Plants > Plant Protection Policy Directives > Horticulture 

File
3515- 12-1G1

Subject

This directive contains the plant protection requirements governing the movement within Canada, export from Canada to the United States (US) and import from US of nursery stock, Christmas trees, forestry products with bark attached and all outdoor household articles, military & recreational and personal vehicles and equipment which can harbour any life stage of the North American gypsy moth (i.e. North American strain of gypsy moth), Lymantria dispar.

This directive has been revised to further harmonize Canadian import requirements for the nursery stock from non-infested states of the US with those of the US.

Table of Contents

Review
Endorsement
Amendment Record
Distribution
Introduction
Scope
References
Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

1.0 General Requirements
1.1 Legislative Authority
1.2 Fees
1.3 Regulated Pest
1.4 Regulated Areas
1.5 Regulated Commodities
1.6 Commodities Exempt

2.0 Specific Requirements
2.1 Movement Requirements - Export
2.1.1 Christmas trees
2.1.1.1 From areas of Canada not regulated for gypsy moth to any area of the US
2.1.1.2 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to regulated areas of the US
2.1.1.3 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to non-regulated areas of the US
2.1.2 Nursery stock
2.1.3 Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark
2.1.3.1 From areas of Canada not regulated for gypsy moth
2.1.3.2 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to regulated areas of the US
2.1.3.3 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to non-regulated areas of the US Outdoor household articles, military, recreational and personal vehicles and equipment
2.2 Movement Requirements - Domestic
2.2.1 Christmas trees & nursery stock
2.2.2 Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark
2.2.3 Outdoor household articles, recreational and military vehicles and equipment
2.3 Movement Requirements - Import
2.3.1 Christmas trees
2.3.1.1 From gypsy moth non-regulated areas of the US
2.3.1.2 From gypsy moth non-regulated areas within partially regulated states of the US
2.3.1.3 From gypsy moth regulated areas of the US to non-regulated areas of Canada
2.3.1.4 From gypsy moth regulated areas of the US to gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada.
2.3.2 Nursery stock
2.3.2.1 From infested or partially infested states for gypsy moth (see Appendix 1)
2.3.2.2 From non-infested states for gypsy moth (see Appendix 1):
2.3.3 Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark
2.3.3.1From gypsy moth regulated areas of the US to non-regulated areas of Canada

3.0 Inspection Requirements
3.1 Christmas trees and nursery stock from regulated areas
3.1.1 Field inspection
3.1.2 Pre-shipment inspection
3.2 Forest products with bark attached
3.3 Audit of facilities registered to receive non-propagative forest products from regulated areas and facilities registered to move Christmas trees from regulated areas

5.0 Appendices
Appendix 1: Regulated Areas: List of North American Gypsy Moth Infested or Suspected Infested Areas of Canada and the US
Appendix 2: Sampling Rate for Inspection of Christmas Trees, Forest Products and Nursery Stock
Appendix 3: Fumigation Procedures
Appendix 4: Establishments Registered to Receive Non-Propagative Forest Products with Bark Attached from Regulated Areas - Application for Participation Agreement
Appendix 5: Establishments Registered to Move Christmas Trees from Regulated Areas to Non-Regulated Areas of Canada - Application for Participation Agreement
Appendix 6: Certificate of Origin

Review

This directive will be reviewed every five years or when policy changes are necessary. The next review date is August 25, 2010. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further clarification, please contact the Forestry 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 (CNLA, COFI, MLB)
4. Internet

Introduction

Scope

This directive is for the use of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) staff, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and any individual or company who wants to import into, move within or export from Canada of military and recreational and personal vehicles and equipment, nursery stock, Christmas trees, or other forest products with bark attached that are or could be infested with the gypsy moth. These products must comply with the phytosanitary requirements specified in this directive.

References

Department of the Secretary of State of Canada. The Canadian Style: A Guide to Writing and Editing. Toronto, 1993.

This directive supersedes D-98-09 (1^st Revision), dated March 10, 2000.

