Pet Food Import Regulations

[snnorlaxx]

I believe it came out of Massachusetts.

[markw]

Well it looks like jimskoi is absolutely correct! I have spent several days and official requests to obtain specific info from CFIA, and unfortunately the regulation DOES effect fish food, and it is now more difficult to import it. Although the intent of the statement was to prevent the spread of BSE, all animal products have been included, which included fish meal. The only exemption is pure plant based food.
CFIA told me that as of July 1,2009 it is now mandatory to obtain an import license to obtain food from anywhere outside of Canada including the US. The cost is $170.00/yr. or a one time charge of $60.00. To obtain the permit, an individual whether they are a hobbyist, retailer or wholesaler must include pertinent information from both the exporter and the producer of the food. That must contain all of the ingredients, where they originated, what else is produced in the facility, where the other products originated and a claim that no banned products were ever exposed to the food.
Once CFIA approves the producers facility, and the exporter, that documentation is included with the shipment and then CBSA on behalf of CFIA examines the permits and food and hopefully release it to the importer.
ANY AND ALL FOOD ATTEMPTED TO BE SHIPPED ACROSS THE BORDER WITHOUT PROPER PERMITS WILL EITHER BE RETURNED OR DESTROYED.
Unfortunately, we as hobbyists never saw this coming. CFIA did advise the associations that import food in Canada but have admitted the reactions from hobbyist and retailers has been very reactionary. It was Gazetted late 2008 and was passed early 2009, with a buffer period extending it to July 1,2009. A revision to the policy statement is being written but it will not relax the restrictions. Along with this is the new restrictions being put into place by CFIA with regard to the importation of tropical fish. That Gazette expires MArch 4,2010 for reaction.

[Rhacodactylus Ciliatus]

The only fish food company that has got their permits so far (that I know of) is Nutrafin. After talking with a rep from them. Most companies out there probably won't go through the hassle of this permit system. Hence why most fish stores are dropping prices on fish foods.

[jimskoi]

NLS is another food that have the permits.