CFIA stops issuing import permits for certain plant “pests” being used as feed, bait or pets

Ottawa, June 17, 2010: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is no longer issuing or amending import permits for any live insect that is a "pest" as defined by the Plant Protection Act. This policy applies to insects which are plant pests and are intended for:

• use as feed or bait,
• use as a pet, or
• any other similar or related use.

Any permits that have already been issued will remain in effect until their expiry date. No extensions or amendments will be given.

This policy applies to any living insect that is a plant pest, in any stage of its life cycle (for instance, egg, pupa, larva).

There has been no change in policy for certain species of insects which are allowed into Canada without a permit, for instance house crickets (Acheta domesticus) and yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) raised in and imported directly from the continental United States. For a complete listing of all living insects and other organisms, such as tarantulas, which do not require a plant protection import permit, refer to the following webpage:

• Organisms that do not require a plant protection permit to import

The decision to no longer allow the importation of live insects that are plant pests for the uses listed above (as feed or bait, as a pet, or any other similar or related use) comes as a result of a review of the Plant Protection Act. This review found that there is no authority for the CFIA to permit importing live insects that are plant pests for these purposes.

The purpose and intent of the Plant Protection Act is to protect plant life and the agricultural and forestry sectors of the Canadian economy

• by preventing the importation, exportation and spread of pests (for example, insects), and
• by controlling or eradicating pests in Canada.

These measures will help mitigate the risk of invasive insects that are plant pests from becoming established in Canada. The CFIA will continue to take appropriate compliance or enforcement action if such pests are detected in any shipments.

Any correspondence on this issue will only be accepted via a signed letter submitted by mail to the following:

National Manager, Import Control Section
Office of the Chief Plant Health Officer
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Nepean, ON K1A 0Y9.