Reminder on Harmonized system (HS) Codes and Import Requirements for Various Pathogens

The programs of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that issue pathogen import permits, certify laboratories handling animal and human pathogens, and provide guidance on biosafety and biocontainment consolidated in April 2013, with the exception of animal pathogens that can cause foreign animal disease (FADs).

The CFIA-PHAC merger resulted in a change to the HS codes for various pathogens including the ones held by PHAC.  To become informed on the new coding system, and to receive accurate and timely information on import requirements, customs brokers and importers should refer to the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

Import permits for terrestrial animal and human pathogens, as well as the certification of laboratories handling these types of pathogens are offered through a single office at PHAC’s Centre for Biosecurity.

The CFIA issues permits for:

• Pathogens causing foreign animal and emerging animal diseases (i.e., pathogens that are not established in or indigenous to Canada);
• Animals, animal products and by-products, tissue, sera and blood that are infected with animal pathogens;
• Bee Pathogens,
• Aquatic animal pathogens; and
• Plant pathogens.

If you need further reference on the HS Codes, please visit the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Centre for Biosecurity at biosafety_biosécurité@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Sandra Fry
Director General
Centre for Biosecurity
Health Security Infrastructure Branch
Public Health Agency of Canada