Did you know – Canadians who deal in import, export, or interprovincial trade of fresh produce, under the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations, require either a CFIA license or a DRC Membership? Furthermore, when deciding between the two over 85% of those choose a DRC Membership.
Media Contact: Andrea Asbreuk, Member Services & Marketing
Phone 613-234-0982 | aasbreuk@fvdrc.com
OTTAWA, Ontario (September 25, 2013) – DRC MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED TO CROSS CANADIAN BORDER
Canadian importers of fresh fruits and vegetables must have either a membership with the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) or a license with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Currently 91% of Canadian buyers have opted for the DRC membership to satisfy federal requirements.
All loads crossing the border into Canada must be imported by or consigned to a DRC member or CFIA licensee. This is important to both buyer and seller, as loads will be stopped and potentially turned back at the border if this condition is not met. While the requirement has been in place for nearly two years, DRC continues to receive panicked calls from buyers or sellers whose loads are being held.
“In some cases we are able to accommodate a very expedited membership process to help clear the load, but only when the buyer is able to provide all of the required documentation including references from current DRC members,” said Fred Webber, president and CEO. “In other cases however, if the applicant does not have clear documentation and good references it can take several days to vet and investigate the application. There are also cases where an applicant needs to post financial security if the vetting process warrants it.”
It is essential for keeping trade on track that sellers verify their Canadian buyer is a DRC member or has a valid federal produce license to avoid complications along the marketing chain. Regardless of fault, a delayed and possibly damaged load becomes every ones problem.
DRC is a non-profit, membership-based organization providing education, consultation, mediation, and arbitration to the produce trade. DRC works closely with industry associations and governments on behalf of members to reform legislation, make federal inspections more accessible, develop best practices, and level the playing field for participants. Governed by a Board of Directors, DRC members represent all facets of the produce industry as well as the transportation industry dealing in fresh fruit and vegetables. Canadian buyers who are DRC members are exempt from a federal produce license. For more information about DRC please visit FVDRC.com.
The DRC’s day-to-day focus is helping their members resolve disputes. For their complete Dispute Resolution Model, please click here. If you’re curious if they have the answers you’re looking for, ask yourself:
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, call the DRC at 613-234-0982, they can help!!!
DRC Members are comprised of Canadians dealing in interprovincial trade, import and export of fresh produce and shippers who sell fresh fruits and vegetables to buyers anywhere in North America.
Please click here to determine your DRC Membership Fees (page 4 of the application form).
On every Confirmation of Sale, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) mandates that each importer of record must declare their federal produce license number, or their DRC membership number, unless they are shown to be exempt.
For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.
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