Questions and Answers - New Canadian Interagency Certified Tag

What is an interagency certification?

"Interagency certification" means two or more official certifying agencies participating in performing the services required to certify a seed lot.

An "interagency certification tag" according to the Seeds Regulations is an official tag that indicates seed that is certified by an official certifying agency and is graded with a Canada pedigreed grade name.

Why is a new interagency certified tag required?

The current white interagency tag (CFIA/ACIA 0034) does not specify whether the seed is of a Foundation, Registered or Certified pedigreed class.

The new blue interagency tag (CFIA/ACIA 5627) is for Certified class of seed and will be in the accepted blue colour as per labelling requirements of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).

When can importers start to use the new tag?

The new blue interagency tags (CFIA/ACIA 5627) can be used immediately and are available through local CFIA offices. As of January 1, 2013, all imported seed labelled with a Canada Certified grade name will require the new blue tag. Until that time, importers will be allowed to use their current white interagency tag or the new blue interagency tag. Foundation and Registered classes of seed will continue to use the white interagency tag after January 1, 2013.

What is the difference between the new interagency certified tag and the current interagency tag?

The current interagency tag (CFIA/ACIA 0034) is generic, white in colour and can be used for all three pedigreed classes of seed (Foundation, Registered or Certified) until January 1, 2013.

The new blue interagency certified tag (CFIA/ACIA 5627) is blue in colour and can only be used for Certified class of seed.

Will the new tag be required for seed that has been produced outside of Canada under an official multiplication agreement and is certified in Canada?

Yes. Seed produced abroad as part of a multiplication agreement requires the new tag if the seed is of Certified status and a Canada Certified grade name is assigned to the seed lot.

Does Foundation and Registered class seed that is imported into Canada require the new tag?

No. Foundation and Registered class of seed will continue to use the white interagency tag (CFIA/ACIA 0034), even after January 1, 2013.

Can the new tag be printed by a Registered Seed Establishment that is licensed to print CFIA tags?

Yes, these establishments can print the new blue tag once the CFIA receives a written request for printing additional tags and an amendment to the licence agreement has been issued.

What tag should be applied to seed that is graded with a Canada Certified seed mixture grade name and a component of the mixture contains imported certified status seed?

The blue interagency certified tag is to be used only for a single crop kind.

The green coloured certified mixture tag (CFIA/ACIA 0038) should be used for Canada Certified seed mixture (a mixture consists of two or more crop kinds or species).

Is the new blue tag required for Certified seed issued or approved by another official certifying agency and labelled with the Canada Certified grade name, along with the accredited grader number on the seed package?

No. Imported Certified seed will continue to be exempt from the requirement to use an interagency tag if the seed package

• bears a label issued or approved by an official certifying agency,
• is of Certified class, and
• the Canada Certified grade name and accredited grader number appear on the package.

What tag should be applied to imported seed of an unregistered variety that is graded with a Canada pedigreed grade name?

The orange unregistered variety tag (CFIA/ACIA 0039) should be used for this seed.

Section 35 and subsection 5(4) of the Seeds Regulations state that seed of an unregistered variety sold or advertised for sale without being registered in Canada must be labelled with an orange coloured unregistered variety tag (CFIA/ACIA 0039). If it is imported seed (that is, seed derived from a crop not grown in Canada), then the country or state of the official certifying agency and the pedigreed reference number of that seed lot should be stated on the orange unregistered variety tag.

Where can I go for more information?

For more information, contact SeedSemence@inspection.gc.ca.