How to Import Chicken into Canada (Quota & Permits)
Last verified: Oct 28, 2026 against Global Affairs Canada (GAC), CBSA and CFIA pages.
Key dates (Ottawa time)
Each import permit is valid for 30 days: from 5 days before to 24 days after arrival. Apply up to 30 days before arrival. Import permits (GAC)
Chicken imports into Canada are controlled under a tariff rate quota (TRQ). Within quota, an allocation and import permit give access to low duty or qualifying trade-agreement rates. Without quota, over-access duty applies. GAC manages allocations and permits, CFIA sets food safety requirements, and CBSA handles customs accounting and duty.
Your 9-step checklist
1. Get a business number / import account and register in CARM
Get a business number and import account, and register in the CARM Client Portal.
2. Get a Safe Food for Canadians licence
Get a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence for “Importing Food” (meat) before the shipment reaches the border.
3. Check CFIA import requirements in AIRS
Check the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for the requirements that apply to your product and origin.
4. Confirm country and establishment eligibility
Confirm that the country and establishment are eligible to export the meat to Canada. Every shipment needs an original Official Meat Inspection Certificate (OMIC).
5. Get an EIPA number
Email the EIPA number application form to NEICS-NSCEI@international.gc.ca. An EIPA number is “highly recommended” when applying.
6. Apply for a 2027 chicken allocation
Apply by Nov 15, 2026. Submit one combined application for CPTPP, CUSMA and WTO, completed electronically and sent by email. Fax and mail applications are refused. Applicants must be residents of Canada and must re-apply every year.
7. Get one import permit per shipment
Use form EXT-1466, or New EICS for licensed brokers. Request the permit no more than 30 days before arrival; it is valid 5 days before to 24 days after arrival.
8. Declare through the Integrated Import Declaration
Submit the Integrated Import Declaration (IID). CFIA validates your SFC licence on it.
9. Accounting: CAD field 81
Put the permit number (or GIP) in CAD field 81. No permit at final accounting means the goods are deemed imported under GIP 100 at the over-access rate.
2027 chicken quota amounts
Amounts are in kilograms, eviscerated equivalent.
WTO: 39,843,700 kg
Return unused allocations by Oct 1, 2027.
GAC: WTO chicken, Notice 986
CUSMA: 58,146,000 kg
Return unused allocations by Sep 1, 2027.
GAC: CUSMA chicken, Notice 988
CPTPP: 24,454,000 kg
Return unused allocations by Sep 1, 2027.
GAC: CPTPP chicken, Notice 987
GAC: TRQ key dates and quantities
The 2027 opening message confirms no allocation policy changes. GAC: 2027 opening message
Who is eligible?
- WTO (Notice 986): new processors need 250,000 kg of chicken processed in the reference period (Sep 1 to Aug 31); distributors and food service need 220,000 kg.
- WTO pools: traditional holders; non-traditional distributors (equal shares); food service (minimum 8,137 kg); processors (minimum 34,228 kg).
- Allocations of 100,000 kg or more are limited to 30% per quarter.
- CPTPP: 85% processors, 10% distributors, 5% food service; retailers are not eligible.
- CUSMA: food service minimum 10,007 kg; processors minimum 42,094 kg.
The 90% use rule
Using less than 90% of an allocation can bring an under-utilization penalty on next year's allocation. Return unused CUSMA and CPTPP quota by Sep 1, 2027, and WTO quota by Oct 1, 2027.
Duty at a glance (Customs Tariff T2026-2)
Within quota (e.g. 0207.11.91, 0207.13.91, 0207.14.91): MFN 5% (minimum 4.74¢/kg, maximum 9.48¢/kg); free under UST (CUSMA), CEUT, CPTPT, UKT and others.
Over quota whole birds (0207.11.92 / 0207.12.92): 238% but not less than $1.67/kg.
Over quota cuts, bone-in (0207.13.92 / 0207.14.92): 249% but not less than $3.78/kg.
Over quota cuts, boneless (0207.13.93 / 0207.14.93): 249% but not less than $6.74/kg.
Livers over quota (0207.14.22): 238% but not less than $6.45/kg.
No FTA preference applies over quota. Spent fowl (0207.x.10) is outside the TRQ.
CBSA: Customs Tariff T2026-2, Chapter 2
Supplementary imports & IREP
Supplementary permits may be issued in specific cases, such as a market shortage. Ask Chicken Farmers at sourcing@chicken.ca.
IREP (Import to Re-Export Program) is for federally registered processors only. Import and re-export within 90 days. The program year is Jun 1 to May 31; renew by Mar 31. Monthly export reports are required. Contact irep@international.gc.ca.
GAC: Supplementary chicken imports and IREP, Notice 1057
Other meats, eggs and chicks
- Turkey: WTO TRQ (greater of 5,588,000 kg or 3.5% of production) and CPTPP 3,606,000 kg. Apply Feb 1 to Mar 15.
- Eggs: WTO 21,370,000 dozen, CUSMA 10,201,000 dozen, CPTPP 17,378,087 dozen.
- Broiler hatching eggs and chicks: WTO greater of 7,949,000 dozen or 21.1% of production; CPTPP 1,040,604 dozen.
GAC: TRQ dates and quantities for turkey, eggs and chicks
Beef and veal: WTO TRQ of 76,409,000 kg (calendar year, apply by Nov 15) applies only to non-FTA origins; over-access rate 26.5%. GAC: Beef and veal, Notice 883
Pork: no TRQ, duty-free (tariff 0203: Free). GAC: Pork imports
FAQ
Can I import chicken without quota?
Yes, under GIP 100 at over-access rates, for example 249% but not less than $6.74/kg for boneless cuts.
When is the 2027 deadline?
Nov 15, 2026.
Who is eligible?
Canadian residents meeting the thresholds; retailers are excluded from CPTPP.
Do I need a permit per shipment?
Yes, one per shipment. Request it no more than 30 days before arrival.
What does CFIA require?
An SFC licence, an eligible country and establishment, and an original Official Meat Inspection Certificate (OMIC).
Need help?
Need help with chicken permits or quota filings? A licensed customs broker can help.
Related: How to import dairy into Canada
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only, not legal advice. Global Affairs Canada, CFIA and CBSA are authoritative.