Importers of plants or plant products are now able to submit online requests for import permits regulated under the Plant Protection Act.
As businesses who import plants or plant products to Canada likely know, most imports require a Permit to Import Plants and Other Things under the Plant Protection Act (CFIA/ACIA 5256). Previously, an application for this import permission had to be emailed, faxed or mailed to the CFIA’s Centre of Administration. Now, all those who require the import permission can request it online using My CFIA, the agency’s online service portal.
By signing up for a My CFIA account, account holders can submit service requests for the import permits they need as well as a growing number of CFIA services. Some benefits clients can take advantage of when using My CFIA include the ability to:
• Submit applications digitally and securely, from anywhere in the world, at any time
• Track the status of applications
• Pay required fees online, at any time
• Receive email notifications and reminders about expiring permissions, to ensure that they are renewed on time
• Receive issued permissions online
All My CFIA related guidance, such as videos, step-by-step walkthroughs and general information on how to sign up for an account, structure a profile, request service and pay for services can be accessed by visiting www.inspection.gc.ca/mycfia-guidance.
Moving forward – adding services for plant exporters
With more services constantly being added to the My CFIA system, both plant importers and exporters should sign up for an account.
In the near future, plant exporters will be able to request phytosanitary certificates through My CFIA, providing them with the ability to take advantage of many of the same benefits that plant importers have today. As phytosanitary certificates are planned to be added to the system, CFIA will continue to keep the plant industry updated.
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