Updated April 1, 2025
On January 7, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) removed the requirement for a zoosanitary certificate for import of bovine origin gelatin and collagen into Canada. The changes applied both to products originating from bones and from hides or skins. This approach is consistent with the recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), which no longer considers gelatin or collagen to pose a risk for transmission of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
Importers who plan to import gelatin or collagen and then re-export it to another country are reminded to verify the requirements of the destination country ahead of time. It may be necessary to obtain additional documentation beyond what Canada requires (referred to as forwarding certification) when the product is imported into Canada so that the product meets all the requirements of the final country of destination.
This change applied only to bulk shipments of gelatin or collagen. Please continue to refer to the Automated Import Reference System for import conditions for other commodities containing gelatin or collagen as an ingredient.
As of March 31, 2025, the requirement for a zoosanitary certificate for import of bovine origin collagen casings has also been removed.