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D- 94-26: Plant Protection Import Requirements for Edible Roots for Consumption or Processing

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 26, 2010
(2nd Revision)

CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0Y9
(Tel.: 613-225-2342; Fax: 613-773-7204)

Subject

This directive describes phytosanitary import requirements for edible roots from all countries, for consumption and processing.

Requirements for root crops for propagation as well as for ginseng and potatoes are not included in this directive.

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

Table of Contents

Review

This directive will be reviewed every two years unless otherwise needed. 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

Edible roots and other plant parts grown below ground are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to minimize the chances of introducing plant pests associated with soil and related matter which may be adhering to roots. Root crops from off-continent sources must be completely free of soil because of the large number of plant pests associated with soil. This condition also applies to rootcrops from specified areas of New York State because of the presence of golden nematode (Heterodera rostochiensis) in those areas.

Scope

This directive is intended for use by Canadian importers wishing to import root crops to Canada. This directive is also intended for the use of CFIA inspection staff, the Canada Border Services Agency, producers, exporters and the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) of exporting countries to provide information as to the requirements for importation of root crops to Canada.

This directive supersedes D-94-26 (1st Revision) and all previous documents on this subject, including Permit Letter 7, entitled "Notice to the Importer - Plant Health Requirements: Importation of Edible Roots" (12/11/87).

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

There are many pests associated with soil. Some of these are:

  • Apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella)
  • Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi)
  • Golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis)
  • Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica)
  • Potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida)
  • Potato wart disease (Synchytrium endobioticum)
  • Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines)

1.4 Regulated Commodities

Edible roots are defined, for the purposes of this directive, as roots and other plant parts (e.g. tuber) grown below ground for consumption or processing, which are in a raw or unprocessed state. Edible roots include roots from temperate climate zones (e.g. sugar beets, carrots, rutabagas, turnips, beets, parsnips, mangels, radishes, horseradish, and chicory root) as well as from tropical climate zones (e.g. cassava, taro, ginger root, and yam). Examples of other below-ground plant parts include truffles, mushrooms, onions, garlic, shallots, and peanuts.

1.5 Commodities Exempt

The requirements for ginseng and potatoes are described in other directives.

1.6 Regulated Areas

All countries.

2.0 Specific Requirements

2.1 Import Requirements

Roots not completely cleaned of soil may enter Canada from the continental U.S., except from specified areas of New York State, without a Permit to Import. A Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional declaration for soil pests is required, however, from certain states of the continental U.S. From specified areas of New York State, off-continent U.S. states and all other countries, roots not completely cleaned of soil are prohibited.

Roots completely cleaned of soil may enter Canada from the continental U.S., with the exception of certain areas of New York State, without a Permit to Import or a Phytosanitary Certificate. From specified areas of New York State, off-continent U.S. states and all other countries, a Permit to Import is required.

Please see Appendices 1 and 2 for details.

2.2 Non-Compliance

Consignments must meet all requirements when they reach first point of arrival in Canada. Consignments will be refused entry and returned to origin or disposed of if they do not meet requirements or are found to be infested with any pests of quarantine concern. Those infested with pests may be ordered treated prior to disposal in order to prevent pest spread. The importer is responsible for all costs relating to treatment, disposal or removal.

3.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Edible Root Import requirements

Appendix 2: Distribution of Golden Nematode in the United States

Appendix 1

Import Requirements for Edible Roots for Consumption or Processing

Commodity Condition Country of Origin Permit To Import Phytosanitary Certificate Additional Declarations and Requirements
Roots Not Cleaned in country of origin U.S.:
From off-continent U.S.1, areas of New York State regulated for Golden Nematode (See Appendix 2), and;
ALL OTHER COUNTRIES		 Prohibited Entry Into Canada Prohibited Entry Into Canada Prohibited Entry Into Canada
Roots Not Cleaned in country of origin U.S.:
Continental U.S. except areas of New York State regulated for Golden Nematode.		 Not Required Required* *An additional declaration pertaining to soil pests is required on the phytosanitary certificate for roots originating in states that have the regulated pests (please contact your regional office for details).
Roots Cleaned in country of origin U.S.:
From Off-continent U.S.1, areas of New York State regulated for Golden Nematode (See Appendix 1) and;
ALL OTHER COUNTRIES		 Required Not Required Must be free of soil and plant debris and transported in new clean containers.
Roots Cleaned in country of origin U.S.:
Continental U.S. except areas of New York State regulated for Golden Nematode (See Appendix 2).		 Not Required Not Required Must be free of soil and plant debris and transported in new clean containers.

1 Including the state of Hawaii, and territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands of the U.S.

Appendix 2

Counties in the State of New York Regulated for Golden Nematode (Globodera rostochiensis)

  • Cayuga County (township of Montezuma only)
  • Genesee County (townships of Elba and Byron only)
  • Livingston County (townships of Avon, Caledonia, Geneseo, Groveland, Leicester, Lima, Livonia, Mount Morris, York and West Sparta only)
  • Nassau County
  • Orleans County (townships of Barre and Clarendon only)
  • Seneca County (Tyre township only)
  • Suffolk County
  • Steuben County (townships of Conocton, Dansville, Prattsburg and Wheeler only)
  • Wayne County (Savannah township only)
Date Modified: 2010-04-26

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