D-96-17

File
3525-11F1/FL1/3525-11F1/FL1-0

I. SUBJECT

This directive contains the conditions that permit the importation of fresh grapes from Lebanon. Importation may begin immediately. Importation is subject to a trial period effective immediately and ending April 30, l998.

If the trial shipment period is completed successfully, importation may continue after the trial period, without further notice from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

If, however, problems are encountered, such as the discovery of pests of quarantine concern, improper documentation, or failure to meet other requirements, importation may be suspended.

II. BACKGROUND

Until now, fresh grapes from Lebanon have not been permitted entry into Canada. This is consistent with the policy that prohibits fresh temperate fruits from new sources until a pest risk analysis has been completed. This analysis has been completed and the Plant Protection Division of AAFC has concluded that the importation of fresh grapes from Lebanon may be permitted, provided Lebanon meets the requirements stipulated in this directive to minimize pest risk.

The pest regulated by this directive, the vine moth (Lobesia botrana), bores into fruits and may cause crop loss if uncontrolled. Introduction of this pest would likely result in an increase in the use of insecticides, increasing costs of production and likelihood of development of insecticide resistance problems.

III. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

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

IV. REGULATED COMMODITIES

All varieties of fresh grapes (Vitis spp.)

V. REGULATED PEST

Vine moth (Lobesia botrana)

VI. IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

A. CONDITIONS:

Grapes grown in Lebanon must meet the following conditions to enter Canada:

1. the grapes must be fumigated with methyl bromide according to the schedule in Appendix 1, AND
   
   
   
   
2. shipments must be free of all living stages of quarantine pests and practically free of other injurious pests, soil, sand, leaves, and plant debris, including woody materials.

B. PERMIT TO IMPORT:

A Canadian Permit to Import issued under the Plant Protection Regulations is not required.

C. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE:

1. A foreign Phytosanitary Certificate is required. This document must be issued by the Department of Phytosanitary Control of Lebanon within 14 days prior to shipment from Lebanon and must accompany the shipment to Canada.
   
   
   
   
2. The following additional declaration is required: "The material has been treated to kill vine moth, Lobesia botrana."
   
   

   Fumigation details should appear in the treatment box of the Phytosanitary Certificate, and include temperature, rate, and hours of exposure, in accordance with the requirements in Appendix 1.

   
   
   
3. During the trial period, Lebanon must ensure a copy of the Phytosanitary Certificate is received by the appropriate regional plant health office of AAFC at least three (3) days prior to the arrival of the shipment in Canada.

VII. INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Shipments may be subject to inspection and sampling on arrival to determine if pests are present. If a shipment is inspected, a representative sample of 5% of the contents will be randomly selected, at the inspector's discretion, and examined. If pests are found, or there is evidence of pest activity, a second sample of the same size may be randomly selected and examined. If pests are found, samples will be sent for laboratory identification, and the shipment held pending the results.

AAFC inspectors should:

1. verify that the Phytosanitary Certificate conforms to the requirements specified under Section VI. Import Requirements of this directive;
   
   
   
   
2. verify that the treatment carried out, as recorded in the treatment box of the Phytosanitary Certificate, conforms to the requirements prescribed in Appendix 1;
   
   
   
   
3. examine shipments for freedom from pests, soil, sand, leaves, and plant debris, including woody material;
   
   
   
   
4. inspect according to the general instructions in the Plant Protection Import Inspection Manual for fresh fruit, Section 4.02.04, and the pest fact sheet for vine moth (Lobesia botrana);
   
   
   
   
5. take specimens of any pests found and submit them for identification, according to the instructions in the Plant Protection Import Inspection Manual, Sections 4.02.04 and 4.11.

VIII. NON-COMPLIANCE

Shipments must meet all requirements when they reach first point of arrival in Canada.

Shipments may be refused entry and returned to origin or disposed of if they do not meet the requirements or if they are found to be infested with any live quarantine pests. If determined feasible by the inspector, such shipments may be rerouted to other destinations, or diverted to approved processing facilities, provided such a course of action does not cause unwarranted pest risk.

The discovery of living stages of any quarantine pests in any trial shipment may result in suspension of the importation program until remedial action is taken at origin.

The importer is responsible for any and all costs relating to disposal, removal, rerouting or diversion to processing facilities, including costs incurred by AAFC to monitor the action taken.

The Plant Protection Division of AAFC will advise the Department of Phytosanitary Control of Lebanon of any pest interceptions and of non-compliance with any conditions outlined in this directive.

IX. TRIAL IMPORTATIONS

The trial importation period is required in order to evaluate the ability of the exporting country to meet requirements under varying conditions over a period of time extending more than one growing season.

X. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Other AAFC import requirements, which are in addition to those stated above, include:

1. The grapes must meet requirements pertaining to quality, packaging and labelling under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations of the Canadian Agricultural Products Act, and, if for sale to the consumer, of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations.
   
   
   
   
2. The grapes must meet requirements pertaining to the safety of imported foods, under the Food and Drug Regulations.
   
   
   
   
3. Canadian companies dealing in imported fruit must meet the requirements of the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act. This includes a requirement that produce dealers be licensed, and that shipments be accompanied by evidence that the Canadian licensee has purchased the product within 24 hours of leaving its point of shipment.

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

Questions and requests for information may be directed to local Food Production and Inspection Offices of AAFC, or to the Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Division of AAFC located in Ottawa.

XI. FEES

As of May 1, l995, fees are being charged by AAFC for Permits to Import, verification of import documents and product inspection in accordance with the Plant Protection Fees Regulations. Importers requiring more information on fees may contact local offices of AAFC's Food Production and Inspection Branch.

XII. LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Treatment schedule for grapes from Lebanon

Dr. J.E.Hollebone
Director
Plant Protection Division