SFCR licences and CFIA

What is an SFC licence?

A Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence is the permission CFIA issues under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations to carry out certain food activities, such as importing food or preparing food that will be exported or sent to another province. The licence covers the activities and establishments you list when you apply.

Source: CFIA: Food business activities that require a licence under the SFCR (opens in a new tab)

Who needs an SFC licence?

It depends on what you do with food, not on what kind of business you are. You generally need one to import food, or to manufacture, process, treat, preserve, grade, package or label food that will be exported or sent across a provincial or territorial border.

There are exceptions, for example for some food additives, alcoholic beverages and certain foods imported for further processing. CFIA's licensing interactive tool is the official check.

Check what applies to my business Source: CFIA: Food business activities that require a licence under the SFCR (opens in a new tab)

Do I need an SFC licence if I only sell in my own province?

Generally no. Making and selling food that stays within your province or territory doesn't need a federal licence. Some provincial rules require a CFIA licence for certain commodities, such as some dairy, egg, fish, meat, honey and maple products, and other SFCR requirements can still apply.

Source: CFIA: Food business activities that require a licence under the SFCR (opens in a new tab)

How much does an SFC licence cost?

CFIA's fee for an SFC licence was $307.96 from March 31, 2026, and a licence is valid for two years. The fee is adjusted every year on March 31 in line with inflation, and it isn't pro-rated or refunded, so check CFIA's current fee before you apply.

Source: CFIA: Fee changes under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (opens in a new tab)

How do I apply for an SFC licence?

Through My CFIA, CFIA's online portal. You'll describe your business, the establishments involved and each food activity you carry out. If you need a written preventive control plan, have it ready before you apply: CFIA can ask to see it.

Source: CFIA: Licensing under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (licensing interactive tool) (opens in a new tab)

When do importers need their licence?

Before the shipment arrives. CFIA's import guide is clear that you can't get an SFC licence at the border, so apply well before your first import.

Source: CFIA: Importing food to Canada, a step-by-step guide (opens in a new tab)

Can I check whether a supplier holds an SFC licence?

Yes. CFIA publishes a searchable registry of SFC licence holders in good standing. You can search by licence number, legal name or address, or download the full list.

Source: CFIA: Safe Food for Canadians licence registry (opens in a new tab)

Is it legal to sell food from home in Canada?

Home-based food businesses are mainly regulated by your province or territory and your local health authority, and the rules differ across the country. The federal SFCR comes in when you import, or send food across provincial borders or abroad. Check with your local public health unit first.