September 4, 2026
On October 5, 2026, the susceptible species of aquatic animals list (SSL) and the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will be updated for aquatic animal health import requirements for the species listed below.
These amendments pertain to the following diseases: Abalone viral mortality (Abalone herpes-like virus), Bonamia exitiosa, Bonamia ostreae, Haplosporidium nelsoni, Marteilia refringens, Mikrocytos mackini and Withering syndrome of abalone (Xenohaliotis californiensis).
Species added to SSL
- Ostrea equestris
- Ostrea lurida
- Mizuhopecten yessoensis
- Ostrea stentina
- Xenostrobus securis
- Magallana sikamea
- Haliotis discus discus
Species removed from SSL
- Haliotis discus hannai
- Saccostrea glomerata
- Ostrea lutaria
- Ostrea denselamellosa
- Haliotis wallalensis
Disease susceptibility profile changes
- Magallana ariakensis
- Crassostrea gigas
- Ostrea puelchana
- Ostrea angasi
- Ostrea chilensis
Taxonomic name updates
- Crassostrea gigas to Magallana gigas
- Solen marginatus to Solen capensis
These changes have been made after consultations in which no concerns were received. Details and rationale for these changes can be found in:
What does this mean for importers
Updated import requirements will be published in AIRS on October 5, 2026. Requirements will vary based on end use, commodity type, country of origin and destination.
As of October 5, 2026, imports of these molluscs may be:
- refused entry
- approved without documentation
- approved with documentation requirements, such as:
- import permit
- zoosanitary certificate
- referred to National Import Service Center (NISC) with documentation requirements:
- import permit
- zoosanitary certificate
A My CFIA account is required to apply for an import permit. Sign up to manage applications, track service requests, and check status. For help with applications or renewals, contact the National Centre of Permissions (NCP).
Shipments in transit
Shipments of these commodities that leave their country of origin before October 5, 2026, but arrive at a Canadian border on or after October 5, 2026, will be subject to the updated import requirements.
Importers are responsible for:
- managing shipment dates and ensuring the product arrives at the border with the correct documentation
- contacting the NCP if you anticipate your shipment will arrive after the effective date to ensure the correct requirements are applied to your import permit
On October 5, 2026, shipments of these commodities that do not meet updated import requirements will be ordered removed from Canada or disposed of, at the importer's expense.