Participating Government Agencies
Review Canadian federal agencies that may regulate imported goods. Use this page to identify when a PGA may be involved, what information may be required, and where to find agency-specific resources.
Regulated goods
Recognize when food, health, safety, environmental, wildlife, vehicle, or controlled goods may involve another agency.
Permits and documents
Use official agency resources to confirm whether permits, licences, certificates, or supporting records may be required.
Clearance risk
Pause and escalate when admissibility, permit status, product description, or agency requirements are unclear.
PGA agencies
Agency requirements by category.
Open one agency at a time to review when it may apply, what to check, and where to find agency-specific resources.
When CFIA may be involved
- Commercial food imports including fresh, frozen, and processed foods
- Animal products and by-products
- Plants, seeds, soil, and fertilizers
- Fresh fruits and vegetables from the U.S. requiring Confirmation of Sale
Key references
| AIRS | Search requirements by HS code |
| My CFIA | Portal for licences, permits, registrations, authorizations, and certificates |
| NISC | 1-800-835-4486 |
When ECCC may be involved
- CITES-listed wildlife, parts, and derivatives
- Endangered species products
- Hazardous waste including PCBs, asbestos, and contaminated soil
- Hazardous recyclables such as e-waste, batteries, and scrap metal
- Ozone-depleting substances
Contact points
| CITES | [email protected] | 1-855-869-8670 |
| Waste | [email protected] |
When DFO may be involved
- Fish and seafood products requiring catch certification
- Marine mammal products
- Shellfish requiring marine biotoxin certificates
- Products connected to fisheries controls or seafood documentation
When NRCan may be involved
- Explosives, fireworks, and pyrotechnics
- Rough diamonds under Kimberley Process requirements
- Energy-consuming products
Contact points
| Explosives | 613-948-5200 | [email protected] |
| Kimberley | 1-855-525-9293 |
When CNSC may be involved
- Nuclear substances and regulated nuclear materials
- Radiation devices
- Controlled equipment or materials requiring nuclear safety review
Work habit
- Confirm licence or permit requirements before processing
- Escalate uncertain regulated goods before release-related action
When Transport Canada may be involved
- Vehicles and vehicle admissibility questions
- Dangerous goods transportation requirements
- Import scenarios requiring RIV review
Contact points
| CBSA Info | 1-800-461-9999 |
| RIV | 1-888-848-8240 | riv.ca |
When GAC may be involved
- Strategic goods including military and dual-use technology
- Controlled agricultural products such as dairy, poultry, and eggs
- Steel products under General Import Permit programs
- Goods subject to SIMA measures
Contact points
| NEICS | [email protected] | 343-203-4331 |
| SIMA | [email protected] |
When PHAC may be involved
- Human pathogens Risk Group 2 to 4
- Toxins listed in Schedule 1 of HPTA
- Terrestrial animal pathogens in pure culture
Contact points
| Licensing | [email protected] | 613-957-1779 |
When Health Canada may be involved
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs in finished dosage form
- Medical devices Classes I to IV
- Cannabis and cannabis products
- Natural health products including vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies
Contact points
| General | 1-800-267-9675 |
| Cannabis | Cannabis Import/Export |
Leader-led training videos coming soon.
Additional PGA walkthroughs will be added as they become available. Each session will include the video, supporting resources, and any required follow-up activity in one place.
Continue your Canadian Brokerage path.
After reviewing PGA requirements, continue into Tariff Classification, CSA Program, or return to the Canadian Brokerage hub.