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Reminder: Feeds Regulation, 2024 Took Effect Dec. 17, 2025; Transition Ends July 20, 2026

Published June 18, 2026

Key Points

  • CFIA’s Feeds Regulations, 2024 fully took effect on December 17, 2025.
  • Most imported livestock feeds, including Single Ingredient Feeds (SIFs) listed in Part 1 of the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT), must be registered or imported by a licence holder.
  • The transition period for businesses to adjust to the new requirements ends on July 20, 2026.
  • After July 20, 2026, importers can no longer use the AIRS exemption option for Part 1 SIF imports.
  • Importers should update procedures, confirm supplier compliance, and ensure they meet licensing, registration, and Preventive Control Plan (PCP) requirements.
Open sacks of livestock feed in front of a Canadian flag, representing Canada Feeds Regulations 2024 and new CFIA import compliance requirements

T​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​he Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reminds stakeholders that the Feeds Regulations, 2024 came fully into force on December 17, 2025, including livestock feed licensing requirements under sections 18 to 33. A temporary transition period allowed businesses to continue using previous procedures for shipments in transit and adjust to the new rules. The transition period will end on July 20, 2026. After this date, applicable imported livestock feeds must meet registration or licensing requirements.

New Requirements for Imported Livestock Feeds

Under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, imported livestock feeds must be:

  • Registered with CFIA, or
  • Imported by a holder of a valid livestock feed licence

These requirements apply to imported livestock feeds, including Single Ingredient Feeds (SIFs) listed in Part 1 of the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT).

Transition Period Ends July 20, 2026

As of this date:

  • Importers can no longer use the “proof of exemption from feed registration” option in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for Part 1 SIF imports.
  • All applicable livestock feeds must be registered or imported by a valid livestock feed licence holder.
  • AIRS and the registration type code list will be updated to reflect these changes.

Important Steps for Importers

CFIA recommends that businesses:

  • Review feed products to determine if registration is required.
  • Apply for a livestock feed licence if needed.
  • Update import procedures and documentation to meet AIRS requirements.
  • Confirm suppliers meet Canadian feed requirements.
  • Develop or update a written Preventive Control Plan (PCP).
  • Train staff on updated import requirements and processes.

Importers must continue meeting CFIA requirements, including maintaining a written Preventive Control Plan (PCP) as part of the livestock feed regulatory framework. Check out Canada’s Livestock feeds page for more information.

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.

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