with domestic requirements and level the playing field for Canadian suppliers and hatcheries
• reduce existing prescriptive requirements by providing flexibility to Canadian hatcheries in meeting traceability requirements to reduce burden and align with industry practices
• incorporate by reference the Import Reference Document (IRD) into the HAR on an ambulatory basis to make quick updates to import requirements without seeking regulatory amendments

Outcome

Regulatory changes will help:

• reduce administrative burden by cutting red tape and outdated rules (for example, removing grading requirements for fruits and vegetables for further processing will eliminate outdated requirements and provide administrative savings to businesses)
• increase flexibility for businesses (for example, increasing the time before slaughter for veal producers will allow them to optimize the value of their veal)
• boost economic competitiveness by enabling producers to respond more quickly to market demands and opportunities
• reduce regulatory burden on Canadian hatcheries by increasing flexibility to meet traceability labelling requirements

By focusing on outcomes and the removal of outdated or prescriptive requirements, these regulatory amendments will support a more efficient, adaptable and forward-looking regulatory system.

Context

Facilitating internal trade is a high priority for the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments. Currently, Canada's food regulatory landscape includes different rules at the federal, provincial and territorial levels. This complexity can be especially challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises. Clearing up misconceptions and helping rules be more easily understood can make it easier for businesses to get a SFC licence, which will allow them to sell their products across provinces and even internationally.

Action

Established an Internal Trade Hub, a centralized platform designed to help Canadian food businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, obtain a federal SFC licence and expand domestic trade across all food commodities.

The Internal Trade Hub provides a comprehensive suite of tools and tailored guidance to support industry compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, including:

• detailed guidelines
• best practices
• easy-to-follow compliance checklists
• customized materials specifically developed to help businesses overcome trade barriers and meet all regulatory requirements

Outcome

By supporting businesses in understanding and meeting federal food safety requirements, the CFIA is:

• increasing regulatory clarity
• improving access to new markets
• helping accelerate business growth
• strengthening competitiveness

The Internal Trade Hub will help Canadian food businesses unlock broader market access, interprovincially and globally, while maintaining the high standards of Canada's food safety system. For example, as part of the "Ready to Grow" pilot project being conducted with the Province of Ontario, companies are applying for an SFC licence, which will enable them to sell their products anywhere in Canada. On June 4, 1 business has already received its licence, and 2 others are well on their way. This pilot highlights the tangible impact of the CFIA's dedicated client services in helping businesses meet federal food safety requirements and seize new market opportunities.

Context

Lloydminster is a unique city in Canada that straddles 2 provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Previously, food commodities that crossed the provincial boundary within the city of Lloydminster had to meet the interprovincial trade requirements of the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and the SFCR. This requirement created barriers to trade as it required food businesses to have a federal licence under the SFCR to send or convey food across the city.

Action

In November 2024, the CFIA amended the SFCR to exempt Alberta and Saskatchewan food businesses from the federal interprovincial trade requirements when preparing and trading food to or within Lloydminster.

Outcome

Regulatory changes addressed the unique food trade barriers in Lloydminster. By removing internal barriers to trade, amendments reduced the administrative burden on local business and fostered local trade, economic growth and competitiveness within the city.

Based on a survey, it was estimated that 9 out of 10 food businesses within Lloydminster would benefit from these amendments, with the majority being small businesses.

Context

Recent trade disruptions have created market instabilities for feed ingredients and products, creating a burden on animal feed producers. There is a need to prioritize the approval of feed ingredients and feed products to provide producers with quicker access to alternative feeds and minimize the impact of trade disruptions.

Action

The CFIA has worked with industry to prioritize registration of feeds impacted by trade disruptions. On July 18, 2025, the CFIA published a notice to industry announcing priority evaluations for companies wanting to add a manufacturing site in Canada or another country to their registration. This notice provides instructions on how to request a priority evaluation, noting that once a feed application has been received and designated as "priority status" by the CFIA, it will be prioritized for evaluation.

Outcome

By fast-tracking approval for alternative animal feed products, the CFIA is:

• providing quicker access to alternative sources of registered products for feed manufacturers
• ensuring livestock farmers get timely access to safe, effective feed options
• reducing costs for farmers in the short term
• supporting long-term sustainability of the feed supply chain for Canada's agriculture sector

Establishing priority approvals for feed products impacted by trade disruptions will allow the Canadian feed industry to quickly respond to supply chain issues and diversify Canada's access to feed ingredients and products from other foreign markets.

Context

Canadian livestock producers need access to new feed products from diverse sources to remain competitive.

Action

In 2023, the CFIA consulted with industry on the use of foreign decisions for livestock feed approvals in Canada.

Based on stakeholder feedback and an analysis of the regulatory assessments for feed conducted in the U.S. and EU, the CFIA developed an alternate pathway to speed up the pre-market assessment of certain feed ingredients already approved by the U.S. and EU. The CFIA published guidance on this alternate pathway to facilitate pre-market evaluation of certain feed products that are already authorized by a trusted foreign regulator.

Outcome

With this alternative pathway, the CFIA is leveraging foreign reviews from the U.S. and EU to streamline how certain animal feed ingredients are approved.

Applicants can submit application packages already prepared for and submitted to other trusted countries, instead of creating a new application just for Canada. This allows for:

• less paperwork and lower costs for applicants
• quicker access to new feed options for livestock producers
• more choice and better tools to stay competitive in the market
• improved market access for Canadian producers

Through this new approach, the CFIA is helping businesses be competitive, and producers succeed.

Context

Canada's feed regulations were highly prescriptive and had not kept pace with advances in science, technology and livestock production practices before 2024. This created inefficiencies and limited the ability of industry to innovate and respond to evolving risks.

Action

In July 2024, the CFIA modernized its livestock feed regulatory regime. The new Feed Regulations, 2024 establishes a more robust and outcome-based livestock feed framework. New regulations provide greater clarity, flexibility and transparency for regulated parties. It reflects the latest science, technological advancements and industry best practices, while introducing a modern approach to risk management and oversight.

Key elements of the new regulatory framework for feed include:

• adopting an outcome-based, agile regulatory approach that emphasizes preventive controls and focuses on feed production processes rather than prescriptive methods
• updating the requirements for feed registration, including exempting certain feed ingredients from registration based on risk, reducing costs for stakeholders
• updating the feed ingredient approval process for better transparency and clarity for stakeholders
• streamlining record-keeping requirements to reduce administrative burden

Outcome

A new regulatory framework for feed that is more modern, flexible and aligned with international standards. Changes deliver real results, including:

• easier trade: Canadian feed systems now better align with those in the U.S. and EU, making it easier to export and collaborate internationally
• less red tape: fewer feed products need to go through registration, saving time and money
  • it is estimated that 41% fewer feed products now require registration, saving businesses a total of $150,000 annually
• more flexibility: the new rules make it possible for livestock producers to incorporate certain veterinary health products in feed, which was previously not possible, improving animal health
• support for innovation: a risk-based, outcome-focused approach gives businesses more room to develop new products safely and efficiently

The new Feeds Regulations, 2024 reduce unnecessary rules, while maintaining safety and helping Canadian producers stay competitive at home and abroad.

Context

Food compositional standards, also known as standards of identity, define the specific characteristics of a food such as its ingredients, composition, strength, potency, purity and quality. Previously, food compositional standards were included in the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) which limited the ability to:

• adapt to new innovations and consumer preferences
• align with changes in international standards or trading partner practices, which can result in trade barriers

Action

In December 2024, Health Canada and the CFIA published amendments to the FDR in the Canada Gazette, Part II to enable a more responsive and adaptable regulatory framework for food, including food compositional standards. Over 300 food compositional standards were removed from the FDR and incorporated by reference through the creation of the Canadian Food Compositional Standards document.

Outcome

By updating the regulations and using incorporation by reference, the CFIA is making it easier to update food standards so it is:

• faster to make updates – helping businesses bring new products to market more quickly
• less red tape by avoiding lengthy regulatory changes for small updates
• better aligned with international partners –making it easier for Canadian food products to meet global standards and access new markets

Changes support innovation and international alignment so Canadian food businesses can grow, both at home and abroad. Stakeholders were engaged on a strategy and plan for prioritizing future updates to food compositional standards.

Context

Industry stakeholders asked for improved coordination between the CFIA and Health Canada on food labelling. Multiple, sequential label changes introduced unnecessary burden and costs to industry.

Action

In August 2021, the CFIA and Health Canada published a joint policy statement for coordinating changes to food label requirements and providing predictable compliance dates for industry.

Outcome

This policy enhances coordination of future changes to food labelling requirements between Health Canada and the CFIA. It provides predictability to industry and minimizes unnecessary regulatory burden, while continuing to ensure the health and safety of Canadians.

Context

Previously, the CFIA had a 2-tier fee structure for inspection of fish imports. But this structure was not aligned with the SFCR. Stakeholders expressed concerns that the 2-tier fee structure negatively impacted the competitiveness of small businesses.

Action

The CFIA made amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice, which introduced a single uniform fee for inspections of all fish and seafood imports in December 2024. Other amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice removed obsolete fees and improved clarity for fee-payers.

Outcome

Amendments to the CFIA Fees Notice introduced a single fee for inspections of all fish products in January 2025. These amendments reduced fees for 95% of fish and seafood importers, most of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises.

Context

Plant breeders' rights (PBR) are the intellectual property regime for plant breeders. PBRs are needed to encourage investment in plant breeding to develop new and improved plant varieties. Improved plant varieties can offer benefits to farmers such as higher crop yields or improved disease resistance.

A strong PBR framework is essential to encourage plant breeding and to drive innovation and competitiveness across Canada's agricultural sectors. Canada's PBR regulatory regime addressed concerns that discouraged plant breeders from seeking PBR in Canada.

Action

Proposed regulatory amendments to the Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations were pre-published in Canada Gazette, Part I on August 9, 2025, to strengthen the intellectual property protections for plant breeders.

Proposed amendments are currently open for public feedback. Amendments include:

• streamlining the PBR application process to reduce burden for applicants (for example, introducing a reduced application fee for filing online)
• extending the duration of the PBR protection for potatoes, asparagus and woody plants from 20 to 25 years to provide plant breeders more time to recoup their initial investment
• narrowing the farmers' privilege exemption to apply only to small grain crops like cereals and pulses where it is customary practice for farmers to save and re-use seed
  • this aligns with international standards and strengthens protection for plant breeders by ensuring they are compensated fairly, while maintaining access to public domain varieties

Outcome

Proposed changes to the Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations would make the system more efficient and supportive of innovation. Updates are expected to:

• increase the number of applications for PBR in Canada for various products including fruits, vegetables and ornamentals
• encourage the development of new and improved plant varieties by providing stronger protections for plant breeders, giving them more time to recover their investments
• simplify the application process and reduce costs for plant breeders by offering a lower fee for online applications, making it easier and faster to apply
• provide farmers with access to more varieties to grow and compete
• reduce red tape to make the system more accessible

Context

Stakeholders expressed a desire to increase the use of digital tools and services to streamline transactions. Increasing the digitalization of CFIA services can:

• make it easier for businesses to comply and conform to regulatory requirements
• increase efficiency
• reduce administrative burden
• lower associated costs for businesses

Action

Digital tools and services (for example, My CFIA) were implemented to enhance service delivery and streamline regulatory processes since 2019. My CFIA is an online platform that allows regulated parties to:

• submit applications for licences such as obtaining a SFC licence or applying for a licence to operate a hatchery
• apply for and receive plant and animal import permits
• submit requests for and receive export certificates electronically, including the digital transmission of phytosanitary export certificates to the U.S.
• request Plant Domestic Movement Certificates
• seek pre-market approvals for key agricultural products such as fertilizers, feeds, seeds, plants with novel traits and veterinary biologics
• make payments for licences, permits and export certificates
• track progress of requests such as application status

Outcome

Businesses can track and manage regulatory services (for example, requests for licences, permits and export certificates) faster and more easily using My CFIA. This shift from paper-based processes to digitalization:

• reduces paperwork and administrative costs
• speeds up approvals and access to services
• saves time by eliminating the need for mail or in-person pick up
• leverages modern tools to support more efficient regulatory administration and improve service delivery

Efforts to increase digitalization and digital tools are having a positive impact on Canadian businesses. For example:

• since 2019, over 281,000 service requests were received through My CFIA
• as of 2025, approximately 42,900 businesses and individuals used My CFIA
• between January and February 2025, the CFIA conducted a survey involving several exporters, which demonstrated the positive impact of e-certification in reducing administrative burden and supporting more efficient trade
  • 56% of surveyed exporters experienced reduced manual processing
  • 83% of surveyed exporters noted improved transparency and consistency in certification
  • 85% of respondents indicated that the system improved their ability to meet international trade requirements and avoid delays

The CFIA will continue its effort to expand online services to regulated parties (see Part 2 for more details). These actions to reduce administrative burden helps businesses focus more on growing and less on navigating government processes.

Context

A key example of expanded digital services is the Single Window Initiative (SWI). Before this initiative was implemented in 2019, trade chain partners submitted the same import-related information to multiple government areas. Now, the SWI allows required data to be submitted in 1 consolidated electronic package via the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) SWI import declaration.

Action

Commercial importers and brokers can now submit required information and documents through a single electronic portal, which is transmitted to the CBSA and shared with the CFIA for assessment and admissibility recommendations.

To further enhance service delivery, the CFIA has also launched the Shipment Tracker for food, plant and animal products. The Shipment Tracker works in real time for all import admissibility requests declared electronically. It lets businesses check the status of an import declaration through online self-service web services.

