Due to the outbreak of HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle in the United States (US), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will require an additional certification for Canadian cattle returning from the US after a stay of less than 60 days.
This will be required as of August 14, 2024.
Please consult the Notice to Industry.
If you have any questions, please contact your local animal health CFIA district office.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2025 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). The user fee rates are authorized by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and allow the agency to assess and collect fees to cover the FDA’s cost of administering these programs.
Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP)
VQIP is a voluntary fee-based program that offers importers who achieve and maintain a high level of control over the safety and security of their supply chains expedited review and importation of human and animal foods into the United States.
The FY2025 VQIP user fee supports program benefits from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Currently, the agency is not offering an adjusted fee for small businesses. Approved VQIP applicants must pay the user fee before October 1, 2024, to begin receiving benefits for FY 2025.
The FY 2025 VQIP User Fees are detailed in the Federal Register Notice announcing the FY 2025 VQIP User Fee Rates.
Please direct any questions regarding VQIP to the VQIP Importers Help Desk at 1-301-796-8745 or FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov.
Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP)
TPP is a voluntary program in which FDA recognizes “accreditation bodies” that may accredit third-party “certification bodies.” The certification bodies can conduct food safety audits and issue certifications of foreign food facilities. The FY 2025 TPP user fee rate will be effective on October 1, 2024, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2025.
Questions regarding TPP can be sent to FDAthirdpartyprogram@fda.hhs.gov.
Additional Information
News from AAFC’s Market Access Secretariat
On June 20, 2024, the President of the Philippines signed Executive Order 62 which extends lower tariffs on pork cuts into the Philippines until 2028. In-quota MFN Rate for pork cuts is at 15% while out-quota is at 25%.
In addition, the order also extends lower tariffs on mechanically deboned and separated poultry meat products until 2028. Under the temporary tariff reduction, fresh, chilled, or frozen meat and edible offal of the poultry heading HS 0105 will be subject to a 5% tariff.
The Executive Order can be found at: Executive Order No. 62, s. 2024 | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
For any questions or comment related to this notification please contact the Market Access Secretariat at: aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca
News from AAFC’s Market Access Secretariat
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has published the lists of Canadian slaughterhouses, cutting plants, processing plants, and cold storage establishments approved for the export of beef, mutton, pork, or poultry products to Hong Kong. The lists of Canadian establishments is inclusive of those registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as of June 25, 2024.
Please verify that your establishment is published on the relevant lists and that the information is accurate on the Food Import Protocol (cfs.gov.hk) webpage. The easiest way to search for your establishment is by Establishment Number.
Please note that currently only one name for your establishment is displayed. Hong Kong’s CFS is working on adding any other sub-names/business names and aims to complete this work in mid-August.
If there are any issues, please notify your local CFIA office.
News from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Effective today, July 10th, 2024, the document Terrestrial animal products and by-products: Returning shipments policy is implemented and posted on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. It is about shipments of animal products or by-products (other than edible meat) that have left Canadian territory, but then need to be returned to Canada.
Summary
Please send any questions or comments about this policy to the following email address: APABPImport@inspection.gc.ca. For routine inquiries, your local CFIA office continues to be your first point of contact.
July 3, 2024 – On July 10th, 2024, the document Terrestrial animal products and by-products: Returning shipments policy, will be implemented and posted on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. It is about shipments of animal products or by-products (other than edible meat) that have left Canadian territory, but then need to be returned to Canada.
Summary
Please send any questions or comments about this policy to the following email address: APABPImport@inspection.gc.ca. For routine inquiries, your local CFIA office continues to be your first point of contact.
