If you are importing BSL 2 or higher samples, cells, viruses, bacteria, parasites or toxins into Canada, you are required to complete a number of documents.

UPDATE March 22, 2013 - Import permits for TERRESTRIAL animal pathogens only require an import permit from PHAC. CFIA Import permits and CL2 checklists for those pathogens will be rejected.

READ THE FAQ REGARDING THIS MERGER.

In general, one checklist and one import permit is required depending on the properties of the pathogen, from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Steps for an import permit:

• The requirements listed in the 'checklist' for PHAC must be met by the principal investigator's laboratory. The checklist is downloadable from the website listed below. Detailed help and compliance expectations are found ---- here------. Both the principal investigator and biosafety officer sign off on the checklist once both satisfied that the requirements are met.
• At the same time, the principal investigator completes the import permit application to be included with the checklist. The PHAC import permit application must also be signed by the biosafety officer.
• In 3-4 weeks a "letter of compliance" will be received from the Agency. This letter is good for up to 2 years.
• The import permit should arrive simultaneously.
• The principal investigator must provide a copy of the import permit to the Customs and Traffic Office so that they can meet the requirements at the border. Contact Jan Yeo or John Bentley by e-mail.
• Any subsequent import permits must be submitted via the biosafety office for signature.

Failure to obtain an import permit will have consequences, since an import permit cannot be obtained for a package that is already on Canadian soil at the border. The receiver may choose to send the package back tothe sender or in the case of perishables, the sender may choose to have the package disposed at the border.

If you wish to transfer a pathogen to another researcher in Canada, you may be required to submit a Pathogen Transfer Request to PHAC and CFIA.

When you receive an import permit from PHAC/CFIA, it may arrive with restrictions that you must adhere to, with respect to use and handling of the listed imported pathogen.

Although human/animal pathogens rated as BSL1 agents do not require an import permit, if you wish to have PHAC/CFIA documentation accompanying your import, please follow this link. This may not apply to any aquatic, plant or foreign animal disease agents.

CFIA still requires import permits for aquatic, plant or foreign animal disease agents in addition to animal products or by products, sperm, embryos and feeds containing animal products.