D-96-06

Subject

This directive states the conditions that permit the importation of fresh blueberries from Chile to Canada.

Table of Contents

Review
Endorsement
Amendment Record
Distribution
Introduction
Scope

1.0 General Requirements
1.1 Legislative Authority
1.2 Fees
1.3 Regulated Commodities

2.0 Specific Requirements
2.1 Import Requirements
2.1.1 Conditions
2.1.2 Permit to Import
2.1.3 Phytosanitary Certificate
2.2 Inspection Procedures
2.2.1 Document Verification
2.2.2 Product Examination
2.3 Non-Compliance
2.4 Other Requirements

Review

This directive will be reviewed every 2 years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is June 12, 2008. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further information or clarification, please contact the Horticulture Section.

Endorsement

Approved by:

Amendment Record

Amendments to this directive will be dated and distributed as outlined in the distribution below.

Distribution

1. Directive mail list (Regions, PHRA, USDA)
2. Provincial Government, Industry (via Regions)
3. National Industry Organizations (determined by Author)
4. Internet

Introduction

Importation of fresh blueberries from Chile began on a trial basis on January 4, 1994. The trial period was completed successfully on December 31, l995. Importation may proceed based on the conditions of this directive.

The pests regulated by this directive could become established in Canada and cause serious economic damage on plums, peaches, apples and pears.

Scope

This directive is intended for use by those wishing to import fresh blueberries from Chile into Canada. This directive is also intended for the use of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspection staff, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the National Plant Protection Organization of Chile in order to determine what the requirements are for this fruit to enter Canada.

1.0 General Requirements

1.1 Legislative Authority

The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c. 22
The Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette, Part 1 (05/13/2000)

1.2 Fees

The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice For information regarding fees associated with imported product, please contact the Import Service Centres (ISC) at the following phone numbers: Eastern ISC 1-877-493-0468; Central ISC 1-800-835-4486; Western ISC 1-888-732-6222. Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact any local CFIA office or Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice website.

1.3 Regulated Commodities

Fresh Blueberries

2.0 Specific Requirements

2.1 Import Requirements

2.1.1 Conditions:

Fresh blueberries grown in Chile must meet the following conditions to enter Canada:

Shipments must be free of Proeulia spp.

and

Shipments must be free of soil, sand, leaves, and plant debris and practically free of injurious pests.

2.1.2 Permit to Import:

A Permit to Import from the Plant Health Division of CFIA is not required.

2.1.3 Phytosanitary Certificate:

A Phytosanitary Certificate is required. This document must be issued by the Division Proteccion Agricola of Chile within 14 days prior to shipment and must accompany the shipment to Canada.

No additional declaration is required.

2.2 Inspection Procedures

Shipments may be subject to inspection and sampling on arrival to determine if quarantine pests are present. When a shipment is inspected, a representative sample of 5% of the contents will be randomly selected and examined. If evidence of pest activity or pests are found in the initial 5% sample, a second sample may be randomly selected and examined. If pests are found, samples will be sent for laboratory identification, and the shipment held pending the laboratory results.

2.2.1 Document Verification

Prior to release for importation, the CFIA will verify that all the required documents accompany each consignment and conform to the requirements specified under Section 2.1, Import Requirements, of this directive.

2.2.2 Product Examination

All shipments of regulated commodities imported into Canada are subject to inspection and/or sampling and testing for regulated pests and soil contamination by an authorized CFIA inspector.

2.3 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 requirements or if they are found to be infested with any 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 quarantine pests in any 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 CFIA to monitor the action taken.

The Plant Health Division will advise the Division Proteccion Agricola of Chile of any pest interceptions and of non-compliance with any conditions outlined in this directive.

2.4 Other Requirements

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

1. chemical residue standards as established under the Food and Drug Regulations,
2. licensing and inspection requirements as established under the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act,
3. regulatory inspection as established under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act,
4. packaging and labelling requirements as established under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations

Questions and requests for information on any requirements may be directed to any local office of CFIA.