Canada - Aquaculture Commodities

Last Modified: August 26, 2026

CFIA regulated species and the diseases they are susceptible to - April 2013

Updated Guidance: Export of Fresh or Frozen Aquatic Species-Only Products Intended for Pet, Tropical or Ornamental Fish Feed
Unfortunately, at this time APHIS and NOAA are not able to endorse the certificate for the export of these products to Canada. APHIS and NOAA will continue to coordinate on possible methods for the certification of fresh or frozen aquatic species-only products intended for pet, tropical or ornamental fish feed. We encourage U.S. exporters to periodically check for updates using the APHIS International Regulations (IREGS), contacting your local Veterinary Services Service Center, or NOAA “Regional Inspection Office.” 

Processed and Heat-Treated Pet, Tropical and Ornamental Fish Food can be exported under Pet Foods, Treats, Compound Chews – Heat-Processed, Shelf-Stable Products 

Insect Meals for Pet, Tropical or Ornamental Fish can be exported under Insect Meal for Pet and Ornamental Fish Food or Livestock Feed

Aquatic Animals Intended for Food Service, Retail, or Further Processing

There are two options for shipping  “Live and/or Dead Finfish and Crustaceans from the U.S. for Food Service, Retail Use, or Further Processing” to Canada. Exporters must choose one of the following options. 

Note: Effective March 20, 2025, the Aquatic Animals Intended for Service, Retail, or Further Processing certificates will be endorsed by APHIS with wet-ink signatures.  For additional information, refer to Instructions for Aquatic Animals for Food Service, Retail Use, or Further Processing Certificates - March 2025 (127.36 KB).

  • OPTION 2:  Facility undergoes annual APHIS inspection
    An annual APHIS inspection of the facility is required prior to export. The facility can then export with the “Statement from the Exporter” (aka ANNEX I OR II) signed by the exporter (no USDA endorsement required).  (An APHIS endorsed export health certificate is not required when utilizing Option 2)

Facility inspection documents & guidance: 

  • Annex I (90.14 KB): Statement from the Exporter to be completed and signed by the exporter for each shipment intended for food service/and or retail use.  
  • Annex II (90.56 KB): Statement from the Exporter to be completed and signed by the exporter for each shipment intended for further processing.
  • Annex III (46.93 KB): Inspection checklist to be completed and signed by APHIS at the time of the annual inspection. For information only, no action required on the part of the exporter/facility.   
  • Annex IV (64.17 KB): For information only, no action required. 
  • Summary & Instructions (152.04 KB): For information only, no action required. 

Please e-mail VETS.RAEF@usda.gov to begin the APHIS inspection/Canada Food Fish registration process. 
 

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