Susceptible Aquatic Species List Updated

Summary#

These final amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations (SOR/2021-41) replace the old in‑regulation list of disease‑susceptible aquatic species with an online list that can be updated more quickly. The change adds 12 species and removes 7, and it came into force when the regulations were registered on March 18, 2021.

What it does#

• Repeals Schedule III of the Health of Animals Regulations and replaces references to it with the Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals List, a document published on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website that can be updated without changing the regulations.
• Brings the list into line with the 2018 OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code by adding 12 species and removing 7 species.
• Makes small wording and definition changes (for example, an updated definition of “germplasm” and a rule about how to interpret material that is incorporated by reference).
• Removes the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) from the list of species that need a permit when imported as a pet, reflecting that it is no longer considered susceptible to an OIE‑listed disease.
• States that the online Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals List will be updated as the OIE Code changes.

Who's affected#

• Businesses that import aquatic animals: CFIA identified 9 businesses historically importing one or more of the newly added species. Of those, 7 are expected to need a new import permit if they continue to import those species.
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which will manage permit applications and maintain the online list.
• Canadians who rely on wild or farmed aquatic animals (fish, shellfish, etc.), because the moves aim to reduce the risk of disease entering Canada.
• International trading partners, since import certification and export certificates may be needed for added species.

If it is unclear who will be affected in a specific case, importers should check the CFIA’s online Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals List.

Why it matters#

• It makes Canada’s import rules match international animal‑health standards (the OIE Code). That reduces the chance that importing an infected animal could harm farmed or wild aquatic populations in Canada.
• The online list lets Canada update which species need permits more quickly, without changing federal regulations each time the OIE updates its list.
• A small number of importers will face a modest administrative cost: CFIA charges $65 for a new import permit and $65 for an annual renewal. CFIA estimated seven new permit applications in year one and ongoing renewals thereafter.
• Overall, the government says the change has low impact: the number of affected businesses is small and the public benefit is reduced disease risk and clearer alignment with international rules.