Frequently Asked Questions

A1. Canadian dairy processors who are unable to source cream domestically for their processing requirements due to temporary supply shortages are eligible to apply under this policy.

A2. Certain products, such as kosher or organic cream, that are generally not available in Canada, or that are not produced in sufficient quantities to meet demand domestically, will continue to be assessed under the extraordinary or unusual circumstances policy of Notice to Importers No. 850 – Dairy Products – Supplementary Imports (Items 117 to 134 and 141 to 160 on the Import Control List)

A3. Please contact the Trade Controls Policy Division at dairy-laitier@international.gc.ca or 343-203-4370.

A3. Please see the Notice to Importers, Serial No. 882, dated August xx, 2016, and the application form, which are available on the Global Affairs Canada website via the following link:   xxx

A5. A non-response within three days of such a request will normally be considered inability to supply the requested product or as a non-objection to the request for a supplemental import authorization.

A6. Applicants must contact at least four potential domestic suppliers.

A7. The assessment of applications for supplemental import authorizations will include the Applicants’ domestic procurement efforts, and applicants must always prioritize the use of domestic raw milk or cream. Applicants must indicate in their application form the quantity of cream they have been able to source domestically, and must deduct this amount from the amount they are requesting under the domestic market shortage policy for cream.

A8. Applicants must contact the Milk Marketing Board(s) in the Province(s) in which they intend to process the imported cream and seek the Milk Marketing Board(s) confirmation that there is no raw milk or cream available in the Province to fulfil the Applicant’s request, and that the Milk Marketing Board(s) support(s) the application for supplemental imports of cream.

A9. Yes. Applicants must also contact the other provincial Milk Marketing Board(s) within the pool(s) (P5 and/or WMP) in which the imported cream is to be processed, as well as the Provincial Milk Marketing Board(s) in which the Applicants have processing capacity, and seek confirmation from the Board(s) that no raw milk or cream is available to fulfil their request.

In addition, Applicants must seek confirmation from the Milk Marketing Board in each Province where they have processing capacity that they have received full entitlement and/or are at full capacity with respect to raw milk within the past month.

A10. Yes. Failure by the Milk Marketing Board(s) to deliver the raw milk or cream within five business days will normally be considered to be sufficient evidence of lack of availability of raw milk or cream through the Board(s). 

A11. Yes. Applicants must seek written confirmation from the Canadian Dairy Commission that there is no raw milk or cream available within the provinces adjacent to the one(s) in which the imported cream is to be processed.

A12.  The government of Canada requires this information in order to ensure that the issuance of supplemental import authorizations do not result in long-term negative impacts on Canada’s supply management system. This information will be treated as confidential.

A13. The Canadian Dairy Commission plays an integral role in Canada’s dairy industry and as a result will be able to assist in ensuring that Canada’s supply management system is not negatively impacted by the issuance of supplemental import authorizations.

A14. Decisions on complete applications will normally be processed within 15 business days.

A15. Applicants are free to request authorizations for a period greater than 30 days.  However, in order to ensure the efficient management of Canada’s supply management system, supplemental authorizations of cream normally will be issued for 30 day periods.

A16. Yes. Successful applicants will be asked to commit in writing to track the imported cream, processing and sales by lot, and make this information available for audit upon demand by the Canadian Dairy Commission or Global Affairs Canada. All documents must be retained by Applicant for seven years.