Definitions, Abbreviations an Acronyms

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 Pest

For the purpose of this directive, the North American gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) in any stage of development, except male moths.

1.4 Regulated Areas

All areas of Canada or the US which have populations of gypsy moth. See Appendix 1.

1.5 Regulated Commodities

Christmas trees;
Nursery stock;
Non-propagative forest products with bark attached;
Outdoor household articles;
Military vehicles and equipment;
Recreational and personal vehicles and equipment

1.6 Commodities Exempt

Debarked wood products (which carry less than two percent surface bark on average, with no single unit of wood having more than five percent surface bark);
Kiln dried wood products;
Commercially processed wood products;
Trees and nursery stock less than 2.5 cm, 1 inch, in trunk diameter; and
Foliage for decorative purposes less than 2.5 cm, 1 inch, in branch diameter, (e.g. wreaths)

2.0 Specific Requirements

2.1 Movement Requirements - Export

2.1.1 Christmas trees

2.1.1.1 From areas of Canada not regulated for gypsy moth to any area of the US

All shipments of Christmas trees originating from areas in Canada where gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), does not occur will not require certification to any destination in the US, provided that each shipment is accompanied by shipping documents which clearly state the origin of the trees (See Appendix 6).

In cases where a shipping company has its office address on shipping documents within a regulated area, however, and the trees were obtained from outside the regulated area, these shipments must be accompanied by shipping documents stating the area of production of the trees.

2.1.1.2 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to regulated areas of the US

All shipments of Christmas trees originating from within the gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada which are destined to any of the regulated gypsy moth areas of the US (see Appendix 1), will not require phytosanitary certification, provided that the ultimate destination of the shipment is clearly stated on the shipping documents.

Shipments of Christmas trees originating in regulated areas may move through a non-regulated area of the US, provided that these shipments are accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate certifying freedom from gypsy moth life stages. All shipments entering the US via the State of Maine at Houlton, Calais, or Jackman locations will not require a Phytosanitary Certificate, provided that the shipments are destined to gypsy moth regulated areas of the US.

2.1.1.3 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to non-regulated areas of the US

All shipments of Christmas trees produced in gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada and destined to non-regulated areas of the US must be inspected by a CFIA inspector and accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued within fourteen days of shipment.

Phytosanitary Certificates will be issued in accordance with one of the inspection procedures outlined in section 3.1.1 or 3.1.2.

Certificates may also be issued if the trees have undergone fumigation. Treatment with methyl bromide at the label rates recommended for gypsy moth (see Appendix 3).

2.1.2 Nursery stock

All shipments of nursery stock exported from Canada to the US must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate and must comply with the Plant Quarantine Import Requirements (PQIR) of the US. Shipments of nursery stock produced in gypsy moth regulated areas will be certified as being free of gypsy moth by one of the methods described in section 3.1.1 or 3.1.2. Or having undergone fumigation with methyl bromide at label rates specified for control of the gypsy moth.

2.1.3 Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark

2.1.3.1 From areas of Canada not regulated for gypsy moth

Unless otherwise indicated in the PQIR of the US, all shipments of non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark, from gypsy moth non-regulated areas of Canada will not require a Phytosanitary Certificate for entry into the US However, each shipment must be accompanied by shipping documents specifying the origin of the product. (See Appendix 6)

2.1.3.2 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to regulated areas of the US

Unless otherwise indicated in the PQIR of the US, all shipments of non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark, from gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to regulated areas of the US, do not require a Phytosanitary Certificate, but must be accompanied by shipping documents specifying the destination of the product.

2.1.3.3 From gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada to non-regulated areas of the US

All shipments of non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark, from gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada destined to non-regulated areas of the US must have been inspected in accordance with the procedures specified in section 3.2 or have been fumigated with methyl bromide at product label rates for gypsy moth (See Appendix 3). A Phytosanitary Certificate attesting to the inspection or treatment must accompany the shipment.

Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark from gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada, may be permitted entry into a non-regulated area of the US for processing purposes, without a Phytosanitary Certificate, if destined to a processing plant or mill in the US which has signed a compliance agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or state phytosanitary authorities, and have been granted a special permit which waives the requirement for a Phytosanitary Certificate.

2.1.4 Outdoor household articles, military, recreational and personal vehicles and equipment

Information will be distributed to all Canadian moving companies, the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), and federal and provincial parks and tourism personnel on how to inspect outdoor household articles, vehicles and equipment.

2.2 Movement Requirements - Domestic

2.2.1 Christmas trees & nursery stock

All Christmas trees and nursery stock grown in areas of Canada regulated for gypsy moth must be accompanied by a Movement Certificate issued by a CFIA inspector, before moving into non-regulated areas of Canada. Movement Certificates will be issued for trees which adhere to the conditions specified in section 3.1.

Alternatively producers of Christmas trees may receive movement certificates if the facility complies with the requirements of the Christmas Tree Movement Program as specified in Appendix 5.

Additionally, all trees must meet any other domestic movement requirements which may apply.

2.2.2 Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark

All establishments located in gypsy moth non-regulated areas of Canada wishing to obtain non-propagative forest products with bark attached (e.g., logs), or bark, from regulated areas of Canada must obtain a Movement Certificate from CFIA. The facility must be approved for participation in the program by completing and having agreed to the conditions stipulated on an Application for Participation Agreement specified in Appendix 4.

Facilities will be audited a minimum of twice a year.

2.2.3 Outdoor household articles, recreational and military vehicles and equipment

Information will be distributed to all Canadian moving companies, DND, and federal and provincial parks and tourism personnel on how to inspect outdoor household articles, vehicles and equipment. CFIA will work in cooperation with provincial governments and the moving industry to develop and implement a program of public information on gypsy moth to educate the public, who are likely transporters of gypsy moth life stages. CFIA will host, sponsor or conduct training workshops in gypsy moth regulated areas to demonstrate how to inspect regulated articles to ensure that they are free from gypsy moth prior to entering an non-regulated area.

2.3 Movement Requirements - Import

2.3.1 Christmas trees

A Permit to Import is not required for all species of Christmas trees from the continental US into Canada. However, Christmas trees are not permitted import into Canada from the state of Hawaii.

2.3.1.1From gypsy moth non-regulated areas of the US

Species of Christmas trees which are not regulated by Canada for any pest other than for gypsy moth, may be imported without a Phytosanitary Certificate, however, the origin of production of the trees must be stipulated on the shipping documents.

Christmas trees which are regulated by Canada for other quarantine pests must meet the Canadian PQIR.

2.3.1.2 From gypsy moth non-regulated areas within partially regulated states of the US

All Christmas trees species which are not regulated for any pests other than gypsy moth, harvested from gypsy moth non-regulated areas within partially regulated states of the US must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin, attesting to the product origin, or a Phytosanitary Certificate stating that the trees were harvested in an area not regulated for the gypsy moth.

Christmas trees which are regulated for other quarantine pests by Canada must meet the Canadian PQIR.

2.3.1.3 From gypsy moth regulated areas of the US to non-regulated areas of Canada

All Christmas trees harvested from gypsy moth regulated areas of the US destined to non-regulated areas of Canada must be accompanied by a an official federal (not a state Phytosanitary Certificate) Phytosanitary Certificate issued by a USDA official. The Phytosanitary Certificate must include either the following additional declarations:

"The material was inspected and found free from gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar,"

or

must show in the treatment section that material was treated to kill gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar.

Material must be treated as prescribed in Appendix 3, and details must appear in the treatment box of the Phytosanitary Certificate.

Those species of Christmas trees which are regulated for other quarantine pests by Canada, must meet the Canadian PQIR.

2.3.1.4 From gypsy moth regulated areas of the US to gypsy moth regulated areas of Canada.

All shipments of Christmas trees originating from within the gypsy moth regulated areas of the US which are destined to any regulated area of Canada (see Appendix 1), do not require phytosanitary certification, provided that the ultimate destination of the shipment is clearly stated on the shipping documents.

