Subject

This directive prescribes measures to prevent the entry by vessels and establishment of Asian gypsy moth (AGM) in Canada.

The policy has been revised to add new ports known to be a potential risk for the introduction of the AGM. The policy has also been revised to facilitate the entry of vessels for which phytosanitary certification has been provided to verify freedom from all life stages of the insect.

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Table of Contents

• Review
• Endorsement
• Amendment Record
• Distribution
• Introduction
• Scope
• Reference
• Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms
• 1.0 General Requirements
  • 1.1 Legislative Authority
  • 1.2 Fees
  • 1.3 Regulated Pests
  • 1.4 Regulated Commodity
• 2.0 Specific Requirements
  • 2.1 Marine Vessels Entering A Canadian Port During the High Risk Period (March 1 to October 15)
  • 2.2 Marine Vessels Entering Canadian Ports During October 16 to February 28 (or 29)
• 3.0 Inspection Procedures
• 4.0 Non-Compliance
• 5.0 Appendices
• Appendix 1: Summary of Entry Requirements
• Appendix 2: Ports Considered a High Risk
• Appendix 3: List of Vessels Considered to Be High Risk
• Appendix 4: List of Recognized Sources of Phytosanitary Certificates and Pre-departure Inspection Certificates

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Review

This directive will be reviewed every 5 years or when new scientific or technical information regarding the pest is received. The next review date for this directive is May 16, 2012. The contact for this directive Joanne Rousson. For further information for clarification, please contact the Forestry 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 Asian strain of the gypsy moth, Lymantria Dispar L. is a serious pest of coniferous and deciduous trees. It is not known to occur in North America, although introductions of the insect have been detected and eradicated. These introductions have been primarily associated with the entry of high risk vessels into North America, upon which egg masses of the insect had been deposited. Port areas in infested countries are sometimes subject to high population levels of Asian gypsy moth. Females frequently fly at night and are known to be attracted to the lights aboard vessels. As a result, eggs are laid on ship super structures and cargo. When the vessel enters Canada, there exists the potential for the pest along with the cargo to be discharged or the larvae of the insect to disperse onto surrounding vegetation through a natural process called 'ballooning'. Ballooning occurs when the larvae suspend themselves on a silken thread and are then carried by the wind to feeding areas. In the past, introduction of this pest by vessels has necessitated a number of expensive and often intensive eradication programs. This inspection policy has been in place since 1992 to minimize future introductions.

Scope

This directive is intended for use by any individual or company responsible for or acting on behalf of high risk vessels wishing to enter Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Coast Guard (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This directive outlines the entry requirements for high risk vessels arriving in Canada following calling upon ports known to be infested with the AGM.

Reference

ISPM No. 5: Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms, FAO, Rome. 2006

This directive supersedes D-95-03 (7th Revision) dated May 17, 2006 and any other policy documents on this subject.

Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

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.

1.3 Regulated Pests

The Asian strain of the gypsy moth, Lymantria Dispar L.

1.4 Regulated Commodity

This policy applies to any high risk marine vessel. These vessels are considered to be a high risk for the transportation of egg masses and other life stages of the AGM. Ports considered a high risk are listed in Appendix 2. A current list of vessels considered to be high risk is provided in Appendix 3 for reference purposes and lists vessels calling on high risk ports the previous calendar year. This list will not include current calendar year.

2.0 Specific Requirements

A summary of requirements is provided in Appendix 1.

All marine vessels entering Canada are subject to inspection at any time of year to verify freedom from AGM.

High risk marine vessels entering Canada at any time should be thoroughly cleaned of all life stages of the Asian strain of the gypsy moth and possess an original Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate (recognized sources listed are in Appendix 4). Vessels calling on Canadian ports during the high risk period and prior to arrival in Canada, the Master of a high risk marine vessel must provide to the vessel's Canadian agent a summary of the ports called upon by the vessel for the past 2 years and a copy of a Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate. The Canadian agent is responsible for notifying the appropriate office of the CFIA about the vessel's arrival and providing to CFIA the summary of ports of call and a copy of a Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate, prior to the vessel entering Canadian waters. During Canada's high risk period, CFIA will deny entry to vessels that fail to present the summary of ports of call and a copy of a Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate in advance or fail to identify that the vessel has been rejected from entry into the United States (US) or Canada without corrective actions in place as required by inspection staff of either country.

The Canadian agent is also responsible for ensuring that the marine vessel is presented for inspection at the designated inspection site at the time mutually agreed upon between the agent and the CFIA. A list of local offices is maintained on CFIA's website.

2.1 Marine Vessels Entering A Canadian Port During the High Risk Period (March 1 to October 15)

High risk marine vessels must present a Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate issued by a recognized source ( as specified in Appendix 4) from the country from which the marine vessel visited and for which ports are regulated (as specified in Appendix 2) to the appropriate CFIA office prior to attempting entry. The certificate must verify that the vessel was found free of AGM following the visit to the port. These vessels may enter a Canadian port upon confirmation from the appropriate CFIA office and are subject to a frequency of inspection by inspectors of the CFIA. The original Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate must be available to CFIA for review during inspection.

Should the vessel have also visited other high risk ports or returned to the high risk port following the issuance of the Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate, the vessel will be inspected by the CFIA at a designated Canadian off-shore anchorage prior to being allowed to proceed to a Canadian port.

High risk marine vessels without a Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate will be inspected at a designated Canadian off-shore anchorage by inspectors of the CFIA prior to entry into a Canadian port. Provided the vessel is found free of life stages of the AGM by CFIA, the vessel will be permitted to proceed into a Canadian port.

A marine vessel that has been found free of life stages of the gypsy moth will be permitted to proceed to a Canadian port. Additionally, vessels found free of AGM which have not subsequently returned to a high risk port during the high risk period may re-enter a Canadian port provided the vessel can present the original Canadian or US record of inspection and the original Phytosanitary Certificate or Pre-departure Inspection Certificate. These vessels, however, are subject to a frequency of inspection.

2.2 Marine Vessels Entering Canadian Ports During October 16 to February 28 (or 29)

All high-risk marine vessels will be permitted to enter Canadian ports during this period without interruption. During this period, it is unlikely that viable egg masses, if present, would hatch and survive. However, these vessels may be subject to a frequency of inspection.

3.0 Inspection Procedures

CFIA inspection staff will determine the frequency of inspection and the location of inspection. CFIA inspection staff will thoroughly inspect all areas of a high risk marine vessel at a designated inspection site. Once an inspection is complete, CFIA inspection staff will notify Canadian shipping authorities of the results of the inspection and the status of the vessel. CFIA inspectors will provide to the Master or the Canadian agent, confirmation of the inspection results in writing.

Inspections will be carried out at any time of the year, provided weather conditions are favourable and the health and safety of inspection staff can be maintained during the inspection. Should an inspector feel that conditions do not allow for the safe inspection of the vessel, the inspector will discontinue the inspection and the vessel will not be permitted to enter Canada until such time as the inspector can complete the inspection.

Vessels with Phytosanitary Certificates or Pre-departure Inspection Certificates and found free of AGM by phytosanitary inspection authorities in the US and which have not subsequently returned to a high risk port during the high risk period may enter a Canadian port provided the vessel can present the original confirmation of inspection carried out by the US authorities. These vessels may be subject to a frequency of inspection.

4.0 Non-Compliance

Regulated marine vessels will not be permitted to remain in Canadian waters should an inspection reveal the presence of the gypsy moth or should the vessel have been inspected and rejected from entry by the US authorities without subsequent corrective action.

At the inspector's discretion, a vessel that has been rejected entry to either Canada or the US may be permitted to conduct a thorough cleaning of all life stages of the gypsy moth in international waters or at least 10 km away from North American shores. Once cleaning is complete, the vessel may be allowed to return to Canadian waters for re-inspection. When an inspector is satisfied that there is no risk of introducing the Asian strain of the gypsy moth, the vessel will be allowed to enter a Canadian port. Should life stages of the gypsy moth be found during re-inspection, the vessel will not be permitted entry to Canadian waters until the high risk period has ended.

Notifications of non-compliance will be issued in accordance with D-01-06: Canadian Phytosanitary Policy for the Notification of Non-compliance and Emergency Action.

5.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Summary of Entry Requirements
Appendix 2: Ports Considered a High Risk
Appendix 3: List of Vessels Considered to Be High Risk
Appendix 4: List of Recognized Sources of Phytosanitary Certificates and Pre-departure Inspection Certificates

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Appendix 1

Summary of Entry Requirements

MARINE VESSELS	RISK PERIOD IN CANADA	QUARANTINE ACTION
High Risk Marine Vessels (vessels that have called on high risk ports as specified in Appendix 2)	March 1 to October 15	All high risk marine vessels with Phytosanitary Certificates or Pre-departure Inspection Certificates are subject to inspection for the presence of AGM on arrival to Canada ports. Vessels without valid certification will be held at designated off-shore anchorages for CFIA inspection.
High Risk Marine Vessels (vessels that have called on high risk ports as specified in Appendix 2)	October 16, to February 28 (or 29)	Marine vessels may enter, but may be inspected at berth for the presence of AGM. Pre-departure Inspection Certificates or Phytosanitary Certificates are not required.
High Risk Marine Vessels (vessels that have called on high risk ports as specified in Appendix 2)	All Year	Marine vessels may request AGM inspection at any time of the year in order to prepare for future re-entry to Canada. The vessel must not return to an infested port during the high risk period.
Other Marine Vessels	All Year	Any marine vessels may be inspected for the presence of AGM. If any living stage is found, the marine vessel will be subject to the same procedures as described for high-risk marine vessels.

 

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Appendix 2

Ports Considered a High Risk

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Appendix 3

List of Vessels Considered to be High Risk

This list is published annually (about February) and includes vessels calling on high risk ports during periods of high risk the previous calendar year. It will not include vessels calling on high risk ports in the current calendar year. It is subject to revision at any time and is based on available information. It is available for reference purposes and should not be considered as complete. Vessels are monitored through a number of sources by CFIA. As such Canadian agents acting on behalf of vessels calling on Canada are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate office of the CFIA to determine the inspection status of every vessel planning on entering Canada during the high risk period.

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Appendix 4

List of Recognized Sources of Phytosanitary Certificates and Pre-departure Inspection Certificates

Phytosanitary Certificates issued by the NPPO of Russia

Pre-departure Inspection Certificates issues by the following recognized third party inspection bodies in Japan:

All Nippon Checkers Corporation
The Japan Cargo Tally Corporation
Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center Co., Ltd. (JEVIC)
Japan Grain Inspection Association
Nippon Kaiji Kentei Kyokai (NKKK)
Shin Nihon Kentei Kyokai (SNKK)