Language selection

Search

Questions and answers: Newfoundland and Labrador soil Restrictions

General

Why are there soil movement restrictions when leaving Newfoundland and Labrador?

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is regulated for three soil-borne quarantine pests – potato wart, golden cyst nematode and pale cyst nematode – which are spread through infested soil and items carrying infested soil.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the movement of soil and products that could be contaminated with soil from NL to the rest of Canada, by interviewing travellers that may be carrying regulated items and by inspecting, and if necessary, treating vehicles leaving NL through the Marine Atlantic Inc. ferry terminals.

What are potato cyst nematode and potato wart?

Golden and pale cyst nematode are two species of potato cyst nematode, a parasitic worm that is carried in soil. Potato wart is a fungus that is carried on soil and potatoes.

There are no human health or food safety concerns with these pests, but both have the potential to devastate agriculture crops. These pests infest the soil and are very difficult to eradicate because they can persist, dormant in the soil, for several decades. If left unmanaged, they can cause significant economic impacts, crop losses and trade interruptions.

Where are these pests currently present in Canada?

In Canada, golden nematode is present in specific areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Alberta, and Vancouver Island. Pale cyst nematode is only present in Newfoundland and Labrador. Potato wart is present in Newfoundland and Labrador and specific areas of Prince Edward Island. Strict quarantine measures are in place to prevent the potential spread of these pests to other areas of Canada.

Restricted items

What can I not bring with me when leaving Newfoundland and Labrador?

To avoid spreading plant pests, you should not take any items that could carry soil or plant pests when leaving Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following restricted items cannot leave Newfoundland and Labrador, unless authorized in writing under a movement certificate issued by the CFIA:

What happens if I arrive at the ferry terminal with a restricted item?

When you arrive at the ferry terminal you will be asked to declare any items that may be carrying soil. Depending on the item, you may be asked to clean or treat the item or it may be confiscated. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines of up to $25,000 and/or prosecution.

How can I travel with a restricted item?

If you know in advance that you will be travelling with a restricted item, you may be able to move the item with authorization in writing, in the form of a movement certificate from the CFIA. Please contact your local CFIA office before departure to learn more.

Declaration form

What is the purpose of the declaration form?

CFIA is implementing a declaration form to provide travellers with the information they need to comply with the NL soil movement requirements. Travellers are asked to visit the CFIA website to print and complete the declaration form prior to arriving at the ferry terminal when departing NL.

Who has to fill out the declaration form?

All travellers are requested to fill out a declaration form. One declaration per vehicle may be completed for all travellers in the vehicle.

What do I do with my declaration form?

Give your completed declaration to the CFIA inspector at the ferry terminal when you leave NL. CFIA inspectors will review the declaration with the traveller as a part of their interview process to ensure the information provided is accurate and complete.

What happens if I don't fill out the declaration form?

Failure to complete the declaration form prior to arrival at the ferry terminal could result in processing delays.

Date modified: