OTTAWA, Ontario – 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.
About the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC)
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.
Source: Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation