The National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP):
- implements controls to prevent aquatic animal diseases from being imported into Canada
- safeguards Canada's natural aquatic animal resources
We define aquatic animals as finfish, molluscs and crustaceans. This definition includes live aquatic animals, dead aquatic animal products, germplasm and gametes.
The following import requirements for aquatic animals can also be found in the Health of Animals Regulations.
Importing aquatic animals into Canada
The NAAHP regulates the import of all aquatic animals into Canada.
The requirement for an import permit, zoosanitary certificate or other documentation is based on the susceptibility of the aquatic animal to Canada's diseases of concern. The following Susceptible species of aquatic animals require import permits. This list provides the taxonomic names of the susceptible species and the disease(s) to which they are susceptible.
Import permits issued by us and zoosanitary certificates endorsed by the exporting country may be needed to import live and dead susceptible species. Import of susceptible species are allowed from countries that have negotiated zoosanitary certificates with us. Information on import documentation requirements and the countries approved to export to Canada can be found in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
We CFIA require aquatic animals to be tested for disease before import, the foreign authority is advised to reference the Test selection and sampling requirements for aquatic animal imports.
Non-susceptible species of aquatic animals
Imports of non-susceptible aquatic animals do not require an Aquatic Animal Health Import Permit for entry into Canada. Imports of non-susceptible aquatic animals must be accompanied by documentation containing the following information:
- the name and address of the exporter
- the name and address of the importer
- the taxonomic name of the aquatic animal, the life stage, and the number being imported, if more than 1
- the country where the aquatic animal was born or where the germplasm came from
- whether the animal is from captivity or the wild
Susceptible species of aquatic animals
Imports of susceptible aquatic animals require an Aquatic Animal Health Import Permit for entry into Canada. Import permits contain specific requirements based on the disease risks associated with the aquatic animal, the origin, the commodity type, the end use of the aquatic animals in Canada and other relevant health information.
Imported susceptible aquatic animals may also require export health certification or other documentation from the country of origin to ensure that the aquatic animals imported into Canada meet Canadian aquatic animal health requirements. Additional documentation requirements are outlined in the AIRS. Due to rapid changes in the health status of foreign trade partners, the CFIA NAAHP recommends that importers refer to AIRS to determine the most up to date import requirements.
Obtaining an Aquatic Animal Health Import Permit
The importer should refer to AIRS and ensure that an import permit is required for the commodity(ies) being imported, prior to completing the application. The Application for Permit to Import Aquatic Animals and/or their Offal (CFIA/ACIA 5670) must be completed by the importer.
A My CFIA account is required to submit an application for an import permit. Sign up for a My CFIA account to apply and check the status of your application, and manage and track service requests. Should you have questions or need guidance in completing an application or renewal, you may contact the National Centre of Permissions (NCP).
If the commodity is refused entry in AIRS due to the lack of a negotiated certificate, importers may submit a formal Request to Import a New Commodity or Import from a New Country of Origin through My CFIA. Importers may upload their completed Application for Permit to Import Aquatic Animals and/or their Offal (CFIA/ACIA 5670), letter of request and any supporting documents into their My CFIA account.
Aquatic Animal Health Import Permit exemptions
Susceptible aquatic animals being imported as pets or for personal use do not require an Aquatic Animal Health Import Permit. Importers should still check the AIRS to confirm if there are other criteria that need to be met before importing.
Email notifications
Importers are encouraged to sign-up to receive email notifications of important updates on aquatic animal policies and information on changes to AIRS.