2.3.2 Nursery stock

Canadian importers wishing to import nursery stock must obtain a Permit to Import from the CFIA for those plant species listed in D-94-14 (most recent revision), and must adhere to the conditions specified on the Canadian Permit to Import. In addition, all shipments of nursery stock imported from the continental US must be accompanied by a federal Phytosanitary Certificate.

2.3.2.1 From infested or partially infested states for gypsy moth (see Appendix 1), the Phytosanitary Certificate must include one of the following additional declarations:

• The material was produced in an area free of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar,

  or

• The material was inspected and found free of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, or the material must have been treated to kill gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar and the treatment section of the certificate filled out.

Material must be treated as prescribed in Appendix 3, and details must appear in the treatment box of the Phytosanitary Certificate.

2.3.2.2 From non-infested states for gypsy moth (see Appendix 1):

• No additional declarations or treatments for gypsy moth required.

2.3.3 Non-propagative forest products with bark attached, including bark

2.3.3.1 From gypsy moth regulated areas of the US to non-regulated areas of Canada

A Canadian Permit to Import is not required.

All imports of forest products with bark attached must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate stating that the material is free of life stages of the gypsy moth.

Alternatively, establishments located in gypsy moth non-regulated areas of Canada may import forest products with bark attached without a Phytosanitary Certificate, provided the facility obtains a Permit to Import from CFIA, and adheres to the following conditions which will be stipulated on the Permit to Import.

• Inform shippers, transporters and mill personnel involved in handling regulated articles of the requirements stipulated on the Permit to Import.

• Visually examine log shipments upon arrival and suspect gypsy moth findings must be immediately reported to a CFIA inspector & treated in an approved manner.

• Hold logs in a secure area isolated (a minimum of 15 metres) from tree stands.

• Dispose of bark and/or timber waste or treat it in a manner approved by CFIA to eliminate gypsy moth, and thus prevent its spread.

• Clean the storage yard and chip/bark waste sites in an approved manner as directed by the CFIA inspector.

• Maintain accurate records of logs imported, treatments, and disposals conducted for a period of one year. No diversion of logs or bark to any other site is permitted without the prior approval of an inspector of the CFIA.

The facility must have completed an application for registration as contained in Appendix 4. The facility's compliance will be audited a minimum of twice a year by the CFIA.

3.0 Inspection Requirements

3.1 Christmas trees and nursery stock from regulated areas

For companies, nurseries or producers that do not participate in the certification programs detailed in Appendices 4 and 5, the export or domestic movement of Christmas trees or nursery stock will be inspected by one of the following methods.

3.1.1 Field inspection

All producers of Christmas trees and nursery stock in gypsy moth regulated areas who wish to ship trees to non-regulated areas will have to conduct a pest management program approved by CFIA.

A field survey, prior to harvesting or during the harvesting operation, shall be conducted by visually inspecting a representative sample of trees in a field, walking the entire field in a "W pattern" and by additionally conducting a biased sample by inspecting a larger portion of trees which are at higher risk of being infested (i.e., preferred hosts and trees along hedgerows). When examining the trees, the CFIA inspector must be familiar with the life cycle of the gypsy moth and will look for any life stage which could be present on the trees at the time of inspection.

Should any trees be found infested with the gypsy moth, a CFIA inspector will refuse to issue Phytosanitary Certificates for all trees from that field.

The onus of maintaining the identity of those trees which have qualified for export (i.e.: tagging of trees, segregation from other trees, etc.) rests with the grower or shipper under the supervision of a CFIA inspector.

or

3.1.2 Pre-shipment inspection

Visually inspect trees, by examining a random sample per lot of trees presented for inspection prior to loading (see Appendix 2 for sampling rate). If one lot covers more than one container load, a sample from each container load must be inspected.

