Market
Agar (INS 406) is a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid used in Canada primarily as a gelling/thickening ingredient in food manufacturing and as a laboratory culture-media component. Canada is an import-dependent market for agar-agar under HS 130231, with 2023 import sourcing including the United States, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Chile. Health Canada lists “Agar” as a permitted food additive for specified foods/uses and also at Good Manufacturing Practice for unstandardized foods. For customs purposes, CBSA’s Customs Tariff lists agar-agar under tariff item 1302.31.00.00 and shows the MFN duty rate as Free.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RolePrimarily used as an industrial food ingredient (gelling/thickening) and for laboratory culture media; domestic activity is mainly importing and distribution rather than primary extraction.
Risks
Food Safety HighAgar purity and contaminant non-conformance (for example, arsenic exceeding limits used in internationally recognized specifications) can trigger customer rejection and could lead to Canadian compliance actions; JECFA/FAO specifications include an arsenic limit and other purity criteria commonly used as trade specifications.Require lot-specific COAs against buyer specs (e.g., JECFA/FCC-aligned parameters), implement periodic third-party testing for elemental impurities, and maintain SFCR preventive controls and supplier verification records.
Regulatory Compliance MediumIf marketed/used as a food additive, agar must be used only in permitted foods and under conditions listed by Health Canada (including GMP for unstandardized foods and specified maximum levels/conditions in listed foods); non-compliant formulations can create enforcement and recall exposure.Map intended end-uses to Health Canada’s Lists of Permitted Food Additives and keep formulation/use-level evidence and label/technical documentation aligned to the permitted conditions.
Documentation Gap MediumMissing or incorrect importer licensing status (where required) or incomplete SFCR import information/PCP documentation can delay clearance and disrupt supply continuity for imported agar shipments.Confirm SFC licence coverage for the commodity/activity, pre-validate import data fields (supplier, origin, first delivery address, product description/quantity), and maintain an auditable importer PCP with foreign supplier controls.
Labor And Human Rights MediumIf upstream seaweed harvesting/processing involves forced or child labour, goods may be prohibited from entering Canada under CBSA enforcement of tariff item 9897.00.00, and entities may face heightened due-diligence/reporting expectations under the Supply Chains Act.Implement supplier due diligence (contract clauses, third-party audits where risk-elevated, grievance channels) and retain documentary evidence supporting compliance with Canada’s import prohibition and reporting obligations.
Labor & Social- Canada prohibits the importation of goods mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour (tariff item 9897.00.00, enforced by CBSA).
- Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (in force January 1, 2024) imposes annual reporting obligations on certain entities and government institutions; agar importers that meet applicability thresholds may need documented due diligence and reporting.
FAQ
Is agar permitted for use as a food additive in Canada?Yes. Health Canada’s Lists of Permitted Food Additives include “Agar” with specified permitted foods/uses and conditions, and also allow it at Good Manufacturing Practice in unstandardized foods.
What customs tariff item is typically used for agar-agar when importing into Canada?CBSA’s Customs Tariff lists agar-agar under tariff item 1302.31.00.00, and the schedule shows the MFN duty rate as Free for that tariff item.
What are key SFCR import compliance requirements for importing agar as a food ingredient into Canada?CFIA guidance under SFCR highlights that importers generally need the appropriate SFC licence where required, must ensure imported food is prepared under conditions providing at least the same level of protection as SFCR preventive controls, and must provide import information such as importer details, foreign supplier, country of origin, first Canadian delivery address, and product description/quantity before or at the time of import.