These digital tools allow stakeholders to:

• submit import declarations for review and approval up to 90 days in advance of arrival
• receive electronic notification of inland CFIA inspection requirements
• track progress of requests through online self-serve portal
• check the status of an import declaration

Outcome

Adoption of the SWI and Shipment Tracker makes it easier for importers and businesses to submit, track and manage their imports. The shift from legacy electronic and paper-based processes to enhanced digitalization has:

• reduced duplication among departments and administrative costs for businesses
• accelerated approvals and reduced border wait times by eliminating fax, email or paper presentation
• improved consistency in decisions using automated business rule validation
• enabled upfront validation of declaration information, reducing delays due to errors
• supported more efficient regulatory administration and improved service delivery, reducing the need for additional enquiries

As of 2025, 707 different businesses have used the SWI to interact with the CFIA. The CFIA will continue to expand the tools and services that link with the SWI to increase machine-based decisions and further expedite border release processes. Since its inception the CFIA Shipment Tracker has over 36 thousand views (with an average of 100 hits per day).

Context

Several regulations are no longer applicable or no longer required. Removing outdated or unnecessary rules helps reduce red tape and provide clarity for stakeholders.

Action

The CFIA will seek to remove 5 regulations and 1 Ministerial Order that are either:

• spent (that is, the regulation was time limited, so it is now outdated)
• no longer applicable and causing unnecessary burden

The CFIA will seek to remove the 3 regulations originally set in the 1980s to help prevent the spread of golden nematode in the region of Central Saanich, British Columbia. As the pest is no longer an issue in most field areas, regulatory oversight will be focused on the few remaining field areas where the pest is still a threat using existing tools under the Plant Protection Regulations.

The CFIA will seek to repeal outdated compensation regulations related to the Asian long-horned beetle, plum pox virus and avian influenza in British Columbia. These regulations were time-limited and are no longer valid or have since been replaced by updated frameworks such as the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations.

Timeline

Short term: final publication in Canada Gazette, Part II is expected in fall 2025.

Expected outcome

Eliminating outdated rules and regulations reduces unnecessary costs and red tape for business. For example, the current regulations in place in Central Saanich limit the production and sale of potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants, as well as the movement of soil and plants. By removing the current restrictions in Central Saanich and instead regulating only the small portion of the region that is still affected by golden nematode, producers can reduce their operating costs and expand their operations to include field potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants. This initiative is part of the CFIA's broader effort to provide regulatory relief and support a stronger, more competitive agriculture sector.

Context

Canada has rules that control the exact sizes of food containers for products like ketchup, mayonnaise, bacon and peanut butter. Rules are incorporated by reference as part of the SFCR and are enforced by the CFIA. Food container size rules have no impact on food safety or consumer protection. While some businesses like having these rules, it can create potential barriers such as:

• trade issues: these rules may deter imports from other countries that use different packaging sizes
• internal trade barriers for fresh fruits and vegetables (for example, bulk carrots): these rules makes it harder to move products between provinces
  • companies must apply for special permission (for example, a Ministerial Exemption) if their packaging does not match the standard food container sizes
• stifling innovation: smaller companies with innovative packaging and different container sizes, that wish to expand their market base, are not allowed to access the market

Action

The CFIA will engage with stakeholders and consumers to consider removing requirements for certain container sizes. This would also include developing a consultation document and establishing a stakeholder engagement process to ensure that all relevant voices are heard. Possible changes would aim to relieve industry of unnecessary administrative burden and permit smaller Canadian business to access the domestic market.

Timeline

Short term: consultations are expected by the end of 2025. Based on the feedback received, the CFIA will collaborate with industry to revise the requirements.

Expected outcome

Depending on the results of the stakeholder engagement, the CFIA would look to amend the "Standard Container Sizes" document incorporated by reference to remove requirements for certain food container sizes.

This could:

• reduce regulatory burden by removing or streamlining requirements that do not affect food safety or consumer protection
• help facilitate the import of food products from other countries
• remove unnecessary internal trade barriers
• enable innovation by smaller companies who may have novel container sizes for their products
• enhance flexibility by streamlining container size requirements while increasing consumer choices

Removing requirements for certain container sizes will help support innovation and the use of new technologies, and packaging formats to support consumer choice.

Context

Canada introduced strict requirements in 1997 to stop the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as "mad cow disease" to respond to the threats of this animal disease and regain access to global markets for Canadian cattle and beef products. Requirements were supplemented by an enhanced feed ban introduced in 2007, which bans certain high-risk parts of cattle called specified risk material (SRM) from being used in animal feed, pet food and fertilizer. Since then, cases of BSE have declined significantly around the world. In 2021, Canada was officially recognized as having a negligible risk for BSE by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

Canada's current enhanced feed ban puts the Canadian cattle industry at a competitive disadvantage to its U.S. counterparts. While the U.S. allows a subset of these SRM materials in certain products not intended for human consumption such as fertilizer, Canada bans all of them. This difference makes it more expensive for Canadian beef producers to compete, especially in global markets.

