Fishery products imported into Canada are inspected to prevent the marketing of unsafe, unwholesome or mislabelled products. Inspection is directed at foreign processors which have demonstrated a history of poor compliance with Canadian standards. However, inspection requirements are reduced through the establishment of Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) or Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with other countries having reliable inspection systems. The Canadian Import Product Control System uses a variety of controls to ensure that all fishery products coming into Canada meet Canadian requirements.

The AIRS is the automated import reference system of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The purpose of the AIRS is to provide accurate and timely information on import requirements. [Continue]