Bringing Canned Salmon from Canada to the US: Rules and Requirements

Good news for salmon lovers: commercially canned salmon from Canada is generally admissible into the United States for personal use, per USDA APHIS regulations. But compliance matters.

Mandatory Conditions

1. Commercially processed and hermetically sealed — No home-canned, vacuum-sealed bags, or damaged cans (dents, rust, swelling)
2. Labeling requirements: Product name, manufacturer/distributor name and address, country of origin (Canada)
3. No prohibited additives: Preservatives, colors, flavors not approved by FDA/USDA
4. Disease/pest-free: No evidence of contamination
5. Personal quantities: Reasonable for personal consumption (not commercial resale)

What's NOT Allowed

• Fresh, frozen, or smoked salmon (different rules—often prohibited/restricted)
• Canned salmon with meat, dairy, or egg ingredients (e.g., salmon pâté, quiche)
• Products from non-approved Canadian facilities
• Commercial quantities without import permits

Border Experience

• Declare all food items on CBP Form 6059B or verbally
• Keep in original packaging
• Be prepared for inspection (usually visual)
• NEXUS/Global Entry doesn't exempt food declaration

When in Doubt

• USDA APHIS: Plant Import Information
• CBP "Know Before You Go": cbp.gov/travel
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency export guidance

Practical Tip

Buy Canadian canned salmon in the US (Costco, supermarkets, online)—same product, zero border risk. Wild BC sockeye, pink, and chum widely available.