Licensing interactive tool - Safe Food for Canadians Regulations

Note: For optimal use of the functionalities of this tool, we recommend that you use Firefox or Google Chrome. If you are using Internet Explorer or another web browser, we recommend that you refer to the SFCR: Glossary of key terms - (Opens in a new window) to view the applicable definitions.

Some of your business activities may require a licence, while others may not. Find out if your business requires a licence by answering a few simple questions. It only takes about 5 minutes. The specific sections of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) that outline the requirements are indicated where applicable.

General exceptions from the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations are:

• food for personal use, when the food is not intended for commercial use, and
  • the quantity of food is equal to or under the maximum quantity limits, found in the document "Maximum Quantity Limits for Personal Use Exemption - (Opens in a new window)," and
  • the food is imported, exported, sent or conveyed from one province to another by an individual other than in the course of business; or
  • the food is imported or exported as part of the personal effects of an immigrant or emigrant
• food that is carried on any conveyance that is intended for the crew or passengers
• food that is intended and used for analysis, evaluation, research, or a trade show provided that the food is part of a shipment that weighs 100 kg or less or, in the case of eggs, is part of a shipment of five or fewer cases
• food that is not intended or sold for human consumption
• food that is imported from the United States onto the Akwesasne Reserve by a permanent resident of the Reserve for their use
• food that is imported in bond (in transit) for use by crew or passengers of a cruise ship or military ship in Canada
• food that is traded between federal penitentiaries
• transporting a food commodity, if that is the sole activity of a person
• food that is sent or conveyed from Alberta or Saskatchewan into or within the entire city of Lloydminster

[SFCR: 20(1); 21; 23(1), (a)-(c), (d)(i) and (e); 23.1]