Action

The CFIA is working with industry to explore options to address this competitive disadvantage, while ensuring animal health is protected and Canada's international trade access is maintained.

Timeline

In the immediate term, the CFIA is working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to further inform the approach. This work benefits from a completed risk analysis to inform the policy approach and support engagement of international trading partners in the medium term.

Expected outcome

Depending on the results of industry engagement and consultation with key trading partners, the CFIA would look to amend existing regulations to harmonize Canada's enhanced feed ban requirements with the U.S. This would remove certain regulatory restrictions, which in turn will reduce costs and increase the competitiveness of the Canadian beef industry. The beef packing industry estimates that harmonization of Canada's enhanced feed ban could yield savings of up to $25 million per year. Any regulatory changes would need to uphold Canada's strong protections for animal health and food safety and maintain Canada's international trade access.

Context

Previously, stakeholders noted concerns about the CFIA's lengthy pre-market assessments for fertilizers and supplements which created uncertainty for stakeholders and affected competitiveness.

In response, the CFIA updated the Fertilizers Regulations in 2020 to exempt certain low-risk fertilizer and supplement materials from pre-market registration to reduce red tape and speed up access to safe, low-risk products. The list of exempted materials is found in the List of Primary Fertilizer and Supplement Materials, which is incorporated by reference to the regulations, allowing it to be updated from time to time.

Expanding this list to include more low-risk fertilizer and supplement materials, including those already approved in other countries, would further support innovation, reduce delays, and support regulatory cooperation.

Action

Assess low-risk fertilizer and supplement materials, including those approved by foreign jurisdictions, to expand the list of fertilizer and supplement materials that would not require registration. The CFIA is currently testing a collaborative approach with industry to prioritize and add products to the List of Primary Fertilizer and Supplement Materials.

Timeline

Short term: pending the assessment of the recommended materials and engagement with stakeholders, it is anticipated that the updates to the List of Primary Fertilizer and Supplement Materials will be made by winter 2026.

Expected outcome

Expanding the List of Primary Fertilizer and Supplement Materials exempt from registration will:

• speed up access to low-risk products by streamlining the approval process
• improve predictability for applicants through a more transparent and risk-aligned oversight approach
• reduce regulatory burden and compliance costs
• support innovation and competitiveness by helping businesses bring new products to market faster

Expanding the number of low-risk products on the List of Primary Fertilizer and Supplement Materials List on a regular basis would significantly reduce product approval timelines. Any fertilizer or supplement materials added to this list would gain immediate market access, bypassing the typical 1-year pre-market review. This would ease the regulatory burden for industry, shorten wait times for other fertilizer products still requiring registration and accelerate the overall pre-market review processes.

Context

In June 2025, the CFIA published guidance on an alternative pathway for registering and approving certain feed products that have already been approved in trusted foreign jurisdictions like the U.S. and the EU. This new pathway reduces paperwork, speeds up the approval process in Canada and will benefit animal owners with increased number of available feed products.

This was an important first step toward making feed product approvals more efficient. Expanding this approach to include more feed products and to recognize additional trusted regulatory authorities would further support innovation, trade and competitiveness in Canada's feed sector.

Action

The CFIA will seek to assess other jurisdictions and other feed ingredients to expand this pathway with a view to:

• recognize a broader scope of products
• recognize other trusted foreign jurisdictions

Based on this assessment, the CFIA will update its guidance to indicate which additional feed products and what other trusted foreign jurisdictions would be included as part of this alternate pathway. This can help to speed up the approval and registration of feed products.

Timeline

Medium term: pending the assessment of new feed products and other trusted foreign jurisdictions, updated guidance is anticipated by the end of 2026.

Expected outcome

Expanding the scope of products and jurisdictions recognized by the CFIA will:

• accelerate access to innovative feed products
• speed up registration process for feed ingredients
• enhance the competitiveness and resiliency of the Canadian feed and livestock sectors by streamlining regulatory pathways
• lower costs for livestock producers by minimizing the amount of information required for feed registration applications
• support a more efficient and responsive regulatory system that keeps pace with global advancements in livestock feed

Context

Under the existing Seed Regulations, the CFIA reviews applications for the variety registration of certain crops kinds (soybean, potatoes, forages), which can take around 8 weeks.

Action

To expedite the review process, the CFIA would consider data from foreign jurisdictions who have already approved these crop kinds, as part of its variety registration.

Timeline

Medium term: the CFIA will be assessing existing policies and processes to be able to accept certain foreign data. This is anticipated to be completed by winter 2027.

Expected outcome

Accepting foreign data is estimated to speed up the pre-market approval process of seed variety registration from 8 to 4 weeks. This will allow new seed varieties for soybean, potatoes and forages to be available for sale more quickly in Canada. It is estimated that this initiative would apply to approximately 64% of variety registration applications received annually, a portion of them could be eligible for this faster process.

