June 9, 2025
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Market Access Secretariat (MAS) would like to remind all Canadian establishments registered in the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) DAPQ online system of the importance of verifying the accuracy of their enterprise information published in the system prior to shipping products to China.
The DAPQ online system includes establishments involved in the production, processing, storage and/or export of certain plant-based commodities and non-edible animal-based products intended for the Chinese market (see the product list – animal-based products only). As Chinese customs authorities refer to this information during the import clearance process, it is essential that your establishment's listing in the DAPQ online system is complete and accurate. Before exporting any product, it is also critical to ensure that all export documentation, including the enterprise name (in English), establishment address, overseas official registration number, and product name(s), matches exactly what is listed in the system.
CFIA and MAS have recently been informed of shipment delays and holds at Chinese ports of entry due to inconsistencies between enterprise information in the DAPQ online system and that appearing on Canadian export documents. Even minor discrepancies may result in entry refusals. To minimize this risk, stakeholders are strongly encouraged to confirm that all export documents match the information recorded in the system, specifically:
- company name (in English)
- overseas official registration number
- establishment address
- listed product(s)
The most effective way to search for your company in the DAPQ online system is by using the overseas official registration number issued by MAS or the CFIA during initial registration. The system can be accessed at: GACC Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine (DAPQ) Registration System
If you identify any discrepancies or need to request updates, please contact MAS at: aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind stakeholders that GACC continues to expand the list of agricultural and agri-food commodities requiring registration in the DAPQ online systemFootnote 1, including several newly added in 2025. Based on MAS's current understanding, the following animal-based products require registration:
- animal hides and skins, and greasy wool
- feed additivesFootnote 2
- live aquatic animalsFootnote 2
- genetic materialFootnote 2
- animal-derived feed (for example pet food)Footnote 3
- frozen shrimp products (for feed)
- heat-treated deer antlers/bones
- unprocessed shrimp and crab shells
Companies handling any of the above-listed products are encouraged to confirm with their Chinese importers whether their establishment must be registered in the DAPQ online system.
While MAS submits registration and update requests to GACC, the Government of Canada does not control the system nor receive advance notice of updates. Unfortunately, delays by GACC in approving registrations and updating the system are common.
Before exporting to China, stakeholders should also contact their local CFIA office for applicable export conditions and certification requirements.
Finally, as China may apply specific import requirements to individual products, companies are advised to consult directly with their Chinese importers to confirm official and detailed requirements, including required steps, documentation, and registrations. Close collaboration with importers is essential to avoid delays at port.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MAS.