Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
On this page
- What is AIRS
- Launch AIRS
- How to get started
- User guide
- Codes and registration types
- Communications and updates
- AIRS Verification Service
What is AIRS
The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is a reference tool that shows the import requirements for Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulated commodities.
Launch AIRS
How to get started
Before launching AIRS, please note the following:
- AIRS is a tool for reference only
- users should consult Canadian acts and regulations to interpret and apply the law
- importers should consult acts as passed by Parliament to interpret and apply the law
- AIRS information is updated frequently; please check back regularly
- importers are responsible for ensuring their information is accurate at the time of importation
When accessing the AIRS tool, you will be able to conduct your search in one of two ways:
- find by commodity
- select by drill-down
Your selection will include the following options:
- commodity to be imported
- origin of the commodity
- destination of the commodity
- end use pertaining to the commodity
Once the information above has been provided, you will be able to view the Harmonized System (HS) classification code for the selected commodity.
User guide
Visit the AIRS User Guide for:
- instructions on how to make a selection using the "HS Code" drill-down feature
- instructions on how to use the "Find by Commodity" feature
- further information for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) users
AIRS codes and registration types
Communications and updates
Important: please be advised that AIRS has not been updated to reflect recent changes that repealed standard container sizes for some fresh fruit and vegetables. For affected importers receiving a rejection notice from the Integrated Import Declaration system for a missing Ministerial Exemption, the following interim measure has been implemented:
- step 1: cancel your submission in the Integrated Import Declaration system
- step 2: prepare a paper declaration using Form CFIA/ACIA 5272 – Request for Documentation Review – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca) and include all required documentation
- step 3: submit all documents to the National Import Service Centre (NISC) via email at cfia.nisc-csni.acia@inspection.gc.ca and include 'Ministerial Exemption' in the subject line for prompt processing
Subscribe to the CFIA's email notification service to stay up to date on important information, including additions and modifications of commodities, changes to import requirements and product admissibility. You can modify your preferences for this service at any time.
AIRS Verification Service
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