How to use the CFIA AIRS system for food import?

  • January 31, 2023
  • Posted by: Felicia
  • Categories: Advices, Blog, Business, English, Food Safety, SFCR
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How to use the CFIA AIRS system for food import by SFPM Consulting

Food import is a regulated process that requires careful planning and execution. The CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) can help food importers access the information they need to import food successfully into Canada. Some of this information includes:

  • Requirements by the Canadian Border Services -including product declaration
  • Requirements for Safe Food for Canadian Regulations (SFCR) and Preventive Control Plan
  • Instructions for documentation and
  • Condition of import
  • HS Code

As a food importer, this is the #1 website you should bookmark on your calendar. The biggest problem for any import-export is customs clearance.

We discussed unexpected costs incurred from delays in customs clearance: storage costs such as demurrage and detention costs, unhappy clients or lost clients due to product delay, and penalties for not meeting the delivery deadline. In other cases, such as perishable food products, the products may not be sellable or have a very minimum shelf life remaining.

In addition, it is important to note that CFIA has declared that no SFC license can be issued for the products that arrive at the border without an SFC license. This leaves a lot of question marks as to what happened next. Rejection back to the country of origin? Disposal in Canada?

We don’t think you like to risk your food getting stuck at the border without an SFC license. Be prepared to meet the requirements for food imports.

The AIRS system is very easy to use. However, if you want to skip the learning challenges, we have a free copy of the procedures that we have created that you can download.

Download this free copy of the procedures for using the CFIA AIRS system.

Questions about complying with your SFC license?

We can help you with your Preventive Control Plan and Traceability Plan to comply with the SFC license requirements. Our PCP plan development service is backed with CFIA compliance assistance. That means we will train you to comply with the PCP requirements and support you for your CFIA inspection.

Contact us so we can help you with compliance.



Author: Felicia
Felicia Loo is a Certified Food Scientist and registered SQF Consultant, focused on assisting food business to obtain food business license, achieving effective food safety management system and automate food safety system.