Most fresh fruit and vegetable grade requirements are now maintained by the DRC, and mandatory grading no longer applies for imports destined for manufacturing, processing, or preserving.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated its import grade requirements and references for fresh fruits and vegetables.
These updates follow CFIA regulatory amendments to reduce red tape in the fresh produce sector, which were published in October 2025.
The amendments are part of broader measures that removed mandatory grading for produce destined for processing and eliminated several prescriptive labelling requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Moreover, it transferred authority to maintain most grade requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables from the CFIA to the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC).
In addition, grading requirements no longer apply to fresh fruits and vegetables destined for manufacturing, processing, or preserving.
The changes are intended to reduce red tape without compromising food safety or consumer protection, while maintaining requirements under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grade Requirements apply to fresh fruit and vegetables except apples, onions, and potatoes.
For these three products, grade requirements remain in the Canadian Grade Compendium: Volume 2 - Fresh Fruit or Vegetables.
The DRC maintains and updates the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grade Requirements in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CFIA.
CFIA continues to enforce grading and compliance requirements under the SFCR for all fresh fruits and vegetables, whether covered by the DRC document or Volume 2.
The DRC and CFIA have updated their import grade references and guidance materials to reflect the updates.
On February 6, 2026, the DRC published the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grade Requirements, a document incorporated by reference into the SFCR.
Simultaneously, the CFIA updated the Canadian Grade Compendium: Volume 9 – Import Grade Requirements and the Grade Standard Requirements for Fresh Fruits or Vegetables Imported from the United States.
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses stay compliant with requirements and keep their goods moving.
If you import fresh fruits and vegetables into Canada, reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how these changes to import grade requirements may affect your business.