Apply for a cannabis import or export permit: Cultivation, processing, or sale for medical purposes
On this page
Important: You can only import or export cannabis for medical or scientific purposes. You can find more information about when you can import or export on the Health Canada website.
Apply for an import or export permit
To import or export cannabis, you need to have a permit for each shipment. This section will help you to apply for import or export permit.
Important: In the case of an export permit application, you need to submit a valid import permit from the competent authority in the country of import.
Required information
You need to email a completed import or export application form to hc.import-export-cannabis-importation-exportation.sc@canada.ca. The file name and subject line of the email need to be either:
- "Import Permit Application Form LIC #"
- "Export Permit Application Form LIC #"
Permits are valid only until the earliest of the date on which the:
- shipment is imported or exported
- permit expires or is revoked
- licence expires or is revoked
- date the import or export permit is revoked by the competent authority of the country of export or import pertaining to the shipment
Important: Health Canada can issue a permit up to a maximum expiry date of 6 months.
Tip: Permits allow you to conduct the following to the extent necessary to import or export the shipment of cannabis:
In the case of import:
- possess
- transfer
- transport
- send
- deliver
In the case of export:
- possess
- transfer
- transport
- send
- deliver
- sell
Notification of shipment
This section will help you to notify Health Canada of an imported or exported shipment.
Important: At the time of import or export, you will need to give a copy of the permit to the customs office. After customs releases the imported cannabis, you need to transport it directly to the site on the licence used for the permit.
Required information
Within 15 days after the import or the export of a shipment, you need to email a completed Cannabis Shipment Detail Notification Form for each shipment to hc.import-export-cannabis-importation-exportation.sc@canada.ca. The file name and subject line of the email should be either:
- "Import Notification for Shipment Permit # and LIC #"
- "Export Notification for Shipment Permit # and LIC #"
If the permit is not used, you need to tell Health Canada by emailing hc.import-export-cannabis-importation-exportation.sc@canada.ca. The subject line of the email should be either:
- "Import Notification for Shipment Permit # and LIC #"
- "Export Notification for Shipment Permit # and LIC #"
Tip: Health Canada can provide information to a customs officer about your permit application, issued permit and notification of shipment or their status (such as a suspended or revoked permit).
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: