Aquatic Animals to Canada: Digital Endorsement Available and Updated Certificates

 Date of Notice: March 20, 2025 

Effective Date: March 20, 2025

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is pleased to now offer digital endorsement for all aquatic animal export certificates to Canada. Beginning March 20, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will accept APHIS digital endorsement for the following, newly formatted for VEHCS compatibility, aquatic animal/aquaculture health certificates, which are posted to the Canada Iregs page – here.

• Aquatic Animals and Germplasm – Culture
• Aquatic Animals and Germplasm – Research and Education
• Aquatic Animals – Display in a Zoo or Aquarium
• Finfish – Bait and Feed 
• Finfish – Stocking and Enhancement
• Koi Carp – Aquarium and Outdoor Holding Unit
• Ornamental Aquatic Animals – Commercial Aquarium Use in CLOSED Premises in Canada 

Transition Period. Between March 20 – April 20, 2025, CFIA will accept BOTH the updated certificate versions posted on Iregs, and the older certificate versions. Effective April 20, 2025, only the updated certificate versions will be accepted.

Egg Disinfection Language. Overall, the certificate requirements and language remain the same EXCEPT for the egg disinfection statement on the culture and research/education certificates (however the intent of the requirement remains the same):

CURRENT: The eggs to be exported have been surface disinfected either according to WOAH Aquatic Standards, or in a manner which has been agreed to with the CFIA. 

PREVIOUS: The eggs must have been surface disinfected according to the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Aquatic Animals. 

Live/Dead Aquatic Animals for Food Service/Retail/Further Processing moved to products. Endorsement of the Aquatic Animals for Food Service, Retail, or Further Processing certificates will not be part of this VEHCS digital endorsement migration. Those certificates require a wet-ink signature from APHIS and are posted to the APHIS Products site: International Regulations (Iregs) Animal Products > Canada > Canada – Aquaculture Commodities page.