Market
Fish meal in Canada is primarily a feed ingredient market supplied largely through imports under HS 230120, supporting aquaculture feed, livestock feed, and pet food manufacturing. In 2023, Canada imported about USD 110.1 million (about 53.6 million kg) of HS 230120 product, with Mexico and the United States among the largest suppliers. Market access and ongoing trade depend on compliance with CFIA livestock feed requirements (Feeds Regulations, 2024) and, where applicable, animal health import conditions for rendered products. Logistics and safety management matter because certain fish meal shipments can be regulated as self-heating/spontaneously combustible unless properly stabilized for transport.
Market RoleNet importer and domestic user market
Domestic RoleFeed-ingredient input for aquaculture, livestock feed, and pet food manufacturing
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability via imports; global supply and prices can fluctuate with major reduction-fishery quotas and ocean conditions.
Risks
Logistics HighFish meal shipments can be treated as a self-heating/spontaneously combustible hazardous material when unstabilized (commonly referenced as UN 1374), creating a deal-breaker risk of carrier refusal, shipment delay, or cargo fire incidents if stabilization, moisture control, and documentation are not compliant with transport requirements.Confirm transport classification (UN 1374 vs stabilized UN 2216 context), ensure stabilization/antioxidant treatment and moisture controls are met where required, and align packaging/stowage and dangerous goods documentation with carrier and route rules before booking.
Regulatory Compliance HighImports can be blocked or delayed if the product is not an approved/registered single ingredient feed (CFIT/CFIA requirements) or if animal health import conditions (including import permits for certain rendered products) are not satisfied for the specific origin and production system.Pre-check CFIA RG-10 and AIRS for the exact commodity/origin profile; verify ingredient approval/registration status and keep documentary evidence of hazard controls, labelling, and origin/processing conditions.
Market Volatility MediumCanadian landed cost and availability are exposed to global fishmeal supply shocks driven by quota decisions and catch variability in major reduction fisheries (notably Peru anchoveta), contributing to price volatility for import-dependent buyers.Diversify origins and contracting windows; consider certified by-product-based meal options and formulation flexibility to reduce exposure to single-origin supply shocks.
Sustainability MediumBuyer and stakeholder scrutiny can restrict procurement options if fishmeal sourcing is linked to poorly managed forage fisheries, weak traceability, or insufficient assurance against IUU-related supply chain risks.Prioritize certified or independently audited supply (e.g., MarinTrust/MSC where applicable) and maintain documented traceability to fishery/plant level.
Sustainability- Forage-fish ecosystem impacts and fishery management scrutiny for marine-ingredient sourcing (whole fish vs trimmings/by-products)
- Third-party responsible sourcing certification demand (e.g., MarinTrust, MSC) and fishery improvement projects where certification is not yet achievable
Standards- MarinTrust (formerly IFFO RS)
- MSC (fishery certification, where applicable)
- HACCP / GFSI-aligned food/feed safety systems (buyer dependent)
FAQ
What is the main regulatory entry point for importing fish meal as a feed ingredient into Canada?For livestock feed uses, CFIA guidance under RG-10 (Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024) is a key starting point, and CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) should be consulted for the specific commodity- and origin-based import requirements.
Why can fish meal shipments face serious transport delays or carrier refusal?Certain fish meal shipments can be treated as self-heating/spontaneously combustible when unstabilized (commonly referenced as UN 1374), which triggers dangerous goods handling and documentation requirements and can lead to refusal or delays if the product is not properly stabilized and controlled for moisture/heat risk.
Which countries supplied most of Canada’s fish meal imports (HS 230120) in 2023?In 2023, the largest supplier countries by import value for Canada’s HS 230120 imports included Mexico, the United States, Denmark, Norway, and Chile.