Biosafety Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Regulatory Authority

Import or Domestic Movement of Possibly Biohazardous Material

​​Item for import or Domestic Movement ​PHAC Licence Required? ​CFIA Permit Required?
Human Pathogen​ Yes​ ​No
​Toxin derived from Human Pathogen ​Yes ​No
​Zoonotic Pathogen ​Yes ​No
​Terrestrial Animal Pathogen ​Yes ​No
​Toxin derived from Animal Pathogen  ​Maybe ​Yes
Aquatic Animal Pathogen ​Maybe ​Yes
Living Animal (including GMO) ​No ​Maybe*
​Animal Product or Part​ ​No Yes
​​Plant Pathogen ​No Yes
Plant or Plant Part (including GMO) ​No Maybe*
​Soil Pathogen No​ Yes​
​Soil ​No Yes​
​*Environment and Climate Change Canada approval may also be required ​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Biosafety regulations are often confusing due to the many overlapping agencies involved in the regulation of biohazardous materials. The main two agencies involved in biohazardous materials regulations are the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). To help alleviate some of the confusion around biosafety regulations, this Biosafety FAQ page has been developed.​