The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announces a phased approach for the deregulation of Standard Container Size Regulation. The Government of Canada committed to the repeal of standard container size regulations in the 2012 Budget.
This changes the regulatory requirements concerning standard weights and container sizes under the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990; the Processed Products Regulations; the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations; the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations; the Honey Regulations; the Maple Products Regulations; the Dairy Products Regulations; and the Fish Inspection Regulations. The current weight and container size specifications in the three regulations in Phase One have been addressed by repealing the regulatory requirements related to standard weights and container sizes.
The following is a summary of the phases towards the repeal of standard container sizes.
Phase I
Effective April 22, 2015 the container size requirements in the Dairy Products Regulations, the Maple Products Regulations and the Fish Inspection Regulations is repealed. The regulatory amendments for maple, dairy and fish products are now available in the Canada Gazette.
Phase II
Late 2015/early 2016 CFIA will publish the repeal of standard container size regulations in the Honey Regulations, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations and the container sized requirements for a limited number of products in the Processed Products Regulations.
Phase III
CFIA reports that the Government of Canada is committed to the repeal of the remaining container size regulations in the Processed Products Regulations and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations. Further work is required before these requirements can be repealed.
Test Marketing Authorizations
CFIA will also undertake a review of the Test Marketing Authorization process with a view to refocus the application on short term testing of a limited quantity of product.
Contact information
You may direct your questions and enquiries to:
Luc Rivard, Director – Consumer Protection and Market Fairness Division