January 16, 2026
On February 16, 2026, the Susceptible species of aquatic animals list (SSL) and the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will be updated for aquatic animal health import requirements for the species listed below.
Species added to SSL
- Anadara kagoshimensis
- Haliotis iris
- Protapes gallus
- Saccostrea palmula
Species removed from SSL
- Barbatia novaezealandiae
- Chama pacifica
- Crassostrea hongkongensis
- Crassostrea rhizophorae
- Haliotis cyclobates
- Haliotis scalaris
- Katelysia rhytiphora
- Macoma balthica
- Macomona liliana
- Mercenaria mercenaria
- Mya arenaria
- Paphies australis
- Pinctada margaritifera
- Tridacna maxima
- Venerupis aurea
- Venerupis pullastra
Taxonomic name updates
- Crassostrea ariakensis Magallana ariakensis
- Paphia undulata Paratapes undulatus
- Pitar rostratus Proteopitar patagonicus
- Protothaca jedoensis Leukoma jedoensis
- Venerupis decussatus Ruditapes decussatus
- Venerupis philippinarum Ruditapes philippinarum
These changes have been made after consultations in which no concerns were received. Details and rationale for these changes can be found in:
What does this mean for importers?
Updated import requirements will be published in AIRS on February 16, 2026. Requirements will vary based on end use, commodity type, country of origin, and destination.
As of February 16, 2026, imports of these molluscs may be:
- Refused entry
- Approved without documentation
- Approved with documentation requirements, such as:
- Import permit
- Zoosanitary certificate
- Referred to National Import Service Center (NISC) with documentation requirements:
- Import permit
- Zoosanitary certificate
A My CFIA account is required to apply for an import permit. Sign up to manage applications, track service requests, and check status. For assistance with applications or renewals, contact the National Centre of Permissions (NCP).
Shipments in transit
Shipments of these commodities that leave their country of origin before February 16, 2026, but arrive at a Canadian border on or after February 16, 2026, will be subject to the updated import requirements.
Importers are responsible for:
- Managing shipment dates and ensuring product arrives at the border with the correct documentation.
- Contacting the National Centre for Permissions (National Centre of Permissions) if you anticipate your shipment will arrive after the effective date to ensure the correct requirements are applied to your import permit.
On February 16, 2026, shipments of these commodities that do not meet updated import requirements will be ordered removed from Canada or disposed of, at the importer's expense.
We hope this information will help importers to prepare for these upcoming changes. There will not be a transition period, therefore, we are providing advanced notification of this change scheduled for February 16, 2026. Please ensure that you work with your importation team to be aware of this deadline and the new requirements.