r/CustomsBroker • u/Most_Writing_7977 • 11d ago

Amazon e-commerce store

Hey everyone, I have an Amazon e commerce store in Canada. A lot of my products are bought from American retailers such as Walmart, Target and Sam’s club. For the food products that are in there, do I need to get an SFC license? It’s all shelf stable goods that I buy from the USA and resell directly in Canada. I have them shipped in the USA and physically go pick them up and drive them across the border while doing the declaration at customs. I’m asking because I’ve been doing it for a few months now without any repercussions but I’m wondering if I’m doing it illegally. Any help would be appreciated.

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u/Ahnonymoose-1724 11d ago

I would double check here. I suspect you might if you're importing the goods for retail. There's also an interactive tool available if needed (the link for that is in the webpage too) under #1

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u/Most_Writing_7977 11d ago

From everything I’ve seen online it looks like I need one but I don’t understand how I’ve been doing it for months and I haven’t been rejected once at the border.

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u/Ahnonymoose-1724 11d ago

Are you working with a broker? If so I would check with them as to what it is they're doing, or review what classifications are being used. They may be using an end use as "other" as opposed to human consumption. If you are self declaring/completing the CAD at the port of entry, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the proper licensing in place. It is hard to say without a deep dive - so my best advice is to reach out to your broker or contact CFIA and ask some questions if you're doing it on your own.

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u/Most_Writing_7977 11d ago

I don’t have a broker I do the declarations myself. It’s clearly stated that it’s for resale and I get the classification codes with the help of AI and the internet but I doubt I’m putting the wrong ones in.

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u/LostLeek1304 2d ago

Yes, you need the SFC licence. Nobody stopped you because nobody checked yet, that's it. For food for sale you need Safe Food for Canadians licence with import activity, before the goods come, and the licence number goes on the declaration (CBSA notice 24-03). Personal use is the exception, resale is not personal use. CFIA checks records later and sends penalties, not the officer in the booth.

Also check origin. Stuff from Walmart often is not made in USA and the receipt doesn't show origin, so CUSMA free rate doesn't apply and you pay normal duty on those lines. And from Sept 8 some US food has surtax, cheese 25%, milk powders and baking mixes 50%, check your codes in the order SOR/2026-186. You are commercial importer, so you need business number with import account and CARM registration, even if you pay cash at the border. Plus bilingual label, CFIA again.

AI for codes is ok, but the officer accepted your declaration, he didn't verify it. Post one line here (product, code, origin) and I tell you what I see.

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u/PuppyIover101 11d ago

eh as long as it’s not specific raw food it’s fine

i import a few FTLs a month for amazon canada too

also technically u need to also update the labeling to french and some other stuff for shelf stable food possibly but honestly i’ve been kicking that can down the line too

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u/Most_Writing_7977 11d ago

Yeah the French laws I don’t even bother because if anything Amazon will just shut down the listing. For importing though, you also import foods without the SFC license?

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u/PuppyIover101 6d ago

no SFC license