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Contact Info for CANADA & USA
CALL SUPPORT CANADA
+1 (437) 988-3189
+1 (519) 993-3442
CALL SUPPORT USA
+1 (484) 632-0359
+1 (437) 988-3189
EMAIL US
trade@mmstargroup.com
CANADA OFFICE
587 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Unit 19, Guelph, ON N1C 0B3
USA OFFICE
55 Carter Drive, Suite 201, Edison NJ 08817
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Contact Info for INDIA
CALL SUPPORT INDIA
+91 78800 98977
+91 83083 04300
EMAIL US
trade@mmstargroup.com
INDORE OFFICE
N-83, Anoop Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh-452011
DELHI OFFICE
807-Vishwa Deep Tower, District Centre Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are FMCG products in the context of Canadian imports?
FMCG includes:
- Packaged foods & beverages
- Personal care products
- Cosmetics
- Household cleaning products
- Health products
Different categories are regulated by different Canadian authorities.
2. Do I need a business number to import into Canada?
Yes. You must obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency.
You also need to register an import/export account (RM account) linked to your BN.
3. Which government agencies regulate FMCG imports?
Main authorities include:
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Customs clearance & duties
- Health Canada – Regulates cosmetics, health products, some consumer goods
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – Food products
- Competition Bureau – Labeling & marketing compliance
4. Do I need an import license?
It depends on the product:
- Food products → Require Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license from Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Natural health products → Need product licensing from Health Canada
- Cosmetics → Require Cosmetic Notification Form submission to Health Canada
- Household goods → May not require a license but must meet safety regulations
5. What labeling requirements must FMCG products meet?
Canada has strict bilingual labeling laws:
- English and French labeling required
- Ingredient list (for food & cosmetics)
- Metric units
- Country of origin
- Allergen declarations (for food)
Food labeling must comply with CFIA regulations. Non-compliant labels may result in shipment refusal.
6. Are there duties and taxes on FMCG imports?
Yes. You may need to pay:
- Customs duties (based on HS code)
- GST (5%)
- Possible provincial sales tax (PST) or HST
Duty rates depend on:
- Product classification
- Country of origin
- Trade agreements (e.g., USMCA)
7. Do I need a customs broker?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. A licensed broker helps with:
- Tariff classification
- Documentation
- Duty calculation
- Compliance
8. What documents are required for import clearance?
Common documents include:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading / Air waybill
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Import permits (if applicable)
- Product formulation details (for regulated goods)
9. Are there product safety standards for FMCG?
Yes.
- Cosmetics must comply with ingredient restrictions under Health Canada
- Cleaning products may need hazard labeling (WHMIS compliance)
- Food must meet CFIA safety standards
Failure to comply can result in product seizure or recall.
10. How long does customs clearance take?
- Standard shipments: 1–3 business days
- If inspection required: 5–10+ days
Delays occur if documentation or labeling is incomplete.
11. Can I import FMCG for private label sales?
Yes, but you are considered the responsible party in Canada.
You must ensure:
- Compliance with all Canadian regulations
- Proper labeling
- Product safety documentation
- Traceability and recall capability
12. Do I need product testing before import?
Depending on category:
- Food → May require lab analysis
- Cosmetics → Ingredient safety review
- Cleaning products → Hazard classification testing
13. What happens if my shipment is non-compliant?
Possible outcomes:
- Refusal at border
- Destruction
- Return to origin
- Administrative penalties
- Product recall
14. Are there restrictions on certain FMCG products?
Yes, including:
- Products with banned ingredients
- Misleading health claims
- Expired or near-expiry goods
- Unapproved natural health products
15. Do I need a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence for all food products?
If you import food for commercial purposes, you generally need an SFC licence issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
You must also:
- Have a Preventive Control Plan (PCP)
- Maintain traceability records (one step forward, one step back)
- Be able to conduct recalls
Exemptions may apply for very limited categories (e.g., personal use).
16. What is a Preventive Control Plan (PCP)?
A PCP is a documented food safety system similar to HACCP. It includes:
- Hazard analysis
- Control measures
- Supplier verification
- Recall procedures
- Complaint handling
It is mandatory for many food importers regulated by Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
17. Are nutritional facts mandatory on food products?
Yes, most prepackaged foods must display a Nutrition Facts Table that meets Canadian formatting standards (which differ from the U.S. format).
Regulated by:
- Health Canada (nutrition standards)
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (enforcement)
18. What are the packaging and environmental requirements?
Canada has Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs in many provinces.
You may need to register with provincial recycling organizations, such as:
- Recycle BC
- Circular Materials
Requirements vary by province and include:
- Reporting packaging volumes
- Paying eco-fees
19. What are common reasons FMCG shipments get rejected?
- Missing bilingual labels
- Incorrect nutrition panel format
- Undeclared allergens
- Banned cosmetic ingredients
- Unsupported health claims
- Missing SFC licence
- Expired or short-dated products
20. Are there special requirements for online sellers (Amazon, Shopify, etc.)?
Yes. If you sell in Canada via e-commerce:
- You must still comply with all import and labeling laws
- You are responsible for product safety
- Marketplaces may require proof of regulatory compliance
Amazon Canada often requests:
- NPN for supplements
- CNF for cosmetics
- Lab testing reports
21 . Can I use a non-resident importer (NRI)?
Yes. A foreign company can act as Non-Resident Importer (NRI) if they:
- Register for a Business Number
- Appoint a customs broker
- Take responsibility for compliance
This is common for U.S. exporters selling into Canada.
22. Is CFIA registration mandatory?
If importing/exporting or interprovincial trade — yes under Canadian Food Inspection Agency
23. Are bilingual labels mandatory?
Yes. English & French required nationwide.
24. Can I sell homemade food?
Depends on province. Cottage food laws vary.
25. Can I sell on Amazon Canada?
Yes, but must meet Amazon food compliance standards.
