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Importers Disciplined For Poultry Meat Duty Violations

The federal government has handed out some discipline for border and duty violations.

The Duties Relief Program allows qualified companies to import goods without paying duties, as long as those goods are later exported.

Canada's Border Services Agency verification program has found five members of the program to be selling supply-managed commodities in Canada without reporting or paying the required duties.

The issues stem from the term "spent fowl meat", which refers to hens that no longer lay eggs.

It's alleged that some importers have been declaring broiler chicken meat as spent fowl meat.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay says the government will continue to work with supply-managed industry stakeholders to ensure effective border controls.

Applicable duties plus interest have been applied to the violators. Their licences for the Duties Relief Program have also been suspended.

AAFC says it's currently working with Trent University on the feasibility of DNA testing at the border to verify whether poultry is spent fowl or not.

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