Importing Pet Products into Canada: What Importers Need to Know About Customs Brokerage and Compliance

Summary 

• The Canadian pet industry is rapidly expanding, offering new opportunities for importers and distributors. 

• Pet products are regulated under multiple federal bodies, depending on whether items are consumable or general goods. 

• Correct HS classification is essential for calculating duties and preventing shipment delays. 

• CFIA and Health Canada impose strict labeling and safety requirements, including bilingual labeling. 

• Professional customs brokerage services simplify import processes, ensure documentation accuracy, and maintain compliance. 

• The top customs brokers in Canada provide pre-import consulting, HS code validation, and electronic customs clearance services. 

• Common importer mistakes include misclassification, missing permits, or incomplete labeling. 

• Partnering with experienced brokers helps mitigate risk and optimize trade under agreements like USMCA. 

From stylish collars and eco-friendly toys to organic treats and grooming kits, Canada’s pet industry is booming. With pets increasingly treated as family members, demand for innovative, high-quality pet supplies has grown dramatically, creating a major opportunity for importers and distributors. 

But with that opportunity comes complexity. Pet products are subject to strict import, labeling, and safety regulations, and even minor errors can delay your shipment or lead to penalties. That’s where expert customs brokerage services become essential. 

If you’re planning to import pet products or supplies into Canada, here’s what you need to know about classifications, permits, labeling, and how the top customs brokers in Canada help importers stay compliant and clear shipments quickly. 

1. Understanding What Counts as a Pet Product 

“Pet products” is a broad category, and in the eyes of Canadian customs, that distinction matters. Depending on your product type, you may fall under the oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or Health Canada, each with unique regulations and permit requirements. 

Here’s how pet imports are generally classified: 

• Pet food and treats: Heavily regulated by the CFIA and may require product registration or approval. 

• Collars, leashes, toys, and grooming tools: Typically classified as consumer goods. 

• Health supplements and treatments: May fall under Health Canada’s veterinary drug regulations. 

  
  

Accurate classification determines the correct HS code, applicable duties, and any permits you’ll need before importation. Misclassifying products, such as listing pet food as a general accessory, can result in costly delays or shipment rejections. 

2. The Importance of Correct HS Classification 

Every imported product is assigned a Harmonized System (HS) code, which defines the duty rate and regulatory controls that apply. Inaccurate coding can trigger customs audits or additional inspections. 

Examples of common HS codes for pet products include: 

• Pet food and treats – HS 2309.10 

• Leashes, collars, and harnesses – HS 4201.00 

• Grooming tools – HS 9615.90 

• Toys and accessories – HS 9503.00 

  
  

Professional customs brokerage services ensure your goods are properly classified from the start, avoiding delays and preventing overpayment of duties. Experienced brokers use real-time tariff databases and compliance tools to identify the correct HS codes, validate product descriptions, and ensure each shipment meets CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) standards. 

3. Permits, Approvals, and Veterinary Requirements 

Certain pet products, especially those containing animal-derived ingredients, require permits or pre-import approvals: 

• Pet food and chews: May need CFIA registration or a veterinary health certificate. 

• Animal health products or supplements: Often require a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN) from Health Canada. 

• Rawhide or animal-origin materials: Typically require CFIA veterinary documentation. 

If your products are sourced from the U.S., you might qualify for streamlined clearance under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA). However, Canadian safety and labeling regulations still apply. 

Working with experienced customs clearance services helps ensure all required documentation is filed correctly, preventing shipment holds and keeping your inventory moving on schedule. 

4. Labeling and Packaging Rules 

Pet accessories like collars and beds have straightforward labeling requirements, but anything consumable, like food, chews, or supplements, is subject to stricter standards. 

In general, labels must: 

• Include bilingual text (English and French) 

• List ingredients and nutritional information (for consumables) 

• Display manufacturer/importer details 

• Show the country of origin 

• Avoid unsubstantiated health claims 

  
  

Labeling errors are one of the most common causes of customs delays in Canada. Before shipping, confirm your packaging aligns with CFIA and Health Canada regulations. A knowledgeable broker can review sample labels to ensure compliance before your goods even leave the supplier. 

5. Duties, Taxes, and Trade Advantages 

Duties and taxes on pet imports depend on the product category and country of origin. For example: 

• Most U.S.-made pet accessories qualify for duty-free entry under USMCA. 

• Products from other regions may face tariffs ranging from 0% to 15%. 

• All imports are subject to the 5% federal GST, plus provincial taxes (HST or PST). 

  
  

Accurate valuation and HS classification are crucial for calculating these charges correctly. Partnering with a customs broker in Canada helps you avoid overpayment or unexpected fees while ensuring your documentation aligns with CBSA audit standards. 

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Importing pet products into Canada can be straightforward. However, small oversights can quickly derail a shipment. The most frequent mistakes importers make include: 

• Misclassifying consumables as general merchandise 

• Missing CFIA or Health Canada approvals 

• Omitting bilingual labels 

• Incomplete or inaccurate invoices 

• Missing country-of-origin markings

Many of these errors can be avoided with early planning and professional guidance. The top customs brokers in Canada don’t just process paperwork, they act as compliance advisors, helping importers prepare accurate documentation and anticipate potential risks. 

7. The Role of a Customs Broker in Simplifying Imports 

Hiring a licensed broker isn’t just about getting your shipment cleared. It’s about managing risk and improving efficiency. A full-service broker provides: 

• Pre-import consulting: Determining classification, permits, and duty rates. 

• Real-time customs clearance services: Submitting documentation electronically for faster processing. 

• CARM and CBSA compliance: Ensuring you meet evolving government requirements. 

• Duty recovery and trade optimization: Identifying refunds or savings under free trade agreements. 

• 
  

At Hemisphere, our team provides nationwide customs brokerage services with offices in key trade hubs including Toronto and Vancouver. We work with importers across all industries, including pet products, to simplify customs procedures, reduce clearance times, and protect against compliance risks. 

8. Moving Forward with Confidence 

Canada’s pet industry shows no signs of slowing down, but as demand rises, so does the importance of staying compliant with import laws. Whether you’re importing a single shipment of pet toys or managing a global supply chain, having the right customs partner can make all the difference. 

By partnering with experienced professionals who offer end-to-end customs clearance services, you can focus on growing your business while your broker handles the regulations, documentation, and logistics behind the scenes. 

If you’re ready to simplify your import process and ensure full compliance, Hemisphere’s team of licensed experts is here to help. 

Contact Us