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- Eligible/ineligible product
- Pre-export approvals by the competent authority of the importing country
- Product specifications
- Production controls and inspection requirements
- Labelling, packaging and marking requirements
- Documentation requirements
- Additional information
1. Eligible/ineligible product
Eligible
- Honey and pollen products
- Royal jelly
- Processed pollen foods
Honey and pollen products refer to natural products collected by honey bees and stored in honeycombs, or products processed from such natural products, such as honey, royal jelly, and processed pollen foods, etc.
Ineligible
- Honey and honeycomb products produced using an artificial foundation must not be exported
- It is the responsibility of the manufacturer and/or exporter to work with their importer to confirm if there are any other ineligible products
2. Pre-export approval by competent authority of the importing country
2.1 Country
Canada is authorized to export honey and bee products.
2.2 Establishments
No information is available regarding pre-approval of establishments. However, it is your responsibility to confirm with your Korean importer and take steps accordingly.
The manufacturer and/or exporter of honey and bee products must be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations (SFCR).
2.3 Products
No information is known regarding product registration.
2.4 Import permit
An import permit may be required. Work with your importer to verify this condition.
3. Product specifications
Microbiological requirements and maximum residue limits in Korea may differ from those in Canada. Failure to comply with these standards could result in a shipment being rejected at the border control port.
It is possible that foundation may be directly consumed, therefore, only natural honeycomb made by bees is permitted, while artificially produced foundation should not be contained in honeycomb products.
For product standards and specifications such as microbiological and chemical residues, it is recommended that you check the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) website under Korean Food Code (product standards and specifications) and maximum residue limits for honey and apiculture products (PDF) for human consumption. While Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) strives to provide the latest information, it is the responsibility of the exporter to work with their importer to ensure that the exported product meets the latest Korean requirements.
4. Production controls and inspection requirements
The manufacturer must be aware of the standards and requirements of the importing country. An export control plan must be in place to demonstrate that your products meet the requirements of the importing country.
All export certification requests for honey and bee products to Korea must be accompanied by a "Food export certificate request form" completed and signed by an authorized person of the food manufacturing establishment/facility. Once completed, this should be submitted to the nearest CFIA regional inspection office.
This is required to request the "Export certificate for processed fruits and vegetables, honey and maple products", and if the "Certificate of free sale" is to be issued manually.
The product(s) must be clearly identified on the request form and match exactly the product(s) that are part of the export shipment.
Note: Inspectors will verify that the food export certificate request form is completed appropriately and reserve the right to request any other information that they think is necessary for the final certification of the product.
Certification requirements
The health certificate CFIA/ACIA 2659 and CFIA/ACIA 5786 contain public health requirements.
Public health attestations
The public health / grade attestations on the certificates are based on Canadian regulations.
5. Labelling, packing and marking requirements
It is the exporter's responsibility to meet all labelling, packaging and marking requirements of the importing country. The exporter is recommended to use the links provided under the sub-section "Relevant links" or seek the assistance of their Korean importer.
6. Documentation requirements
Canada has not negotiated a certificate with Korea. The certificates below are issued based on commercial risk. Any request for additional declarations must be confirmed by the CFIA's Food Import and Export Division (FIED).
Certificate
- Certificate of Free Sale (CFIA/ACIA 5786)
- Export certificate for processed fruits and vegetables, honey and maple products (CFIA/ACIA 2659)
Note
- For honey graded to Canadian standards, certificate CFIA/ACIA 2659 should be used
- Health certificates are signed by the CFIA official inspector
- Export certificates cannot be issued for products that have left Canada
7. Other information
Exported products transiting through a country may require transit documentation. It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that the shipment is accompanied by all necessary certificates.
Samples (personal or commercial) may be subject to the same requirements as a regular shipment.
It is strongly recommended that the exporter verify these and any additional requirements with their importer.