Food, Plant and Animal Inspections

Travellers are often surprised when they are told that their piece of fruit or meat can cause serious damage to Canada. Certain goods are restricted or prohibited because they can harbour foreign animal and plant pests and diseases that could threaten Canada’s economy and pose a risk to human, plant or animal health, causing irreparable harm to Canada’s crops, livestock, pets and environment.

Because of these threats, travellers are required to properly declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals and plant or animal products they bring into the country.

Certain items are also prohibited or restricted because they are subject to controls under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES sets controls on the international trade and movement of animal and plant species that are or may be threatened due to excessive commercial exploitation.

How do these inspections affect you?

Declare everything you are carrying.
It’s the only way to be sure.

Please ensure that you report all agricultural or food items or any animal, animal product, plant or plant product to a border services officer. When you are planning your trip abroad, check the rules for approved and restricted or prohibited products.

Without the required documents, the entry into Canada of some animals, plants, animal products or plant products is not permitted. As a result, they may be confiscated and disposed of or ordered removed from Canada. Other items may require treatment before they can stay in Canada. Travellers are responsible for all costs related to the disposal, quarantine, treatment or removal from Canada of these items.