Subject

This directive outlines the Plant Protection phytosanitary import requirements for soybean seed for all purposes from all countries.

---

Table of Contents

• Review
• Endorsement
• Amendment Record
• Distribution
• Introduction
• Scope
   
• 1.0 General Requirements
• 1.1 Legislative Authority
• 1.2 Fees
• 1.3 Regulated Pests
• 1.4 Regulated Commodities
   
• 2.0 Specific Requirements
• 2.1 Import Requirements
• 2.2 Inspection Requirements
• 2.3 Non-Compliance
• 2.4 Other
   
• 3.0 Appendice
• Appendix 1: Areas regulated for soybean seed

---

Review

This directive will be reviewed every 5 years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is March 28, 2011. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further information or clarification, please contact the Grains & Field Crops Section.

Endorsement

Approved by:

_______________
Director
Plant Health Division

Amendment Record

Amendments to this directive will be dated and distributed as outlined in the distribution below.

Distribution

1. Directive mail list (Regions, PHRA, USDA)
2. Provincial Government, Industry (via Regions)
3. National Industry Organizations (determined by Author)
4. Internet

Introduction

The importation of soybean seed has been regulated since 1973 to prevent the introduction of soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, to uninfested areas of Canada. The nematode can be introduced in soil peds, similar in size and shape to the seed, which can be missed in the seed- cleaning process. Serious reductions in the yield of soybeans can occur in fields that are infested.

This directive updates the list of soybean cyst nematode- infested countries and United States (US) states. (See Appendix 1) It also reflects the following changes in policy:

A Permit to Import is no longer required to import soybean seed from the continental US with whom there is frequent exchange of information on pest distribution and import requirements, but is still required for soybean seed from other countries, with whom there is less frequent exchange of information.

Cleaning methods other than triple spiral cleaning, which eliminate all soil peds and debris, are permitted for seed originating from areas infested with soybean cyst nematode. This change, requested by industry, offers more options while continuing to prevent the spread of the nematode. Alternative cleaning methods have been permitted on a trial basis since March 15, 1993.

A Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional declaration for soybean cyst nematode is now required for soybean seed from all countries other than the US and from all generally or partially infested US states. This is consistent with a similar requirement for nursery stock.

Scope

This directive specifies the phytosanitary requirements for the importation of soybeans for all purposes. This directive is intended for the use of the CFIA inspection staff and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in order to prevent the entry of soybean cyst nematode into areas of Canada not currently infested with these pests. It is also intended for use by importers, shippers and customs brokers as a reference to the import requirements of the regulated commodities. This directive also specifies the standards by which CFIA or the CBSA may inspect, certify or release these articles.

This directive is effective immediately and supersedes all previous documents on soybean seed, including: Memorandum dated September 11, 1978; Memorandum dated 03-02-1981; D-84-5, February 1, 1984; D-84-20, June 12, 1984; D-84-36, September 15, 1984; D-85-36, November 4, 1985; D-86-3, February 14, 1986; D-86-15, May 6, 1986; D-87-7, January 9, 1987; Permit letter L6c 01-03-93; D-93-06, March 10, 1993; and T-93-01, March 10, 1993. The portions of QC 8c, August 30, 1973, and T-90-05, May 22, 1990 relative to soybean seed are superseded.

1.0 General Requirements

1.1 Legislative Authority

The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c. 22
The Plant Protection Regulations. SOR 95/212
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette, Part 1, (05/13/2000)

1.2 Fees

The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees associated with imported product, please contact the Import Service Centres (ISC) at the following phone numbers: Eastern ISC 1-877-493-0468; Central ISC 1-800-835-4486; Western ISC 1-888-732-6222. Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact any local CFIA office or visit us at our Fees Notice website.

1.3 Regulated Pests

Soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines

1.4 Regulated Commodities

Soybean seed

2.0 Specific Requirements

2.1 Import Requirements

2.1.1 Seeds of Soybean for Propagation

All soybean seed must be free of soil peds and plant debris. A tolerance level of one soil ped per 68 kg/l50 lb. sample will be permitted.

There are some differences in documentation requirements between uninfested US states and uninfested countries due to the frequent updating received from the US on the distribution of soybean cyst nematode.

From Continental US.

From US. States which are infested (generally or partially) with soybean cyst nematode (see Appendix 1)

Permit:

A Permit to Import is not required.

