Poultry Licence

The purchase of live poultry for processing and resale is a regulated activity under the Poultry Health and Buying Regulation under the Animal Health Act (AHA) and requires a licence. The licensee must also have security.

Apply for a licence to purchase poultry

To obtain a licence to purchase live poultry:

1. Complete the application form
   • Application form - Licence to Purchase Live Poultry (PDF)
2. Attach the required security bond documentation and licence payment
   • Bonding requirement for Poultry Licence (PDF)
3. Submit to:

Livestock Health Management and Regulatory Unit
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1767 Angus Campbell Road
Abbotsford, B.C.
V3G 2M3

Security bond requirements 

Applicants for a Licence to Purchase Live Poultry for processing and resale must furnish security in the form of a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit as described in the Poultry Health and Buying Regulation and Section 8 of the Bonding Act regulation. This must accompany the application form.

• Bonding requirement for Poultry Licence (PDF)

Egg grading, processing and distribution

Provincial legislation

The grading and distribution of eggs and the processing and distribution of egg product is regulated under the Egg Grading and Standards Regulation under the provincial Food and Agriculture Products Classification Act (FAPCA).  A B.C. licence is not required for these activities. 

Federal legislation

The B.C. Egg Grading and Standards Regulation relies on the requirements contained in the federal government's Egg Regulations and the Processed Egg Regulations. Persons grading eggs or those involved in processing egg products should familiarize themselves with the Federal regulations.