CRA Guidelines

Operators should confirm the licence or permit that matches each intended activity before cultivating, processing, storing, transporting, importing, exporting, or selling regulated material.

Use the official guideline and the current licence-fee schedule together. Where an activity spans more than one category, contact CRA before submitting an application.

• Confirm the applicant, premises, proposed activity, and responsible personnel.
• Prepare the supporting business, security, technical, and premises information requested by CRA.
• Check that names, addresses, ownership details, and attached documents are consistent.
• Keep a copy of the submitted application and all CRA correspondence.

Facilities should be designed for the approved activity, with appropriate access controls, segregation, environmental management, and procedures for authorised personnel.

Maintain controls over planting material, cultivation inputs, harvest batches, waste, and any material that does not meet the approved specification.

Use batch identifiers and contemporaneous records so material can be traced through each production step. Reconcile quantities regularly and investigate unexplained differences promptly.

Document the process, equipment, cleaning, personnel responsibilities, and checks used at each production stage. Prevent mix-ups, contamination, and unauthorized access.

Confirm product identity and status before release. Store material under the required conditions, keep labels and batch information accurate, and quarantine material pending a decision.

Verify the recipient, destination, quantity, and authorisation before dispatch. Use documented handover and chain-of-custody procedures, and retain transport records for review.

Cross-border and wholesale activity may require additional approvals and documentation. Confirm all applicable requirements before arranging a shipment or accepting regulated material.

Keep requested records available and assign responsibility for inspection follow-up. Record incidents, contain affected material where appropriate, and notify CRA through the required channel when notification is required.

Track licence expiry dates and submit renewal information on time. Seek guidance before making material changes to ownership, premises, activities, key personnel, or operating systems.

Licensees and permit holders remain responsible for complying with applicable law, licence conditions, approved activities, and directions issued by the competent authority.

Non-compliance may result in corrective action, administrative measures, suspension, revocation, or other consequences provided by law.

If the guideline does not answer a specific question, preserve the relevant facts and contact CRA before taking action. Use the contact page for a written enquiry and retain the response with your compliance records.