Canada–Oman 2026: new access for live and non-live seafood — buyer checklist
Yes: Oman has accepted two Canadian health certificates — CFIA/ACIA FA1059 for fish and crustaceans and FA1060 for bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods — so live and non-live, wild and farmed Canadian fish and seafood for human consumption can now be exported to Oman (CFIA, June 2026). Genetically modified aquatic animals are excluded. This is regulatory access only: each supplier's eligibility is checked separately, and no Omani buyer or order is implied.
FishMatch Group editorial team · Official sources read 25 October 2026 · published
What changed, and what it does not prove
CFIA reports that Oman's acceptance of two Canadian health certificates enables the full range of Canadian fish and seafood products to enter Oman.
| Layer | Status | What it means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory access | Confirmed by CFIA | Live and non-live, wild and farmed fish and seafood for human consumption; GM aquatic animals excluded. |
| Verified supplier eligibility | Checked per supplier and shipment | Safe Food for Canadians licence, CFIA approved-for-export listing and an export control plan showing Oman's requirements are met. |
| Actual buyer | Not verified | No buyer, order, volume or price is implied. CFIA's figure is Oman's total seafood imports from all origins. |
Product forms and specifications covered
CFIA lists all live and non-live, wild and farmed fish and seafood, including:
- Finfish — live, chilled or frozen; whole, fillets, portions.
- Crustaceans — e.g. live or cooked lobster and crab.
- Bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods, including scallop adductor muscle.
- Not eligible: genetically modified aquatic animals.
- For your specification: species (common and scientific name), farmed or wild, live/chilled/frozen, form, grade or count, pack size, glaze and net weight for frozen product, retail or food-service pack.
Health documentation by product
Both certificates combine food-safety and aquatic animal health attestations. The exporter must complete them in a form Oman's Border Control Post will accept.
| Product | Documents |
|---|---|
| Live and non-live fish and crustaceans | CFIA/ACIA FA1059 |
| Live and non-live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates, marine gastropods (incl. scallop adductor muscle) | CFIA/ACIA FA1060 |
| Labelling | Marking per Section I of Annex II to GSO 9/2013 (labelling of prepackaged foods), confirmed with the importer |
Temperature and handling
These are buyer checks to agree in the contract; the specification governs.
- Chilled product: Codex CXC 52-2003 says fresh fish, fillets and shellfish to be chilled “should be held at a temperature as close as possible to 0 °C”. Write the target and the allowed deviation into the contract.
- Frozen product: Codex treats quick freezing as complete only when the thermal centre reaches –18 °C or colder after thermal stabilisation, and frozen product should be transported at –18 °C or colder. Specify IQF or block freezing, glaze percentage and whether price and weight are net of glaze.
- Live bivalves: Codex advises that in most cases storage above 10 °C or below 2 °C should be avoided, and that they should not be in direct contact with ice. For live lobster or crab, agree packing, survival standard and claims procedure with the supplier.
- Ask for continuous temperature records (reefer download or data logger) from loading to delivery, and agree receiving inspection and rejection criteria before the first shipment.
Shipping timeline checklist
Order of steps, not durations; transit time depends on route and carrier and is quoted per request.
- Before the contract: check the plant on CFIA's approved-for-export list and its licence for the activity.
- Before the contract: decide the certificate per line (FA1059 or FA1060) — a mixed shipment may need both.
- Before production: agree labels with the importer against GSO 9/2013 and the consignee details for the certificate.
- Before booking: confirm air (live and chilled) or reefer (frozen), arrival airport or port and the receiving cold store in Oman.
- At loading: record product temperature, start the data logger and attach the certificate.
- On arrival: Oman's customs may sample and test; check temperature records and documents before acceptance.
Reported market context
CFIA reports that Oman imported about $74 million of fish and seafood in 2025, reflecting “strong consumer interest in imported fish and seafood”. The release does not state the currency, and the figure covers all origins, not Canada. FishMatch has no verified Omani buyer, price or demand data for Canadian products.
Related pages
Use the reference page for the full requirements; this article is the buyer checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can Canadian seafood be exported to Oman?
Yes. CFIA reports that Oman accepted two Canadian health certificates covering live and non-live, wild and farmed fish and seafood for human consumption. Genetically modified aquatic animals are not eligible.
Which certificate covers Canadian lobster or scallops for Oman?
CFIA lists FA1059 for live and non-live fish and crustaceans such as lobster, and FA1060 for bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods, including scallop adductor muscle.
Does new access mean a Canadian supplier is approved for Oman?
No. The supplier still needs a Safe Food for Canadians licence for the activity, a place on CFIA's approved-for-export list and an export control plan; Oman's customs may sample and test.
Which labelling rule applies?
CFIA cites Section I of Annex II to GSO 9/2013 on labelling prepackaged foods and advises confirming packaging and labels with the importer.
How do I request Canadian seafood for Oman through FishMatch?
Send the free seafood request with species, form, size, volume, origin, delivery window, destination and documents. FishMatch is free for buyers and reviews annual or seasonal programmes of USD 250,000 or more. Supplier identities stay private until review; there is no guarantee of supply, price, eligibility or clearance.
Official sources
- CFIA news release (June 2026): Government of Canada secures new and expanded market access for Canadian fish, seafood and aquatic products
- CFIA: Oman — export requirements for fish and seafood (modified 17 February 2026)
- CFIA: Aquatic animal export — certification requirements for Oman
- CFIA: Canadian fish and seafood establishments approved for export (live list)
- Codex CXC 52-2003: Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (FAO/WHO)