Context

Access to confidential business information by the CFIA can be beneficial for the expansion of available tools for producers of veterinary biologics, such as animal vaccines. This type of information can expedite the approval process for veterinary biologics in Canada. However, formal arrangements are often required to exchange this type of confidential information.

Action

The CFIA will endeavor to establish information sharing agreements, via MOUs, with interested foreign regulatory authorities to facilitate the exchange of information, including confidential business information to facilitate pre-market assessments and reviews.

Timeline

Medium term: the CFIA has begun engaging with key partners, noting that drafting and finalizing MOUs depends on willingness and engagement with foreign regulatory authorities. Once MOUs are finalized, information sharing is anticipated to begin by the end of 2027.

Expected outcome

This initiative will strengthen CFIA cooperation with foreign regulators and expedite the pre-market assessment and approval of veterinary biologics through using shared information.

Context

Certain agricultural products (for example, livestock feeds, fertilizers, seeds and veterinary biologics) require a pre-market assessment before they can be imported, manufactured or sold in Canada. Stakeholders have recommended that to facilitate and accelerate pre-market assessments of these products, the CFIA should pursue regulatory cooperation and alignment with like-minded foreign regulators. This would expedite the approval of these products and enable increased market access to new and innovative agricultural products.

Action

The CFIA will look to pursue legislative amendments to recognize the foreign regulatory systems for feeds, fertilizers, seeds and veterinary biologics. Specifically, the CFIA would seek to amend the Feeds Act, Fertilizers Act, Seeds Act and Health of Animals Act to provide authority to make regulations that recognize a foreign state's system for certain agricultural products such as feeds, fertilizers, seeds and veterinary biologics. The CFIA would look to identify possible legislative vehicles, such as the next Budget Implementation Act, to advance these legislative changes.

This action represents a first step in supporting foreign recognition. After legislative changes are made, the CFIA would also seek to pursue regulatory changes to fully implement this initiative.

Timelines

Long term: legislative amendments would need to follow the Parliamentary process. Regulatory changes would be subsequently required once legislative authority is given.

Expected outcome

Proposed legislative changes, followed by regulatory amendments would enable the CFIA to recognize that another country's system meets similar outcomes to Canada's regulatory system (such as quality, safety, and/or effectiveness).

Foreign recognition supports the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthen collaboration with reliable trading partners and allies around the world. It would also support streamlining the pre-market assessment process for feeds, seed, fertilizers, and veterinary biologics as well as import processes. In turn, this could help expedite access to products approved in like-minded countries or make certain import requirements less burdensome.

Context

The CFIA is responsible for preventing the spread of serious aquatic animal diseases in Canada. Under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations, the CFIA manages disease control programs for both imported and domestic aquatic animals.

In 2021, the CFIA made use of new regulatory tools by incorporating by reference the SSL into the Health of Animals Regulations. This list identifies aquatic animals (like certain fish, molluscs and crustaceans) that are susceptible to diseases of national and international concern. As such, importers of these species are subject to additional regulatory requirements, namely import permits, which may also lead to additional costs associated with export certification and testing populations for disease. By incorporating the SSL by reference, the CFIA can more easily update the list of aquatic animals as disease risks evolve, without needing to change the regulations each time.

To align with the latest science and international standards set by the WOAH, the CFIA is updating the list of aquatic animals in the SSL to stay current with global best practices and better protect Canada's aquatic ecosystems and economy without compromising biosecurity. Species and diseases that no longer pose a threat will be removed from the list, meaning that importers of those species will benefit from the increased flexibility and no longer be subject to additional import requirements.

Action

The CFIA will seek to update the SSL to align with the WOAH's Aquatic Code and new scientific information. Amendments will be made in line with both the CFIA's and the Treasury Board Secretariat incorporation by reference policy, which includes stakeholder consultations.

Proposed updates will remove 16 species that are no longer considered susceptible and 3 diseases from species' susceptibility profiles. Importers will be relieved from the cost and burden of import requirements, such as disease testing and certification that are no longer needed. Other changes to the SSL will enhance risk mitigation by adding 4 new species and 1 disease to the SSL.

Timeline

Short to medium term: in the short term, the CFIA will engage stakeholders on proposed changes in fall 2025. Pending the outcomes of stakeholder consultations, the updated SSL is anticipated in early 2026.

Expected outcome

Removal of certain species and diseases from the SSL is expected to reduce administrative burden and costs for importers by eliminating the need for import permits and associated costs for export certification and disease testing.

