Canada Updates 2026 Import Rules for U.S. Romaine Lettuce

Canada has updated its temporary import requirements for U.S. romaine lettuce from September 24 to December 17, 2026, as part of measures addressing the risk of E. coli O157. For romaine from California’s Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Benito and Monterey counties, as well as shipments without proof of origin, importers can either obtain evidence that the supplier participates in the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement’s Romaine Test & Learn Program or provide a Certificate of Analysis showing that E. coli O157 was not detected.

Romaine grown outside those four counties can continue entering Canada with proof identifying the state and county where it was harvested. For 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has also removed the previous importer attestation form and no longer requires supporting documents to be uploaded with the import declaration. Importers must still keep the required records and provide them to CFIA upon request.