Become an Authorized Buyer
Only authorized buyers can purchase bulk quantities of maple syrup directly from Québec maple producers.
Authorized buyers must have a place of business and a warehouse in Québec:
- With a duly calibrated scale to weigh barrels;
- With adequate space that is heated and has access to hot water, in order to accommodate grading and quality control personnel.
To become an authorized buyer of Québec maple syrup, you must complete the required paperwork on an annual basis. There is no accreditation fee. The process is now done via the Web Buyer.
There are two kinds of authorized buyers:
Cash authorized buyers purchase maple syrup from producers and then have it graded. The price paid to the producer is $1,450 per barrel upon receipt and/or invoice at month’s end. If a balance is due, it is payable upon receipt of invoice. If there is a credit balance, the difference is refunded upon completion of grading for the season.
Credit authorized buyers also purchase maple syrup from producers and then have it graded. Payment to the producer is spread over several months according to the terms below.
Credit Authorized Buyers/Appendix A (PDF in French only)
- Minimum purchase of 30% of the previous month’s graded syrup or 100% of the syrup used, sold, transferred, or otherwise traded.
- Purchased and/or used barrels must be declared and paid by the 15th of the month after grading (e.g. grading in July, pay 30% by August 15)
- For maple syrup on consignment (graded but not paid for in full), carrying charges are billed monthly at Caisse central Desjardins’s prime rate plus 1%, calculated daily on the value of the minimum price of the consigned syrup.
- The balance of consignment inventory as of October 15 is payable in 4 installments of at least 20% of value on November 1, at least 20% of October 15 value on December 1, at least 20% of October 15 value on January 1, at least 20% of October 15 value on February 1, and the remaining balance, if any, on February 27.
- Credit Authorized Buyers must provide:
- Proof of title or lease for a warehouse in Québec with sufficient space to handle the anticipated annual volume of purchases;
- A copy of an insurance policy with coverage for an amount equal to or greater than the value of the anticipated annual volume of syrup;
- A letter of guarantee or bond, in the name of QMSP, for the entire marketing year, covering at least 15% of the anticipated annual volume of syrup.
Fact Sheets