SFC License
Why an SFC License Matters
The Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license is a key requirement for businesses that import, manufacture, process, or distribute food in Canada. Having a valid SFC licence strengthens your credibility, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects your business from costly delays or enforcement actions at the border or during audits.
With a strong Preventive Control Plan (PCP) and the right compliance systems in place, obtaining an SFC license becomes a smooth and confident process.
How Do You Get an SFC License?
To obtain an SFC license, your business must already have a functional and compliant Preventive Control Plan (PCP) in place. A well-designed PCP demonstrates that your business can identify, control, and manage food safety risks, the foundation of a successful SFC licence application.
- A fully documented Preventive Control Plan (PCP)
- Traceability procedures that meet SFCR requirements
- Consumer protection controls, including accurate labelling, claims, and allergen management
- Record-keeping systems that show compliance during CFIA inspections
Who Needs an SFC License?
Under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), your business must hold a valid SFC license if you:
- Import food into Canada
- Manufacture, process, treat, preserve, grade, package, or label food that will be shipped across provincial borders
- Slaughter food animals when the meat products will be transported between provinces
- Use federal grades (such as Canada Grade) in your provincial or territorial business
You may also require an SFC license if your province or territory mandates it, even if your products are not moving across borders.
For importers:
Your SFC license number must be included in every import declaration. Failure to do so can result in delays, refusal of entry, or seizure of goods at the border.
How We Help
At D’Malachi Consulting, we guide you through every requirement to ensure your business is fully prepared for SFC licensing. Our support includes:
- Creating or upgrading your Preventive Control Plan (PCP)
- Helping you implement traceability and consumer protection controls
- Preparing all documentation needed for your SFC license application
- Ensuring you meet CFIA expectations before inspections or audits
- Supporting importers with correct licence setup to avoid border issues
We simplify the process so you can focus on running your business while staying compliant and audit-ready.