Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fish Processors Licence
Who Needs This Licence?
Anyone who wants to operate an establishment for the purpose of processing fish, including cleaning, filleting, icing, packing, canning, freezing, smoking, salting, cooking, pickling, drying or any other manner of preparing fish for market.
Everyone who operates an establishment for the purpose of processing fish for wholesale.
A licence is not necessary for those who:
- process fish for their own personal consumption
- process fish for direct sale to the final consumer in a retail outlet owned by that person
- as Fisherman, process their own catch into whole or dressed unfrozen, salted or pickled fish
Issuing Department:
Where can you get this licence and/or further information?
Fish Buyers/Fish Processors Licensing webpage
or
Licensing and Registration
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
1575A Lake Road, Sandy Point, NS B0T 1W0
Mailing Address:
Application Forms & Process:
An application form must be completed and returned to Licensing Services accompanied by non-refundable licence administration fees in the amount of $265.40 (made payable to the Minister of Finance).
Related Requirements:
Upon receipt of a completed application, the applicant will receive from the Registrar of Licensing a Letter of Intent outlining compliances (PDF) that must be met prior to the actual licence being issued. A copy of this letter is also sent to other agencies involved with the process.
Waiting Period:
Varies
Price: (no tax is charged)
Initial application: $265.40 (non-refundable)
Annual licence fee: $265.40
Expiry & Renewal:
A licence expires on 31 December of the calendar year for which it is issued. To renew the licence for the following calendar year, the licence holder will receive an Application for Renewal form prior to 31 December. This form must be returned, signed and submitted with appropriate fees. Failure to renew the licence within 30 days of the date of expiry will result in the licence being cancelled.
Additional Information:
A processor licence is:
- issued subject to the licence policy of the day and upon all compliances and regulatory requirements being met
- issued only for the establishment at the location specified on the licence
- not assignable or transferable by the licence holder
A licence may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Minister. The licence holder will be notified of the pending action and may apply for a hearing to show cause why their licence should not be amended, suspended or terminated.
A licence will be cancelled if the fish processor is not in compliance with the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act or the Fish Buyers and Fish Processors Regulations.
Legislative Authority:
Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1996, Chapter 25, as amended 1999, Chapter 2
Fish Buyers and Fish Processors Regulations, Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act
Fish Buyers and Fish Processors Licence Policy (PDF), Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
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