Information from AAFC’s Market Access Secretariat
On March 20, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule (the “final rule”) by 30 months. The compliance date for the FTR was originally set for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and so this extension will give affected industry sectors another 2.5 years to comply. The final rule applies to domestic and foreign entities producing food for U.S. consumption, and foods subject to the final rule requirements appear on the U.S. Food Traceability List (FTL).
The FDA advises that the compliance date extension does not amend, nor do they intend to amend, the requirements of the final rule. The compliance date extension is meant to provide covered entities the additional time to ensure complete coordination across the supply chain in order to fully implement the final rule’s requirements. The FDA plans to use the extended time period to continue the agency’s work with stakeholders, including by participating in cross-sector dialogue to identify solutions to implementation challenges and by continuing to provide technical assistance, tools, and other resources to assist industry with implementation.
The CFIA will continue to work with the FDA in order to provide information to Canadian industry and sectors who export foods listed on the FTL to the United States. Industry is encouraged to visit the FDA website which includes many resources to help you better understand how to comply with the new rule. You may also submit questions directly to FDA through the Technical Assistance Network (TAN).
