E-commerce

More people are shopping online than ever before, but did you know that the same health and safety requirements apply to online products as those sold in store?

Products bought or sold online could pose a risk to the health and well-being of Canadians, our livestock, our environment and our economy; and some foreign products sold online may not meet all applicable legal requirements.

• Food products can be contaminated with pathogens such as E. coli or Listeria, or contain undeclared allergens.
• Plant-based goods can carry invasive pests, such as the emerald ash borer, or diseases, like potato wart.
• Live animals, animal products and animal by-products can transmit serious foreign animal diseases, such as African swine fever.

What should you consider when buying or selling food, plants or animal products online?

DO follow our tips when buying or selling online.

DON'T assume that all products available online meet CFIA regulatory requirements.

Here is specific information for:

• Food (includes food safety, allergens and fraud)
• Plants (includes seeds, plants, bulbs, wood items, insects and other invertebrates)
• Animals (includes pets, animal products and by-products)

More information