Dispute Resolution Corporation licence (fruit and vegetable trade)

A buyer of a produce wholesaler or importer may hear about the DRC. The Regulations speak of membership, not a licence. Section 122 prohibits selling, buying, receiving, sending or importing fresh fruits or vegetables in interprovincial or international trade, with exceptions, including for a member in good standing of the Corporation.

What the DRC says about itself

The DRC describes itself as a not-for-profit, membership-based entity that provides dispute resolution services to the fresh fruit and vegetable trade. It says this membership requirement replaced the earlier choice between a CFIA produce licence and DRC membership. Its site also lists active and inactive members. A federal food licence is a separate question; see Safe Food for Canadians licence.

What to check or ask

• Whether the seller’s membership is active, using the DRC’s own list
• Whether the seller relies on any exemption in section 122 instead
• Whether the DRC allows membership to pass to a buyer, which the pages read for this entry do not say

These are federal rules. See also what licences transfer when I buy a business.