Context

The CFIA is responsible for safeguarding plant health in Canada, which includes preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests that could damage Canada's agriculture and forest industries, the environment, economic competitiveness and plant-related industries. The Plant Protection Act (PPA) and Plant Protection Regulations (PPR) set out various requirements to mitigate risks associated with plant pests in Canada.

Under the PPR, the CFIA maintains a List of pests regulated by Canada (LRP), which identifies pests subject to regulatory control to prevent their introduction and spread, including specific import requirements. This means that importers of plants and things that have the potential to spread the pests named in the LRP may be subject to additional measures (such as obtaining an import permit, meeting specific treatment requirements, etc.). The LRP is incorporated by reference into the PPR meaning that this list can be amended without a regulatory change.

There is a need to update the LRP to deregulate those plant pests that no longer regulatory control. This would align with the latest science and international standards set by the International Plant Protection Convention's (IPPC).

Action

The CFIA will seek to update the LRP to deregulate the pests that no longer warrant regulatory oversight and to align with IPPC standards. Any changes to the LRP will be made in line with both the CFIA's and the Treasury Board Secretariat incorporation by reference policy, which includes stakeholder consultations.

Timeline

In the short term, the CFIA will be engaging stakeholders on proposed changes in spring 2026. Pending the outcomes of stakeholder engagement, updates to the LRP is anticipated in fall 2026.

Expected outcome

Removal of certain pests from the LRP is expected to reduce administrative burden and costs for importers associated with any required documentation, treatment cost, or rejected shipments.

Context

When farmers in Canada use vaccines on animals, they must wait a certain amount of time, known as a withdrawal period, before the animal can be sent for slaughter. This waiting period is listed on the product label and is required by Canadian regulations.

Most of these vaccines are made in other countries, like the U.S., where the standard withdrawal period is 21 days. This period does not always meet the needs of Canadian farmers. For example, chicken farmers often need to process their birds sooner than 3 weeks after vaccination. Improper vaccination schedules can lead to higher disease incidence, more antibiotic use and increased culling at slaughter which can create significant financial losses for producers.

There is growing support for changing the requirements so Canada can set its own science-based withdrawal periods for the following reasons:

• other jurisdictions like the EU, Australia, and New Zealand have shorter or more flexible rules
• for certain vaccines, there is no strong scientific justification for a 21-day withdrawal period

Action

Adopt a flexible approach that would reduce the withdrawal period for certain poultry vaccines manufactured in the U.S. from 21 to 7 days. This approach aims to better align with Canadian broiler chicken production practices and allows for vaccine boosters to be administered closer to slaughter.

Timeline

Short term: updates to import requirements with the new flexible approach and withdrawal period for certain poultry vaccines is anticipated by fall 2025.

Expected outcome

Changes will enable veterinary biologics, such as vaccines, to better meet the needs of Canadian producers. In the short term, the withdrawal period for up to 6 veterinary biologic products will be reduced, which will benefit chicken broiler producers. Longer-term impacts will depend on which veterinary biologics manufacturers take advantage of this approach for the products they have licensed.

Context

The current Seeds Regulations in Canada are around 65 years old. A comprehensive review of the seeds regulatory framework is needed to address current and future needs of the seed sector. This includes an overhaul of the regulations to remove unnecessary red tape, including removing outdated and prescriptive requirements.

Updated and modernized seed regulations are also needed to provide:

• increased clarity for stakeholders
• better flexibility and agility to address the current and future needs of the seed sectors to facilitate innovation and economic growth 

Action

The CFIA has been working closely with industry partners to update the Seeds Regulations. The CFIA created several working groups and held public consultations in 2021, 2023 and 2024. After each consultation, the CFIA published "What We Heard" reports to share the feedback received:

• What we heard report: Consultation on the seed regulatory modernization needs assessment survey for seeds and seed potatoes
• What we heard report: Winter 2023 consultation on the seed regulatory modernization (excluding seed potatoes)
• What we heard report: Winter 2024 consultation on seed regulatory modernization (excluding seed potatoes)

On July 29, 2025, the CFIA published a policy paper seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed regulatory changes. This policy paper highlights proposed new rules for seeds that are imported, processed, stored, tested, labeled, exported and sold in Canada. Feedback on this policy paper will inform development of proposed regulatory changes.

Specific proposals in the policy paper focused on reducing red tape and administrative burden by incorporating by reference several standards and lists. This will make it easier and faster to update documents in the future. For example, the list of crop types that need variety registration will be moved to a document incorporated by reference, which will allow the CFIA to more easily add or remove crop kinds from the list based on stakeholder requests. Crop kinds that are not on the list would not require variety registration, and their seeds could go to market faster.

