Overview
A self-serve portal has been developed for the Farm Implement Licensing System (FILS) to improve the licensing process for farm implement dealers and distributors.
The Farmers' Advocate Office administers the Farm Implement and Dealership Act (FIDA), which provides both farmers and implement dealers with financial and legal security when purchasing farm equipment. Producers conducting business with an unlicensed farm implement dealer or a dealer doing business with an unlicensed distributor do not have protection under the FIDA.
Producers should check the dealer is licensed to make an informed decision when purchasing a new piece of farm equipment. Producers can view the list of licensed dealers and distributors by accessing the FILS portal without creating an account. Go to FILS and look for Licensed Dealers and Distributors in the portal menu.
FILS implementation
FILS is being developed in phases. Currently, the following processes are applied for and managed through the system:
- Farm Implement Licence - applications and renewals
- online payment submission
- application status tracking
- Farm Implement Licence notifications
Future FILS rollouts include:
- Notice of Failure to Perform applications
- Applications for Compensation
- consumer and vendor complaints
For more information on the licensing process, see Farm Implement Dealer and Distributor Licensing Factsheet.
How to access FILS
Step 1 Create an Alberta.ca account
- FILS access for all licensing tasks requires a valid Alberta.ca Account for business use for organizations. If you need help setting up your Alberta.ca account, contact the Alberta.ca Account team:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday; closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 1-844-643-2789.
Step 2 Log into FILS
Once you have created an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations, you can use it to log into FILS to complete your user profile.
- select the Request Access tile in the FILS Portal
- sign in On Behalf of an Organization using your account information from Step 1
- fill in the required information on the Request Access form
- select submit and close the window
- the account information will be reviewed, and further instructions will be sent via email to the account holder
Once you have created your FILS account and been granted access, you will be able to log into FILS to complete any tasks related to a licensing application, renewal, or payment.
Licensing fees
Dealer and distributor licences are issued annually. For existing licensees, a renewal email notice will be sent to you automatically. In accordance with the FIDA, dealers and distributors are required to pay the non-refundable fees and levies as outlined in Table 1. A new business requiring a licence after the deadlines listed should contact the FAO for licence fee and levy amounts.
Table 1. Annual dealer and distributor fees and deadlines
| Fee/Levy | 2027 Due with application by January 1, 2026 | Early remittance fees Due with application by December 15, 2026 | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence | $100 per year | $100 per year |
|
| Levy | $450 per year | $200 per year |
|
Dealer and distributor contracts
Dealers and distributors are strongly encouraged to have dealer-distributor agreements in place to protect their interests. Part 2 of the FIDA discusses Dealership Agreements.
Vital information for dealers
Farm implement dealers, protect your business. Ensure your distributors are licensed in Alberta under the FIDA before agreeing to sell their products or renewing an agreement.
If your distributor is not licensed under the FIDA, you will lose key legal protections and could be left financially liable if your distributor fails to meet its obligations.
To view the list of licensed distributors in Alberta, follow the instructions on how to access FILS below. Look for Licensed Dealers and Distributors in the portal menu.
Penalties for suspended or revoked licences
Licence suspension
If a company does not renew their licence before January 1 of a new licensing year, their licence will be suspended and their dealers or distributors will be notified that they can no longer sell or distribute that farm equipment in Alberta.
Licence revocation
Should a company with a suspended licence not pay for a renewal licence by February 1 of the current calendar year, the company’s licence will be automatically set to revoked. The company’s dealers or distributors will be notified of the revocation and that they can no longer sell or distribute that farm equipment in Alberta.
Licence re-instatement
If a licence has been revoked and the company wishes to continue selling or distributing their farm equipment in Alberta, they will be required to request a re-instatement of their licence. A re-instatement means the business will be assessed a penalty of $250 per location (or $500 per location for dual licences) in addition to the levy and licensing fees. The company will need to apply for a new licence.
Court of King’s Bench
If a company continues to sell or distribute farm equipment in Alberta without a licence, they will be contravening the Farm Implement and Dealership Act (FIDA) and/or regulation. The Farm Implement Board will automatically forward a request to legal counsel to file this contravention with the court. A guilty verdict could lead to a fine of up to $100,000.
Notice of Failure to Perform
Purchasers can take steps to request new farm equipment be replaced or refunded if it does not perform as intended. There are 10-day or 50- hour notification deadlines.
Contact
Connect with the FAO:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 310-FARM (3276) (in Alberta)
Phone: 403-742-7901 (outside Alberta)
Email: [email protected] or Ask us a question online
View all FAO contact information
Mailing address:
J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
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