D- 94-18: Importation of Propagative Material of Ribes spp.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 17, 2009
(2nd Revision)

Subject

The importation of all propagative material (including fruit-producing and ornamental varieties) of Ribes spp. from all countries where black currant reversion virus is known to occur is prohibited.

This directive has been revised to regulate the importation of Ribes spp. propagative material originating from all areas where black currant reversion virus is know to occur.

Table of Contents

Review

This directive will be reviewed every 5 years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is March 17, 2014. 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 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 (via Regions)
  3. National Industry Organizations (determined by Author)
  4. Internet

Introduction

Ribes spp. plant material for propagation is prohibited from all countries where black currant reversion virus is know to occur to mitigate the risk of entry of this disease into Canada. This disease, which can cause a complete crop loss, is known to occur in many European countries. The United States (U.S.) currently prohibits the importation of Ribes spp. propagative material from Europe due to the presence of this disease. The U.S. is the largest importer of Canadian Ribes spp. propagative material, therefore, the presence of this disease in Canada would have a significant impact on the export market for Ribes spp. propagative material.

Scope

This directive is intended for use by those wishing to import propagative material of Ribes spp. from countries where black currant reversion virus is known to occur, the CFIA inspection staff, and the Canada Border Services Agency, in order to determine the Canadian import requirements for this commodity.

References

D-95-09: Importation of Dried Plant Material

This directive replaces D-94-18 (1st Revision).

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

Black currant reversion virus

1.4 Regulated Commodities

Ribes spp. plant material for propagation, other than seeds.

1.5 Exempt Commodities

1.6 Regulated areas

All countries in the European Union*, New Zealand, Russian Federation

2.0 Policy

The importation of Ribes spp. propagative material from the countries listed in section 1.6 of this directive is prohibited. The CFIA must provide approval prior to any importation of Ribes spp. propagative material from any source.

Countries wishing to export Ribes spp. propagative material to Canada may be required to develop a certification program that ensures freedom from black currant reversion virus, and submit a copy of this program to the CFIA for review.