Phytosanitary Certificate:

All shipments must be accompanied by an official Phytosanitary Certificate issued and signed by a recognized official of the state or federal plant health agency of the state of origin.

One of the following additional declarations is required on the Phytosanitary Certificate:

1. "The seeds in this consignment were grown in an area that was officially surveyed using approved procedures and declared free of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines)"; or
2. "The seeds in this consignment were passed through a special spiral cleaning apparatus three times in order to eliminate all soil peds and plant debris."; or
3. "The seeds in this consignment were subjected to the following cleaning process to eliminate all soil peds and plant debris: ...(name cleaning process)..."

From US States which are not infested with Soybean Cyst Nematode

Permit:

A Permit to Import is not required.

Other documents:

Seed must be accompanied by one of the following documents establishing its origin:

1. a Certificate of Origin issued and signed by a federal or state plant health official; or
2. a seed tag of the state seed certification agency of the state of origin of the seeds; or
3. a notarized affidavit or letter signed by a responsible official of a recognized research institution or establishment of the state of origin.

From Off-Continent US and Countries other than the US.

From Countries which are infested (generally or partially) with Soybean Cyst Nematode (see Appendix 1)

Permit:

A Permit to Import, issued by the Plant Health Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), is required.

Phytosanitary Certificate:

All shipments must be accompanied by an official Phytosanitary Certificate issued and signed by a recognized official of the plant health agency of the country of origin.

One of the following additional declarations is required on the Phytosanitary Certificate:

1. "The seeds in this consignment were grown in an area that was officially surveyed using approved procedures and declared free of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines)"; or
2. "The seeds in this consignment were passed through a special spiral cleaning apparatus three times in order to eliminate all soil peds and plant debris"; or
3. "The seeds in this consignment were subjected to the following cleaning process to eliminate all soil peds and plant debris: ... (name cleaning process) ..."

From Countries which are not infested with Soybean Cyst Nematode

Permit:

A Permit to Import, issued by the Plant Health Division of the CFIA, is required.

Phytosanitary Certificate:

All shipments must be accompanied by an official Phytosanitary Certificate, i.e. issued and signed by a recognized official of the plant health agency of the country of origin. The following additional declaration for freedom from soybean cyst nematode is required:

"The seeds in this consignment were harvested in and shipped from a country where soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is not known to exist".

Seeds of Soybean for uses other than Propagation

Soybeans imported for uses other than planting (e.g., for processing) must be free of soil, soil peds, and plant debris. The intended use must be clearly evident to an inspector (e.g. stated on shipping documents, destination is a processing plant). Neither a Permit to Import nor a Phytosanitary Certificate is required.

If the soybeans are imported for feed purposes, see under section 2.7 Other.

2.2 Inspection Requirements

Shipments are subject to audit inspection on arrival in Canada.

CFIA inspectors should:

• ensure that all documentation requirements specified in section 2.1 Import Requirements have been met,
   
• ensure that shipments are free of pests, soil peds (to a tolerance level of one ped per 68 kg/l50 lb.), and plant debris,
   
• inspect shipments as outlined in the Plant Protection Inspection Manual for seeds (Section 4.02.01) and for soybean cyst nematode (Section 4.07), and
   
• take specimens of any pests found in shipments, as outlined in the Plant Protection Import Inspection Manual, Section 4.11, and submit them for identification.

2.3 Non-Compliance

Shipments that do not meet import requirements may either be disposed of or required to be removed from Canada. If found infested with pests of quarantine concern, shipments will be safeguarded and treated if necessary to prevent the spread of pests. The importer is responsible for all associated costs.

2.4 Other

For seed standard requirements, please contact the Plant Health Division of the CFIA.

Soybeans imported for purposes other than propagation from the continental US and imported for any purpose from all other countries, must meet additional requirements under the Health of Animals Act. Please contact the Animal Health Import Program Officer of your regional CFIA office for details.

3.0 Appendice

Appendix 1: Areas regulated for soybean seed

---

Appendix 1

States of the U.S. and Countries Infested with Soybean Cyst Nematode

Note: This list is based on currently available information. Any state of the US or country that is infested (generally or partially) with soybean cyst nematode must meet the requirements specified in this directive.

INFESTED STATES OF THE US:

INFESTED COUNTRIES:

• Brazil
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Egypt
• Equador
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic)
• Poland
• Taiwan
• Former U.S.S.R.