Sep 2, 2026 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated its guidance related to importing livestock feed ingredients:
- RG-10 Importing livestock feeds (mixed feeds and single ingredient feeds) into Canada
- Quick reference guide – Feed importers
This update:
- clarifies which feeds require a Livestock Feeds Licence at the time of import
- provides an update on AIRS changes
- provides a temporary administrative code that can be used for the import of feed ingredients, if needed
Mixed feeds must either be registered or imported by a licence holder:
- if your mixed feed is not registered, you must have a licence to import the feed
- you will need to provide your licence number or registration number at the time of import
Single ingredient feeds (SIFs) may require registration for import or a licence once they have been imported into Canada:
- SIFs listed in part 2 of the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT) must be registered before they can be imported into Canada and you will need to provide the registration number at the time of import
- SIFs listed in part 1 of the CFIT do not require registration and may be imported without a licence; you will not need to provide a licence number or registration number at the time of import
- for SIFs that are not registered, a licence will be required by the person or company in Canada who does any of the prescribed activities with the SIF once it has been imported
The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is being updated to reflect the import requirements associated with Part 1 CFIT-listed SIFs.
At this time, you may be asked for a licence or registration number at the time of import. If you are an importer of Part 1 CFIT-listed SIFs that has a licence, use your licence number.
Until AIRS updates are completed, importers of eligible Part 1 CFIT-listed SIFs that are exempt from registration and do not have a licence may enter 999999 as the Livestock Feeds Licence Number if required by the import declaration process.
The number 999999 is a temporary administrative code only and does not represent a Livestock Feeds Licence. Its use will facilitate the importation of eligible Part 1 CFIT-listed SIFs while AIRS is being updated, while also enabling the CFIA to maintain oversight, monitoring, and reporting on these imports until the necessary system and guidance updates are implemented.
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Source: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
