The Most Common Food Safety Compliance Challenges for Canadian Food Importers
Food importers face unique food safety compliance challenges because responsibility doesn’t stop at the border. Under SFCR, importers must ensure that food meets Canadian regulatory requirements regardless of where it was produced. This creates gaps when supplier controls, documentation, or verification processes are weak or inconsistent.
Some of the most common issues CFIA identifies during inspections include incomplete Preventive Control Plans, poor traceability records, lack of documented supplier approval, and recall procedures that exist on paper but haven’t been tested. Many importers also fail to maintain proper training records or corrective action documentation — both of which are required to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
For small and medium businesses, these gaps usually aren’t intentional. They happen because regulations are complex, guidance is fragmented, and businesses are focused on operations rather than paperwork. However, compliance failures can lead to inspection findings, product detention, or licence suspension. Proactive planning and documentation are essential to staying inspection-ready year-round.
Next Steps:
Download the Importers Document Checklist to ensure you are covering all your bases when importing food.
Tell us what you import, and we’ll assess your licensing and PCP needs.
