Market
Fresh hake in Canada is supplied from domestic wild-capture groundfish fisheries on both coasts and is also supplemented by imports depending on species and form. On the Pacific coast, Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) is managed as part of the Pacific groundfish framework and is co-managed with the United States through a coastwide arrangement. In Atlantic Canada, silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) is abundant on the Scotian Shelf and is harvested inshore seasonally as well as offshore year-round. Commercial importers bringing fresh/chilled hake into Canada must hold a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence and comply with Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) preventive controls and traceability expectations.
Market RoleDomestic producer with supplemental imports
Domestic RoleWild-caught groundfish sold in fresh/chilled forms (e.g., whole and fillets) into Canadian distribution channels; compliance anchored in SFCR licensing, preventive controls, and traceability.
SeasonalityAtlantic silver hake harvest includes an inshore season (late spring through early fall) alongside offshore activity year-round; Pacific hake availability is influenced by seasonal migratory behavior and fishery management timing.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFresh/chilled hake shipments can be delayed or refused entry if the Canadian importer does not hold a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence or fails to correctly declare the licence in the import process where required.Validate the importer’s SFC licence status in advance and confirm CFIA AIRS requirements and import declaration data elements (including correct licence entry) before dispatch.
Species Mislabeling MediumMultiple species are marketed as “hake/whiting,” and misalignment between product identity (species) and Canadian common-name expectations can create misbranding exposure and customer rejection risk.Put scientific name (e.g., Merluccius productus or Merluccius bilinearis) on commercial documents and align labeling/common name with CFIA Fish List guidance and applicable Canadian naming references.
Supply Volatility MediumDomestic Pacific hake availability can shift with annual stock assessment outcomes, coastwide TAC recommendations under Canada–U.S. co-management, and domestic management measures, affecting spot availability for fresh product programs.Use multi-sourcing across species/regions (Pacific vs Atlantic hake where substitutable) and structure contracts with contingency for TAC/season timing changes.
Labor And Human Rights MediumIf sourcing imported hake or hake products from higher-risk fisheries or processing jurisdictions, forced labour allegations in upstream fishing/processing can create detention/refusal risk and reputational harm given Canada’s forced labour import prohibition framework.Run documented supply-chain due diligence (vessel/fishery identifiers, processor audits, and traceability records) and be prepared to substantiate origin and labor practices for higher-risk sources.
Sustainability- Fisheries sustainability performance and buyer preference for independently certified supply (e.g., MSC-certified Pacific hake fishery).
- Trawl fishery scrutiny (gear impacts/bycatch expectations managed through fishery governance and certification conditions).
Labor & Social- Forced labour due diligence expectations in global seafood supply chains; Canada prohibits importation of goods produced wholly or in part by forced labour under the Customs Tariff framework.
FAQ
Is a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence required to import fresh/chilled hake into Canada?Yes for commercial imports of fish and seafood: CBSA guidance states that an SFC licence is mandatory for import of fish and that shipments without the required licence may be delayed or refused entry.
Where can an importer check Canada’s specific import requirements for hake before shipping?The CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is the official reference tool to look up commodity-specific import requirements based on factors like HS code, origin, destination, and end use.
What is the Canadian tariff rate for hake (fresh or chilled) under the Customs Tariff?Canada’s Customs Tariff (T2026), Chapter 3, lists HS 0302.54.00 for “Hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.)” as “Free,” including under MFN and listed preferential tariff treatments.