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Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)

Maintenance notice

Due to necessary system maintenance, the following services will be unavailable from March 24, 2024 12:01 am to March 25, 2024 7:00 am (ET):

Alternate release procedures have been put in place to ensure continuation of business. For more information please refer to the How to submit a paper declaration to the National Import Service Centre webpage. The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will remain available during the maintenance period.

For more information on CFIA release processes visit the National Import Service Centre webpage.

On this page

What is AIRS

The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is a reference tool that shows the import requirements for Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulated commodities.

Launch AIRS

How to get started

Before launching AIRS, please note the following:

When accessing the AIRS tool, you will be able to conduct your search in one of two ways:

Your selection will include the following options:

Once the information above has been provided, you will be able to view the Harmonized System (HS) classification code for the selected commodity.

User guide

Visit the AIRS User Guide for:

AIRS codes and registration types

Communications and updates

Automatic licence verification for imports of manufactured foods

On February 12, 2024, the CFIA activated automatic licence verification for imports of manufactured foods. If you need a licence to import, you must enter a valid licence number on your import declaration or your shipment will be denied entry into Canada.

Visit Importing food with a valid Safe Food for Canadians licence.

Fresh fruit and vegetable imports – Rejection notice for missing Ministerial Exemption

Important: please be advised that AIRS has not been updated to reflect recent changes that repealed standard container sizes for some fresh fruit and vegetables. For affected importers receiving a rejection notice from the Integrated Import Declaration system for a missing Ministerial Exemption, the following interim measure has been implemented:

Stay informed

Subscribe to the CFIA's email notification service to stay up to date on important information, including additions and modifications of commodities, changes to import requirements and product admissibility. You can modify your preferences for this service at any time.

AIRS Verification Service

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