When do I need to apply for a Pathogen and Toxin Licence under the Health of Animals Act?

The Public Health Agency of Canada issues a Pathogen and Toxin Licence under section 18 of the Human Pathogens and Toxin Act and under section 160 of the Health of Animals Regulations for the importation of pure cultures of terrestrial animal pathogens and toxins, or for the movement of pure cultures of terrestrial animal pathogens and toxins that were previously imported.

If you’re planning to import pure cultures of terrestrial animal pathogens and toxins, or if you’re planning to acquire pure cultures of terrestrial animal pathogens and toxins that were previously imported, you require a Pathogen and Toxin Licence. If you don’t have the appropriate Pathogen and Toxin Licence, you are considered to be non-compliant and could be subject to enforcement actions.

Under the Health of Animals Act, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has the authority and is responsible for issuing importation and transfer permits for the following:

•         animals
•         animal products and by-products (e.g., tissue, serum)
•         animal products and by-products containing an animal pathogen
•         aquatic animal pathogens
•         bee pathogens
•         pathogens causing foreign animal diseases
•         pathogens causing emerging animal diseases

To confirm if your material requires a Canadian Food Inspection Agency importation permit, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Centre of Administration via email permission@inspection.gc.ca or telephone (1-855-212-7695 or 613-773-5131).

If you have any questions, please contact the Licensing team by email at licence.permis@phac-aspc.gc.ca or by phone at 613-957-1779.