Import Permits and the Import Controls List

Purpose

To ensure that all necessary permits are obtained prior to importation.

Scope

This applies to all shipments imported by McMaster University whereby an Import Permit is required.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the importing department or individual to ensure that any required Import Permits, Certificates (i.e. Phytosanitary Certificate), or specific “statement” has been obtained prior to importation. Failure to have proper authorization prior to import may result in the seizure and confiscation of materials by the governing agencies.

It is the responsibility of the importing department or individual to keep records of the following:

  • Permit number;
  • Type of material imported;
  • Quantity;
  • Purpose of Importation;
  • Date of Importation;
  • Name and signature of supervisor of record keeping;
  • Where the goods are located;
  • Date and location of incineration and/or disposal.

All Import Permits, records and documentation must be kept for 6 years plus current to meet Canada Border Services Agency requirements.

General

Please find below guidelines for Importing:

Human Pathogens
Animal Pathogens
Live Animals, Semen, Embryos, Animal Products and By-Products
Plants, Plant Products, Insects and Other Organisms
Seeds
Other Goods Subject to Import Controls


Human Pathogens

You must determine if an Import Permit is required under the direction of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) prior to importing Human Pathogens. The Office of Laboratory Security (PHAC), will review Import Permit Applications and issue a permit if necessary. For additional information on how to obtain an Import Permit, please visit the PHAC website, or to obtain an Import Permit Application Form. (link to)

Prior to shipping the goods to Canada, the importer must:

-provide a copy of the Import Permit to the shipper;
-ensure a copy of the Import Permit is affixed to the outside of the package, accompanied by the customs invoice (do not place the permit inside the package);
-ensure the shipper displays the following message on the outside of the package:
“Human Pathogen – Import Permit Number: _____________________”.


Animal Pathogens, Embryos, Semen, Animal Products/By-Products, Live Animal/Hatching Eggs

You must determine if an Import Permit is required from the Veterinary Biologics Section (VBS) of the Animal Health & Production Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prior to importing the above noted items. Additional information may be obtained on the CFIA website to obtain an
Import Permit application.

Prior to shipping the goods to Canada, the importer must:

-provide a copy of the Import Permit to the shipper;
-ensure a copy of the Import Permit is affixed to the outside of the package, accompanied by the customs invoice (do not place the permit inside the package);
-ensure the shipper displays the following message on the outside of the package:
“Import Permit Number: _____________________”.


Plants, Plant Products, Insects and Other Organisms

You must determine if an Import Permit is required from the Plant Health Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prior to importing the above noted items. Additional information may be obtained on the CFIA website, or to obtain a CFIA application to import.

Prior to shipping the goods to Canada, the importer must:

-provide a copy of the Import Permit to the shipper;
-ensure a copy of the Import Permit is affixed to the outside of the package accompanied by the customs invoice (do not place the permit inside the package);
-ensure the shipper displays the following message on the outside of the package:
“Plant/Plant Product/Insect/Organism – Import Permit Number: _____________________”.

Note: Fruit or vinegar flies (Drosophila melanogaster) do not require an Import Permit. Please click here for a CFIA list of “Organisms that do not require a Plant Protection Permit to Import”.

For a CFIA “List of propagative plant material and other commodities that require an import permit if originating (i.e. place of propagation) from the Continental United States”.

Seeds

It is the responsibility of the importing department or individual to follow all regulations governing the importation of seeds into Canada. For additional information on these regulations, please visit CFIA’s website.

Wood Packaging Materials

The importation of wood packaging materials produced in all areas other than the continental United States is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). These requirements include entry for all wood packaging materials such as pallets, crating and dunnage. For additional information, please visit the CFIA


Other Goods Subject to Import Controls

Most controlled goods require an Individual Permit for import, although some goods may be covered under a General Permit. Goods that are subject to import controls include, but are not limited to:

  • Textiles and Clothing
  • Agricultural Products
  • Steel Products
  • Weapons and Munitions

For more information on import controls, please visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Export and Import Controls Bureau.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Environment Canada is the lead agency responsible for implementing CITES on behalf of the federal
government. You may obtain additional information on the CITES website. For information on how to obtain a permit, please visit Environment Canada’s website.

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