D-94-15

File

I. SUBJECT

Approval for the importation of fresh fruit of strawberry from Colombia and blackberry from Costa Rica and Guatemala.

This directive supercedes T-Memo (T-93-l2) dated October 26, l993.

II. BACKGROUND

The purpose of this directive is to clarify the title of the superceded directive.

III. POLICY

Effective immediately, fresh fruit of strawberry (Fragaria sp.) may be imported at any time of the year from Colombia, South America without a permit or phytosanitary certificate.

Fresh fruit of blackberry (Rubus sp.) may also be imported without a permit or phytosanitary certificate at any time of the year from Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Upon arrival, all shipments may be subject to inspection and must be free from soil, sand, related debris and pests. Samples may be taken to be tested for the presence of plant pests. Infested shipments may be refused entry and returned to origin, or disposed of at the importer's expense. If determined feasible by the inspector, such shipments may be re-routed to other destinations, or diverted to approved processing facilities, provided such a course of action does not incur unwarranted pest risk.

The phytosanitary requirements in this directive are separate from other Canadian import requirements such as:

1) Chemical residue standards as established under the Food and Drug Regulations;

2) Licencing and inspection requirements under the Licencing and Arbitration Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act;

3) Regulatory inspection under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act; and

4) Packaging and labelling requirements under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations.

It is the responsibility of the importer to know and satisfy these requirements.

Questions and requests for information on any requirements should be directed to the local Food Production and Inspection office of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

William S. Lanterman
A/Director
Plant Protection Division

c.c. Canadian Horticulture Council