Subject

This directive consolidates the policy and procedures for importing plants, seeds and other plant material for exhibition purposes.

This directive has been revised to update the review date, as well as minor administrative changes. The content of this directive has not changed.

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Table of Contents

• Review
• Endorsement
• Amendment Record
• Distribution List
• Introduction
• Scope
• 1.0 General Requirements
  • 1.1 Legislative Authority
  • 1.2 Fees
• 2.0 Policy

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Review

This directive will be reviewed every two years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is June 23, 2011. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further information or clarification, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Endorsement

Approved by:

Chief Plant Health Officer

Amendment Record

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

Distribution List

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

Introduction

Imported plants, seeds and other plant material can be a pathway for the entry of plant pests into Canada. Therefore, many imported plants and plant products including those imported for exhibition use, are regulated under the Plant Protection Act to prevent the entry of plant pests.

Scope

This directive is intended for use by those wishing to import plants, seeds and other plant material for exhibition purposes into Canada. This directive is also intended for the use of the CFIA inspection staff and the Canada Border Services Agency.

This directive supersedes D-94-31 (Original), dated June 26, 2006 and all previous documents on this subject including Permit Letter L49, dated June 23, 1988; memorandum dated July 11, 1988; memorandum dated July 5, 1989, memorandum N-25B dated January 9, 1990 and memorandum N-25C dated February 21, 1990.

1.0 General Requirements

1.1 Legislative Authority

The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c. 22
The Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice website.

2.0 Policy

1. Plant material imported for exhibition use must meet current Canadian Plant Protection import requirements. Depending on the risks associated with the commodity, exempted entries under special permit may be allowed. The Permit to Import will outline such things as conditions for safekeeping and disposition of material after the exhibition is over.
2. An authorized official in Canada responsible for the exhibit, or his Canadian representative (known as the Importer of Record), must apply for a Permit to Import. The importer must indicate on the application the names and addresses of all exporters and the kind of plant material to be shipped by each exporter, including the origin of the plant material. The Application for Permit to Import should be submitted to the Permit Office at least two (2) months before the start of the exhibition to allow time to evaluate the various import requests. Some plant materials, such as dried flowers, cut flowers, tropical fruits and some kinds of seeds do not require a permit.
3. The Permit Office of the CFIA will evaluate the application and identify the commodities with special permit requirements.
4. All imported plant material is subject to inspection upon arrival in Canada. Any plant material found infested with regulated pests will be subject to treatment, returned to origin or destroyed.
5. The Importer of Record is responsible for forwarding any instructions provided by the CFIA, and a copy of the Permit to Import, to each of the exhibitors and shippers of plant material being imported for the exhibition.
6. The importer is also responsible for providing the facilities and supervision before, during and after the exhibition to prevent the loss or pilferage of plant material which enter under a special permit.
7. Any plant material that enters Canada for exhibition purposes under special permit conditions, must be disposed of after the exhibition is over, as specified by the entry conditions listed on the Permit to Import and/or the accompanying instructions. Disposal of plant material must be under the supervision of a Plant Protection inspector.