Canada Delays New Import Requirements for European Grapevine Moth Hosts

Canada Delays New Import Requirements for European Grapevine Moth Hosts

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has notified USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) they have delayed the implementation of new import requirements for the European grapevine moth (EGVM) (Lobesia botrana). CFIA intends to make the necessary changes in their Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and begin enforcement on the following dates:

• April 11, 2016 for grapes and blueberries from all locations, and
• July 1, 2016 for all other regulated commodities from all locations

The new import requirements should have minimal impact on exports of EGVM hosts to Canada that originate from the United States. CFIA will recognize the regulated areas for EGVM and the movement requirements for EGVM hosts per the U.S. Federal Order “Domestic Quarantine for Lobesia botrana (European Grapevine Moth)”. For further information on U.S. regulations refer to the Web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/egm.

The new import requirements will primarily affect shipments of regulated host material that originates from EGVM-infested countries outside of the United States. Those shipments will have to meet one of three requirements: fumigation; production in a CFIA-approved pest free area; or production under a CFIA-approved systems approach. Regulated host material that is imported into the United States and intended for re-export to Canada must be accompanied by documentation that demonstrates the product meets Canadian requirements for EGVM. Regulated host material may be fumigated in the United States prior to re-export to Canada if the material does not meet Canadian import requirements upon entry to the United States.

If you have questions about the new requirements, contact Terri Dunahay, APHIS-PPQ Trade Director (301-851-2369; terri.g.dunahay@aphis.usda.gov). For further information on the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) refer to the Web site http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409.