Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormFruit puree
Industry PositionProcessed Food Ingredient
Market
In Canada, plum puree is primarily a processed fruit ingredient used by food and beverage manufacturers rather than a widely defined retail staple. Domestic plum production exists in tender-fruit regions (notably Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula and British Columbia’s Okanagan), but Canada’s processed fruit supply chain commonly relies on imports to ensure year-round availability and to cover products not well suited to Canadian seasonality and climate constraints. Market access is driven by compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and associated CFIA import, traceability, and labelling requirements for processed fruit or vegetable products. For tariff classification, plum puree is commonly associated with HS heading 2007 (fruit purées/pastes obtained by cooking), with the applicable duty rate depending on the precise product description and origin qualification.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient market with limited domestic production
Domestic RoleIndustrial ingredient for Canadian food and beverage manufacturing; domestic tender-fruit supply exists but imports are used to support continuity and category coverage.
Market Growth
SeasonalityAvailable year-round in Canada primarily through shelf-stable and frozen processed formats and import sourcing; domestic plum harvest is seasonal.
Specification
Grades- Processed fruit or vegetable products may be subject to Canadian grade and grade-name labelling requirements under the SFCR depending on the specific regulated product category; confirm applicability for the exact plum puree format.
Packaging- For consumer prepackaged product, mandatory label information generally must be shown in English and French; shipping containers destined only to commercial or industrial enterprises are generally exempt from bilingual labelling when not sold at retail (conditions apply).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Processor (domestic or foreign) → packaging for industrial use → importer (SFC-licensed) → Canadian manufacturer/foodservice/ingredient distribution → optional repacking for retail
Temperature- Handling requirements depend on format (e.g., frozen vs shelf-stable processed fruit product); maintain conditions that protect container integrity and product safety.
Shelf Life- Processed fruit or vegetable products include shelf-stable, frozen, and some refrigerated products processed to extend shelf life beyond 90 days (category definition context); actual shelf life depends on format and process.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighCanada verifies Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licensing for imports of processed fruits or vegetables; missing or incorrect SFC licence information in the import declaration can lead to shipment delay, electronic rejection, or refusal of entry.Confirm the commodity is correctly selected in AIRS; obtain/maintain the correct SFC licence and ensure the valid licence number is provided in the Integrated Import Declaration for each shipment.
Food Safety MediumNon-conformance with SFCR preventive controls (including sanitary manufacturing conditions) or non-permitted additive use for the specific food can trigger CFIA enforcement actions such as detention, corrective action, or recall.Use suppliers operating under documented preventive controls; retain specifications and COAs; verify any stabilizers/thickeners against Health Canada’s permitted additive lists for the specific food and conditions of use.
Logistics MediumBulk puree shipments are freight-sensitive; volatility in ocean freight and domestic trucking can materially shift landed cost and delivery timelines for import-dependent supply.Diversify origins and logistics lanes; contract freight where feasible; maintain buffer inventory for critical SKUs; align incoterms and lead times with production planning.
Human Rights Compliance MediumCanada’s prohibition on goods produced wholly or in part by forced labour can block entry if a shipment is suspected to involve forced labour in upstream production or processing.Map upstream suppliers; obtain credible labour compliance attestations and traceability documents; be prepared to provide supporting information if CBSA/CFIA requests arise.
Labor & Social- Canada prohibits the importation of goods mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour (Customs Tariff tariff item 9897.00.00); ingredient importers may need supply-chain due diligence and supporting evidence if concerns are raised.
- No plum-puree-specific labour controversy was identified in the reviewed Canadian regulatory sources; however, general forced-labour screening and supplier transparency remain relevant for imported food ingredients.
FAQ
Do Canadian importers need a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence to import plum puree?If the product is treated as a processed fruit or vegetable product for CFIA purposes, commercial importers are generally required to hold an SFC licence, and licence verification has been in place for processed fruits and vegetables since March 2021. Importers should confirm the exact requirement for their HS code, origin, and end use in CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
Which HS heading is commonly associated with plum puree for Canadian tariff purposes?Plum puree is commonly associated with HS heading 2007, which covers cooked preparations such as jams, jellies, and fruit or nut purées and pastes. The exact tariff line and duty rate depend on the precise product description and origin qualification, so importers should confirm classification with a customs broker and the CBSA Customs Tariff.
Are bilingual labels required for bulk drums/pails of plum puree shipped to industrial users in Canada?Mandatory information on consumer prepackaged foods generally must be shown in English and French. Shipping containers destined to a commercial or industrial enterprise are generally exempt from bilingual labelling when they are not sold to consumers at retail, but conditions and exceptions apply, so importers should verify against CFIA labelling guidance for their specific shipment.