Maintenance notice
The following service may not be available on November 25, 2024 from 6 to 7 am and 1:30 to 2 pm (ET):
- Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
If you require assistance with an admissibility release process for the above noted services please contact the National Import Service Centre (NISC) cfia.nisc-csni.acia@inspection.gc.ca for guidance.
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
Stay informed
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.