News
Requests for phytosanitary certificates to come online

Beginning late fall 2019, all plant exporters will be able to request phytosanitary certificates online through My CFIA.

This was announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, following their move to online submissions of import permit requests.

By signing up for a My CFIA profile, account holders can submit service requests for a growing number of CFIA services.

In early fall 2019, a pilot project will take place in which a small number of industry members and CFIA staff will test the system to request and process phytosanitary certificates. Shortly after the pilot ends and after adjustments are made, phytosanitary certificates will be made available for request online for the entire industry.

Benefits of requesting a phytosanitary certificate using My CFIA
Exporters will save time by applying for a phytosanitary certificate online, through My CFIA. Rather than having to drive, fax, or email an application to a local CFIA office, industry members will be able to submit and pay for their certificate through the My CFIA portal. In addition, My CFIA users can also access the system 24/7 to track, manage, copy, and reuse their application for future requests. Using My CFIA may also lead to applications being processed faster than applications submitted through email, mail or fax. For more information about the benefits, view their Notice to Industry.

Steps to take now
In order to take advantage of online phytosanitary certificates, plant exporters must sign up for a My CFIA account.

Those without a My CFIA account can learn how to sign up so they are ready to request the phytosanitary certificate this fall.

Informing our trading partners
CFIA recently notified its international trading partners of the upcoming move to electronic phytosanitary certificates. In the letter, trading partners were made aware of the Agency’s plan to continue to add additional export certifications in My CFIA, as per the World Trade Organization Notification that was published last year.

Supporting industry
Step-by-step instructions on how to manage a My CFIA account, request services, and pay for services using My CFIA are available on the My CFIA User Guidance page. Additional guidance including instructions specific to requesting a phytosanitary certificate will be added to the page closer to release.

CFIA will continue to provide regular updates as more information becomes available.