Canadian Pet Food – New Approval Number for Exports
What follows is a notice sent to PIJAC Canada from our group at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regarding a new approval number system for exports which will impact pet food.
Notice to the Industry: Change in the approval numbers of establishments
exporting animal products and by-products
February 5, 2020
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is changing the identification number for establishments approved to export inedible animal products and by-products. Starting February 5, 2020, establishments will receive an ID number based on geographic location or address. The new ID number will start with the letters ABP (Animal by-product).
This replaces the previous system that allowed multiple identification numbers, based on commodity or product manufactured, for an individual establishment. This practice often led to confusion for trading partners.
For exports of animal products and by-products to the United States, the CFIA will provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a list of new numbers and their corresponding numbers from the old system. Companies that already have an import permit will be able to continue using the old number until their permit is renewed.
For exports of animal products and by-products to the European Union, the European database (TRACES) will be updated so that the new number does not interfere with exports for which certificates have already been issued.
Pet food establishments that currently export to Russia and China will continue to use the old number to avoid trade disruptions and will not be affected by this change for now.
Any new establishment will automatically be assigned an ABP number as of February 5, 2020.
The CFIA is providing a transition period of at least one year based on the type of establishment and importing countries.
