D-96-07

Our File
3525-11
3525-l0Sl-2/3/4
3525-l0W-1

I. SUBJECT

This directive states the Plant protection import requirements for screenings to be pelletized or milled for animal feed and for seed of cereals, buckwheat, pulses, oilseeds and other crops for cleaning in Canada.

II. BACKGROUND

Screenings are the materials sieved out in the cleaning of cereals, buckwheat, pulses, oilseeds and other crops. They have economic value as feed for livestock, bedding, compost, and as absorbents for moisture and oil spills.

There has been a growing demand for importing screenings from the United States (U.S.) in recent months.

There has also been an increasing number of requests for importing grain and seed of the above named crops from the U.S. for cleaning in Canada. It is anticipated that requests for cleaning seed of other crops, e.g. pasture legumes, may be received.

The cleaning of grain and seed of the above named crops produces large amounts of screenings. The cleaning of seed of various other crops may produce significant amounts of debris.

Screenings contain varying proportions of grain (of mixed composition; and of whole, broken, filled, and immature seed) and plant debris. Screenings and grain and seed imported for cleaning also contain significant amounts of contaminaton by weeds and pest organisms. Many of these weeds and pests may be uncharacterized.

Screenings and grain and seed for cleaning therefore have the potential to introduce unwanted quarantine pests, especially noxious weeds, into Canada. Late in 1995, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) ceased issuing end use certificates for screenings and like materials. Until then, the CGC's end use certificate provided control on the movement, handling and use of imported screenings. Thus import requirements by this Division for screenings and grain and seed imported for cleaning are now needed to prevent the introduction and spread within Canada of quarantine pests.

III. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Plant Protection Act, s.c. 1990, c. 22
Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
Plant Protection Fees Regulations, SOR/95-218

IV. REGULATED COMMODITIES

Non-processed screenings; and grain and seed of cereals, buckwheat, pulses, oilseeds and other crops imported for cleaning in Canada.

V. COMMODITIES EXEMPT

Pellets made from screenings or finely ground screenings (milled to < 2.0 mm) for animal feed.

VI. REGULATED PEST(S)

Flag smut, Urocystis agropyri
Dwarf bunt, Tilletia controversa
Noxious weeds, numerous genera.
Soil related quarantine pests

VII. REGULATED AREAS

All countries.

VIII. IMPORT CONDITIONS

A. From the continental U.S.

a. A Permit to Import issued under section 43 of the Plant Protection Regulations (which allows for the import of things normally prohibited, to be used "for scientific research, educational, industrial or exhibition purposes") is required for

a) all loose non-processed (unpelletized or unmilled) screenings; and
b) all shipments of grain and seed of cereals, buckwheat, pulses, oilseed and other crops imported for cleaning in Canada.

b. The following are conditions of entry for non-processed screenings and grain and seed for cleaning.

The material must be:

1. transported in such a manner as to prevent spills, scattering or unauthorized spread.
2. routed directly to the facility with equipment for milling or making pellets for animal feed; or to the facility with cleaning equipment.
3. (for screenings) converted into pellets or milled for feed use; (for grain and seed) cleaned as soon as possible following arrival.

All unprocessed and residual material at a processing or cleaning facility must be securely contained and disposed of in a manner acceptable to an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) authorized inspector.

Disposal may include burning, where permitted; or burial or other effective method for preventing the spread of pests and weeds. Disposal of screenings produced from the cleaning of imported seed may also include milling and pelletizing.

c. A Phytosanitary Certificate is not required.

B. From Hawaii; and all other countries

Importations from other than continental U.S. sources are prohibited.

IX. INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Inspections of shipments may be required. Inspections of pelleting and milling facilities of the importers are required for evaluating Section 43 permit requests. Inspections are also required for verification of compliance i.e. method of transport, handling, and disposal as stated in section VIII IMPORT CONDITIONS, or as approved by an inspector authorized by AAFC.

X. NON-COMPLIANCE

Permits to Import will be suspended or cancelled in cases of non-compliance with any import requirements. Shipments which do not meet requirements will be refused entry, returned to origin, or disposed of at the importer's expense.

XI. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The importation of screenings intended for animal feed use is also governed under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations and the Feeds Act and Regulations. Seed for cleaning is also subject to the Seeds Act and Regulations.

Any importer wishing to know more about the requirements under the above Acts and Regulations may contact any local Food Production and Inspection office of AAFC.

XIV. FEES

As of May 1, l995, fees are being charged for Permits to Import, verification of documents and product and facilities inspection in accordance with the Plant Protection Fees Regulations. Importers may obtain details of fees and other requirements by contacting any local Food Producton and Inspection office of AAFC.

Dr. J.E. Hollebone
Director
Plant Protection Division