The Canada market for Indian frozen shrimp
USA is the largest market (311,948 t in FY2024-25, MPEDA). Requires FDA seafood HACCP, Prior Notice, SIMP for shrimp and DS-2031 declarations; US anti-dumping and countervailing duties apply to Indian frozen warmwater shrimp in addition to tariffs that changed repeatedly in 2025-26 (reported 18% framework rate from Feb 2026) - verify the current total duty before quoting.
Indian community in Canada (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 3,247,980 (PIO 1,859,680 + NRI 1,388,300).
Frozen Shrimp specification for Canada orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Count (pcs/lb or pcs/kg) | HLSO 16/20 to 71/90 pcs/lb; PD/PDTO 21/25 to 100/200 (typical) |
| Glaze | 10-20% declared, net weight after deglazing (typical) |
| Storage | -18 °C or colder |
| Antibiotics | Not detected per destination method (EU/US residue monitoring) |
| Additives | STPP/non-phosphate soaking declared per buyer specification (typical) |
| Microbiology | Salmonella and Vibrio absent; TPC per buyer spec (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Canada requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Canada
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Importer licence & controls | CFIA (SFCR) | SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements |
| Labelling | CFIA / Health Canada | Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping frozen shrimp to Canada
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Montreal: 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days. Halifax alternative gateway; +1-3 days rail Montreal/Halifax to Toronto; St Lawrence winter restrictions
Supply window: Indian frozen shrimp is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Dec-Feb (ASSUMPTION); Two crops/yr; main harvest Apr-Jul and Oct-Dec (ASSUMPTION). Allow 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Canada customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 9-12 MT net in a 20' reefer, 40' HC about 14-22 MT net in a 40' HC reefer depending on pack format.
Quoted on CFR, CIF, FOB, DDP (via US importer of record, case by case); CIF Montreal is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Canada
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Montreal / Halifax / Port of Toronto (minor), inland; also rail from Vancouver/Prince Rupe | HORECA, Indian diaspora grocery/spice distributors (largest in Canada), apparel & home-textile importers |
| Montreal | Port of Montreal (St Lawrence container port) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL); Montréal-Mirabel ( | HORECA, aerospace & engineering-component buyers, apparel & textile importers |
| Vancouver | Port of Vancouver (Canada's largest port; Deltaport, Centerm, Vanterm) · Vancouver Interna | Indian (Punjabi) diaspora grocers & restaurants, lumber/pulp traders, apparel |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import frozen shrimp into Canada?
Key requirements: Importer licence & controls — CFIA (SFCR) (SFC licence (My CFIA); Preventive Control Plan; traceability; AIRS requirements); Labelling — CFIA / Health Canada (Bilingual labels; allergens; nutrition facts). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Canada take?
Typically 26-34 via Suez; 34-42 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Montreal, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Canada have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. India–Canada CEPA negotiations relaunched March 2026 (2nd round May 2026; aim to conclude by end-2026) [S7]. Canada's GPT preferences apply to many Indian goods. CONFLICT: 06 §C.7 says talks 'paused'; S7 (28 Oct 2026) reports relaunch and rounds in 2026 — S7 is newer A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to frozen shrimp from India?
Usually HS 030617. Canada applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What shrimp forms do you supply?
HOSO, HLSO, PD, PDTO, PUD, cooked and value-added formats in block or IQF packing.
Are your processing plants EU-approved?
We source from MPEDA-registered, EIC-approved plants; EU orders are placed only with establishments on the EU approved list.
What does 21/25 mean?
It is the count of shrimp per pound (or per kg if specified); 21/25 means 21 to 25 pieces per pound.
Related guides
Request a quote: frozen shrimp to Canada
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Canada. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.