D-10-01: General Import Requirements for Fresh Peppers and Tomatoes from the World

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 24, 2010
(1st Revision)

Subject

This directive outlines the interim emergency phytosanitary requirements for the importation of fresh tomatoes to prevent the entry of the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) into Canada. This directive also provides the interim emergency phytosanitary requirements for the importation of fresh peppers from the Netherlands.

This directive has been revised to update Appendix 1.

Table of Contents

Review

This directive will be reviewed every five years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is March 24, 2015. For further information or clarification, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Endorsement

Approved by:

Chief Plant Health Officer

Amendment Record

Amendments of 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 (determined by Author)
  3. National Industry Organizations (determined by Author)
  4. Internet

Introduction

The importation of fresh tomatoes and peppers is regulated by the CFIA to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests that can cause significant economic and environmental damage to the Canadian plant resource base including agriculture, forestry and the environment.

Import requirements for fresh tomatoes and peppers are provided herein. Guidelines for the implementation of Phytosanitary Management Systems (PSMS) for fresh peppers and tomatoes to be exported to Canada may be described in future revisions to this directive.

Scope

This directive is intended for use by those wishing to import fresh peppers and tomatoes from outside of Canada. This directive is also intended to aid the Canada Border Services Agency (CSBA) and foreign National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO) in determining the import requirements for fresh tomatoes and peppers entering Canada.

References

ISPM No. 4 - Requirements for the establishment of Pest Free Areas. 1995, Rome, FAO

ISPM No. 5 - Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms,Rome, FAO (updated annually)

ISPM No. 10 - Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest free production sites, 1999, Rome, FAO

Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

Definitions for terms used in the present document can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms.

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 I (as amended from time to time)

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 Centre (ISC). Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact any local CFIA office or visit our Fees Notice Web Site.

1.3 Regulated Pests

Regulated pests requiring specific phytosanitary measures:

Insects:

  • Tuta absoluta Tomato leaf miner, South American tomato moth
  • Thaumatobia leucotreta False codling moth

Note: List of pests regulated by Canada

1.4 Regulated Commodities

  • Capsicum spp., Fresh fruit of pepper
  • Solanum lycopersicum, (syn. Lycopersicon esculentum), Fresh fruit of tomato

1.5 Commodities Exempt

Dried and processed (canned, frozen) forms of pepper and tomato.

1.6 Regulated Areas

All countries where regulated pests occur.

2.0 Specific Requirements

2.1 Import Requirements

All shipments must be free from pests, soil, leaves, branches, and other plant debris with the exception of greenhouse grown tomato on the vine which are permitted with truss (stem).

Appendix 1 summarizes the import requirements for fresh peppers and tomatoes from countries where regulated pests are known to occur.

All shipments of fresh pepper and/or tomato may be subject to inspection to verify that shipments meet Canadian import requirements.

Note: Requirements are reviewed and revised periodically to address changes in pest status and distribution. It is the importer's responsibility to verify requirements prior to importation.

2.2 Shipments imported via the United States (U.S.)

Fresh peppers and tomatoes from foreign countries entering Canada via the U.S. must meet the same phytosanitary requirements as shipments being imported directly into Canada. Fresh peppers and tomatoes transiting through the U.S. must be accompanied by the original Phytosanitary Certificate. If fresh tomatoes and peppers are re-exported from the U.S. to Canada, they must be accompanied by a re-export Phytosanitary Certificate accompanied by the original (or a certified copy of the original) Phytosanitary Certificate.

If the U.S. did not originally require a Phytosanitary Certificate for importation of the commodity into the U.S. or the original Phytosanitary Certificate can no longer be clearly linked to the consignment, shipments must be accompanied by a U.S. Phytosanitary Certificate.

2.3 Non-Compliance

The CFIA will take appropriate actions against non-compliant shipments.

The importer is responsible for any and all costs relating to inspection and any costs associated with non-compliant product, including removal, return to origin, rerouting, treatment, disposal or any other measure deemed necessary by CFIA.

The CFIA will advise the exporting country's NPPO of any interceptions and of non-compliances. The discovery of quarantine pests during inspection in Canada or any other non-compliance may result in suspension of the importation of the commodity from that country and may require consultation until remedial action is taken at origin.

Please refer to the CFIA policy directive D-01-06, Canadian Phytosanitary Policy for the Notification of Non-Compliance and Emergency Action, for more information.

2.4 Other Canadian Import Requirements

Other Canadian import requirements, which are in addition to those stated above, are outlined in separate Acts and Regulations. These Acts and Regulations include but are not limited to :

  1. Food and Drug Regulations,
  2. Licensing and Arbitration Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act,
  3. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act, and
  4. Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations.

It is the importer's responsibility to know and meet these requirements.

Questions and requests for information on any requirements should be directed to local offices of the CFIA.

3.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Summary of Plant Health requirements for fresh pepper and tomato from countries where regulated pests are known to occur

Summary of plant health requirements