Together, this will streamline the overall process for the seed industry by:

• simplifying standards: make requirements around seed testing, grading and enforcement easier to understand
• improving services by streamlining processes, using digitalization and alternative service delivery: this includes digitalizing the process to request import conformity assessments and to receive decisions electronically and using third parties to conduct import conformity assessments

Timeline

Medium term: pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I is anticipated in spring 2026. Final regulatory changes will follow pending stakeholder feedback on proposed regulatory amendments.

Expected outcome

Modernizing the Seeds Regulations is expected to address current gaps and weakness, including reducing prescriptive requirements. Creating a more outcome-based regulatory framework will provide clarity and flexibility to affected regulated parties and increase responsiveness to industry changes over time.

The use of incorporation by reference and the establishment of an industry advisory body representing the value chain have been supported by all stakeholders. These initiatives are seen as key benefits that help future proof the regulations for continued innovation within the sector.

Context

There is a need to continue efforts to digitalize and expand the suite of online services for stakeholders to reduce administrative burden and improve service delivery for regulated parties.

Action

Provide more online services to regulated parties, including:

1. Digitalization of plant systems-based program registration

Create a "one stop shop" for 39 plant systems-based programs that previously relied on various paper-based processes and email correspondences. Various plant systems-based programs will be moved to My CFIA (for example, the Canadian Nursery Certification Program, Canadian Grain Sampling Program and the Shipborne Dunnage Program). This transfer is scheduled to begin in September 2025, when the first 14 plant systems-based programs will be moved online. Through My CFIA, stakeholders will be able to submit and track the progress of their registration applications and receive confirmation of their registration.

Following the digitalization of the registration process, other parts of the oversight process will move to My CFIA to record and share inspection results with stakeholders.

2. E-certification

Continue expansion of My CFIA to streamline export documentation. This includes onboarding new types of export certificates such as phytosanitary certificates to other countries beyond the U.S., such as Mexico.

3. Digitizing the Canadian Animal Disease Integrated Application (CADIA)

The CADIA is a centralized tool that will help the CFIA investigate and respond to animal disease emergencies by improving data capture, storage and consolidation. Response teams will be enabled to exchange data and share information with stakeholders more efficiently.

The development of a stable and robust digital platform is critical to continue to respond to increasing numbers of new investigations and ongoing outbreaks across a multitude of diseases. An integrated digital system can in time reduce the costs to respond by minimizing data entry and increasing the access to accurate, real-time information.

4. Digitizing of the multiplication agreement for crop variety

Multiplication agreements allow stakeholders to export their seed and have it grown (multiplied) in a warmer climate and then have the bulk seed imported back into Canada.

Currently, applications for multiplication agreements for crop varieties are primarily submitted via email (70% in 2024), with the remainder through a basic upload function in My CFIA's general inquiry screen. This manual process can delay application handling and increase administrative burden. The application process will be simplified with drop-down menus and auto-fill features whenever possible, streamlining the options available depending on selections made.

Timeline

Short to long term: the digital rollout will begin in September 2025 with the transition of 14 plant systems-based programs to My CFIA. This marks the first phase of implementation. In the medium to long term, additional services, including expanded registration, e-certification, CADIA and multiplication agreements, will be introduced through a phased approach with varying timelines.

Expected outcome

Expanding the number of online services will enable businesses to better interact with the CFIA electronically. This shift from paper-based and email processes will:

• reduce paperwork and administrative costs, as clients will be able to access approvals and services in a timelier manner
• save time by eliminating the need for mail or in-person visits
• allow stakeholders to submit applications, track their submission and receive approvals faster (for example, export certificate, plant program registration)

For certain plant systems-based program services, it will remove the requirement to renew registrations, reducing administrative burden for stakeholders. The renewal of registration will still be required for fresh products such as apples, blueberries, cherries and peppers. This renewal process will be built into My CFIA, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

The new digital process for multiplication agreements of crop varieties will reduce delays and administrative burden by enabling real-time application tracking, automated form generation and streamlined communication through My CFIA. Stakeholders will benefit from faster processing, fewer errors and improved access to guidance, while benefiting from the CFIA's efficiency gains through immediate queue access and reduced manual handling.

CADIA provides real-time data monitoring to inform and manage risk more rapidly. It also allows stakeholders to apply and quickly receive movement control during an animal disease emergency.

Context

Many of the forms and processes used by the CFIA are cumbersome and outdated, which can cause unnecessary burdens for stakeholders.

Action

Review internal processes and forms for both internal and external use to find efficiencies and enterprise-wide solutions.

Timeline

Medium term: the CFIA aims to modernize at least 25% of the forms used by external stakeholders within the next 2 years.

Expected outcome

The transition to modern online forms will offer clients a more accessible and secure application process. This shift will significantly reduce the administrative burden and cost associated with outdated forms by eliminating the need to request applications directly from a CFIA office in-person.