Important first steps to importing organic and natural food and products to Canada
When considering importing and selling organic and natural products in Canada, you must familiarize yourself with the legal requirements, market demand, and more. In this blog, we will discuss some of the top topics companies should consider before starting.
How to get licensed to sell your organic products in Canada
To sell a product labelled as organic in Canada, it must meet multiple requirements. The top one is that it must consist of more than 95% organic materials. Alternatively, if your product consists of 70-95% organic materials or ingredients, you can apply for certification, requiring you to state the percentage on your label. You can apply for these Organic Certificates through organizations that are accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This can be found on The Government of Canada website.
Food and product labeling requirements in Canada
The Canadian organics industry has strict labelling requirements. You may only label your product as organic after you have received a government-issued Organic Certificate. Then, you must also ensure that your label is clear and easily visible to the consumer. There are new regulations coming to Canada on January 1, 2026 that require any food with high sodium, fat, or sugar to display a front-of-package nutrition symbol.
Each label must also include the following:
- bilingual labelling
- list of ingredients and allergens
- the product must have a common name
- the country of origin
- date markings and storage instructions
- the company’s legal name
- place of business of the manufacturer or distributor
- declare if a food has been irradiated
“Canadians eat and appreciate different cuisines from around the globe. The best way to determine if your product would do well in a Canadian market is to leverage historical data from that specific region.”
What to know about importing to Canada
The permits and licenses required to import organic food and products to Canada will depend on the product you sell. Visit The Government of Canada website’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) section. Within the AIRS system, you can search by product type to determine which licenses and certificates your company will require.
It is also important to note a policy change that will occur on May 26, 2025. Companies importing into Canada must provide a digital copy of their organic certificate(s) as part of the Integrated Import Declaration (IID).
Here are a few of the key-update to be aware of:
- Have your organic certificate available as a digital copy, this will be used during the IID submission.
- The Unique Reference Number (URN) will be issued by the Canada Broder Services Agency and can be reused for multiple shipments.
- New compliance regulations will mean your import will be denied if you do not present a digital certificate or URN.
- When applicable import declarations can contain multiple URNs.
Be sure to review all regulations regarding your specific product type.
How to get your Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) products listed with Canadian retailers
While some companies have found success getting listed with Canadian retailers independently, most successes come from working with a CPG Broker. A food and product broker will have established connections in the Canadian retail industry, know how to navigate the listing pitch process, and be able to facilitate and manage retailer and distributor relationships. Companies looking for quick growth in the Canadian organics industry work with a broker.
How do you manage your products in Canada when your business is in a different country?
Again, this comes down to having a food and product broker in Canada. Your broker should be your lifeline, providing transparent communication and easily accessible updates on your products’ performance. When you have a strong CPG broker relationship, you can easily manage your products’ sales, no matter where in the world you are located.
What do Canadians like to eat?
Canadians are a health-conscious group. While we are known for our indulgences such as poutine, maple syrup on a stick, and a good beer, Canadians are always on the lookout for healthy snack and meal ideas for their families. With a richly diverse population, Canadians eat and appreciate different cuisines from around the globe. The best way to determine if your product would do well in a Canadian market is to leverage historical data from that specific region.
Ready to start selling in Canada?
At BNQ Management, we welcome the chance to bring high-quality natural and organic foods and products from a wide array of countries. However, we ensure that each company has all the data and information about the time, costs, and sales projections before we pitch their product to retailers. This transparent process allows our clients to make informed decisions that protect their company’s growth and revenue.
If your company is ready to break into the Canadian market, contact us for a Free Consultation.
