Information from Canadian Food Inspection Agency:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is starting to digitalize plant program services.
Benefits of digitalization include:
- Submitting applications securely online, anytime, from anywhere
- Tracking application status and receiving CFIA-issued permissions online
- Paying fees online and accessing digital records (permissions, inspections, invoices)
- Better data to manage trade and environmental risks
Starting in Fall 2025, the CFIA will begin moving the application process for registration in many plant systems-based programs*online to My CFIA
*A Systems-based program is one where multiple risk management measures are put in place to meet specified requirements. These risk management measures are audited by the CFIA. Examples include the Canadian Nursery Certification Program, Canadian Grain Sampling Program, and the Shipborne Dunnage Program. For more information, refer to the Plant Protection Policy Directives.
The availability of online applications for systems-based programs will be released in groups; more details on those groups will be provided in advance.
Regulated parties currently registered in a systems-based program will be required to re-apply through My CFIA by submitting a service request. This ensures their information is up to date in the digital system.
Before submitting the service request, regulated parties who have not yet enrolled will need to create a My CFIA account, set-up a profile, and familiarize themselves with the system. To support this, the CFIA will offer information sessions covering enrolment, profile setup options and the application process.
The CFIA will directly contact regulated parties registered in a program once the digital application becomes available. Additional resources will also be provided to assist with the onboarding process.
CFIA policy directives and webpages will be updated to reflect program administration changes, including the new application process, which will direct regulated parties to submit their program registration applications through a My CFIA service request. This applies to new program participants and current participants will be informed when the changes take effect and reapplication is required.
For questions or assistance with the My CFIA platform, enrolment, or technical issues, visit My CFIA – User Guidance or call 1-800-442-2342
For questions regarding different systems-based programs, please see Plant protection policy directives for guidance or contact the appropriate local CFIA office.
For information on accounting or invoicing, please refer to the CFIA Fees Notice or contact the National Centre for Accounts Receivable at 1-888-677-2342.
