Doing Business in Canada - CPMA

Doing Business in Canada - CPMA

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• for the purpose of test marketing a food, and • for the purpose of alleviating a shortage in Canada in the available supply of a domestically manufactured, processed, produced food [174(1)]. Contact the Centre of Administration for Permissions to apply for a Ministerial Exemption and visit Ministerial Exemptions for more information on the types of Ministerial Exemptions permitted under the SFCR. 2.1.9 Transportation Food products require more careful handling than other commodities. Food should not be shipped with dangerous or hazardous goods (chemicals, auto parts, etc.). Food shipments that have been contaminated by incompatible goods in the container/truck may be refused entry into Canada. Temperature sensitive goods, such as frozen food or fresh fruits, require a climate controlled shipping environment. Fresh fruit and vegetables are highly perishable and are subject to a multitude of product related domestic and international laws. “Just in time” shipping often negates the possibility of using trusted trader programs and threatens compliance with newly implemented cross border advance information programs. Lack of communication, combined with the lack of awareness of rights and responsibilities throughout the fresh produce supply chain, can undermine productivity.

Requirements for safe transportation of goods should be part of the agreement between traders and carriers.

• See the CFIA Food Imports page for links to import requirements and guidance. • See Section 1.6.8 on page 22 for information on regulatory guidelines for trucking. • See Section 1.6.10 on page 23 for North American Fresh Produce Transportation Best Practices .

2.1.10 Damaged Loads and Arbitration If produce has been received in a deteriorated condition, or you have agreed to handle product in a deteriorated condition, after notifying the shipper and the carrier, if applicable, DRC members are required to request an inspection within 8 hours of receiving the product. The CFIA Destination Inspection Service can provide an inspection for this purpose. These inspections help in obtaining guidance for a fair settlement. The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations include a regulatory requirement for membership in the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC). Upon the coming into force of the new regulations on January 15, 2019, Canadian buyers and sellers of fresh fruits and vegetables will be required to be members of the DRC, unless exempt.

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