Seal products and market
On this page
- Seal products made and sold in Canada
- For travellers and importers: How to bring Canadian seal products home
- For producers: How to sell seal products harvested in Canada
Seal products made and sold in Canada
Canada has a sustainable seal harvest, that includes an Indigenous harvest grounded in Indigenous Knowledge systems that have been passed down through generations. Seal harvesting continues to be vital for the cultural, social and economic well-being of many Indigenous Peoples. It also plays an important role in supporting food security, livelihoods, and local economies in northern, coastal, and remote communities. The harvest of seals is managed sustainably and regulated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Seal products range from meat, oil, fur skins and articles made therefrom, which include products as diverse as Omega-3 capsules and garments incorporating processed seal skins and fur. Learn about which seal products are made in Canada and exported around the world.
- Sealskin garments are both warm and waterproof, making them practical and stylish. Seal pelts are transformed into a wide range of final sealskin products, from high-end coats to authentic souvenirs.
- Seal oil is a source of omega-3 oil for human and pet consumption.
- Seal meat is sold in a variety of raw and prepared forms for both human and animal consumption. It is an important part of Inuit traditional food systems, and is also a traditional food in many coastal communities. Designated Indigenous harvesters can catch what is needed for themselves and/or their community for food, social and ceremonial purposes.
For travellers and importers: How to bring Canadian seal products home
Introduction
When purchasing seal products, there are a few things to keep in mind to bring these unique products home.
- The European Union, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and the People’s Republic of China have specific requirements allowing for the import of seal products, including seal pelts, in their regulations governing the trade of seal.
- Since none of the seal species harvested in Canada are endangered, they are not listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means you do not need a CITES permit when bringing home a Canadian seal product.
- The United States prohibits importing marine mammals and products made from them, including seals, through the Marine Mammal Protection Act (PDF, 1 MB).
- For all jurisdictions, please confirm the current import, regulatory, and commercial requirements with the competent foreign authority.
The information provided below is based on information available to Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the time of posting. It is your responsibility to confirm the current import, regulatory and commercial requirements with the competent foreign authority, as well as ensure that your exports comply with applicable Canadian and importing foreign market requirements.
Disclaimer
This site:
- provides general information to readers who take full responsibility for its use
- is not a substitute for professional or legal advice
The Government of Canada:
- is not responsible for errors or omissions or for results arising from the use of the information in this guide
- has not verified the contents of third-party websites
The European Union (EU)
Canadian seal products can be brought into the EU if:
- They are for your personal use (Travellers Exception); or
- They are certified as resulting from hunts conducted by Inuit or Indigenous communities (Inuit and Indigenous Communities Exception)
For travellers: How to bring home seal products to the EU for personal use:
Travellers and their families can bring home seal products for personal use in the EU, as long as one of these requirements is met:
- The seal products are worn, carried or contained in the traveller’s personal luggage;
- The seal products are contained in the personal property of a person transferring their normal place of residence from a non-EU country to the EU; or
- The seal products are acquired on site in a non-EU country by travellers and shipped home by those travellers on a different date. In this case, you may be asked to provide attestation documentation upon your arrival in the EU. This could include a written notification of the product being shipped, proof that the product was purchased in Canada (e.g. sales receipt), and a customs declaration.
You cannot use the travellers exception to bring in products to the EU that you plan to sell as part of a business. For commercial purposes, please see the Inuit and Indigenous Communities Exception.
For importers: How to bring in seal products to the EU for commercial purposes:
Seal products, including seal pelts that are certified by a recognized authority as coming from an Inuit or Indigenous community can be brought into the EU for commercial purposes.
To do this, you will need a certificate from one of the following recognized authorities:
Useful links:
- Trade in seal products - Environment - European Commission
- The EU seal regime - Publications Office of the EU
United Kingdom (UK)
Canadian seal products can be brought into the UK if:
- They are for your personal use (Travellers Exception); or
- They are certified as resulting from hunts conducted by Inuit or Indigenous communities (Inuit and Indigenous Communities Exception).
For travellers: How to bring home seal products to the UK for personal use:
Travellers and their families can bring home seal products for personal use in the UK, as long as one of these requirements is met:
- The seal products are worn, carried or contained in the traveller’s personal luggage;
- The seal products are contained in the personal property of a person transferring their normal place of residence to the UK; or
- The seal products are acquired by travellers and shipped home by those travellers on a different date. In this case, you may be asked to provide attestation documentation upon your arrival in the UK. This could include a written notification of import, proof that the product was purchased in Canada (e.g. sales receipt), and a customs declaration.
You cannot use the Travellers Exception to bring products into the UK that you plan to sell as part of a business. For commercial purposes, please see the Inuit and Indigenous Communities Exception.
For importers: How to bring in seal products to the UK for commercial purposes:
Seal products, including seal pelts that are certified by a recognized authority as coming from an Inuit or Indigenous community can be brought into the UK for commercial purposes.
To do this, you will need a certificate from one of the following recognized authorities:
Useful links:
The People’s Republic of China
For both personal and commercial uses, omega-3 seal oil can be brought into China from companies owning a food health license number from China’s State Administration and Market Regulation Agency. Canadian seal products not for human consumption (pelts, clothing) can be brought into China (including through e-commerce platforms), although they will have a tariff applied.
Useful links:
Taiwan
For both personal and commercial purposes, Taiwan allows import of seal products hunted by Indigenous peoples for subsistence within their traditional territories. Importers in Taiwan must submit a relevant certificate under Taiwan’s Act of Wildlife Conservation (Article 24).
Useful links:
For producers: How to sell seal products harvested in Canada
The Government of Canada provides a wide range of supports to individuals and companies looking to expand or grow their businesses, including through exports.
Global Affairs Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada hold the mandate within the Government of Canada for export promotion and market access for fish and seafood products, including seals. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for ensuring food commodities are safe for consumption.
Support to grow your business
The Business Benefits Finder helps find services and programs to help grow a business.
Export support
Canada’s seal industry exports omega-3 oil for human and pet consumption, seal meat for pet food products, and seal pelts to over ten countries following their import requirements.
The Government of Canada provides support to Canadian businesses looking to export, including guidance on exporting, market intelligence, funding and support programs, and connections to international business opportunities and global trade commissioner network.
Requirements for food products
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy. CFIA provides information and guidance on the federal requirements that apply to food businesses that make or trade food in Canada.
Useful links:
- Making or trading food in Canada
- Food export requirements library
- Code of Practice for the Harvest, Transport, Processing, and Export of Seal Products Intended for Human Consumption
- Food export certification
Domestic transportation requirements for seal products
If you are transporting seal or seal parts from one Province to another, you may need a Marine Mammal Transportation License. These licenses are free of charge and can be obtained from DFO’s regional offices.
You will not need this license if:
- The seal or seal parts come from Atlantic Canada and parts of Québec (sealing areas 4 to 33); or
- You are a beneficiary under the Western Arctic (Inuvialuit) Claims Settlement Act, James Bay and Northern Quebec Native Claims Settlement Act, or Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act; or
- You are a person who fishes for seals in one province and resides in another province and who is taking their catch to their place of residence.
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