Upon finding gypsy moth on any tree in a lot, a CFIA inspector will refuse certification of the entire lot. Trees which have been rejected shall not be presented for reinspection unless they have been completely sorted and inspected (100 percent of the trees) by the grower or shipper to the satisfaction of the CFIA inspector.

3.2 Forest products with bark attached

Visual inspection of wood with bark attached, e.g. logs by thoroughly examining the entire bark surface of a representative sample of the shipment (See Appendix 2 for sampling rate).

3.3 Audit of facilities registered to receive non-propagative forest products from regulated areas and facilities registered to move Christmas trees from regulated areas

Appendix 4 and 5 outline the conditions for participation in these registration programs. CFIA Inspection staff will conduct audits of registered facilities at a minimum of twice annually. During each audit the CFIA inspector shall confirm by way of inspection of procedures, interviews with staff and examination of records that facilities have been maintaining good compliance within the programs.

4.0 Non-Compliance

Participants who can not fulfill the requirements of the registration programs listed in Appendix 4 and 5 will not be permitted to participate in the program. Participation in the program will be re-evaluated at such time as the facility can demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirements.

5.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Regulated Areas: List of North American Gypsy Moth Infested or Suspected Infested Areas of Canada and the US
Appendix 2: Sampling Rate for Inspection of Christmas Trees, Forest Products and Nursery Stock
Appendix 3: Fumigation Procedures
Appendix 4: Establishments Registered to Receive Non-Propagative Forest Products with Bark Attached from Regulated Areas - Application for Participation Agreement
Appendix 5: Establishments Registered to Move Christmas Trees from Regulated Areas to Non-Regulated Areas of Canada - Application for Participation Agreement
Appendix 6: Certificate of Origin

Appendix 1

Regulated Areas: List of North American Gypsy Moth
Infested or Suspected Infested Areas of Canada and the US

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Fumigation Procedures

The material must be fumigated with methyl bromide at normal atmospheric pressure, at the rate of 48 gms/m³ (3 lbs/1000 ft³) for 4 hours at 16°C (60°F), or at the rate of 64 gms/m³ (4 lbs/1000 ft³) for 4 hours at 4.5 to 15.5°C (40 to 59°F).

Appendix 4

Establishments Registered to Receive Non-Propagative Forest Products with Bark Attached from Regulated Areas

Application for Participation Agreement

Specific Conditions of Entry to be Followed:

1. Logs shipments must be visually examined upon arrival and suspect gypsy moth findings must be immediately reported to a CFIA Inspector & treated in an approved manner.

2. Logs obtained from gypsy moth regulated areas must be segregated from logs sourced from gypsy moth free areas and must be visually inspected upon their receipt and stockpiled by the following individuals trained in the identification of the life stages of GM

3. Logs must be held in a secure area isolated (a minimum of 15 metres) from tree stands or other non-regulated logs.

4. Bark and/or timber waste must be disposed of or treated in a manner approved by the CFIA (e.g. burned, chipped, mulched, etc.)

5. The storage yard and chip/bark waste sites must be cleaned in an approved manner as directed by the CFIA inspector.

6. The importer must maintain accurate records of logs imported (including information on source of the materials, quantities imported, etc.), treatments, and disposals conducted for a period of one year.

7. No diversion of logs or bark to any other site is permitted without the prior approval of an inspector of the CFIA.

I, ____________ the owner/person in possession, care, or control of the above named facility have read and understood all the conditions and obligations stated herein by which I may move regulated non-propagative forest products to non-regulated areas of Canada.

Further, I am and shall be responsible for and shall indemnify and save harmless Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, including the Department of Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Her Officers, Servants, Employees, Successors and Assigns, from and against all manners of actions, causes of action, claims, demands, loss, costs, damages, actions or other proceedings by whomsoever made, sustained, brought or prosecuted in any manner based upon, caused by, arising out of, attributable to or with respect to any failure, inadvertent or otherwise, by act or omission, to fully comply with the said conditions and requirements.

Appendix 5

Establishments Registered to Move Christmas Trees from Regulated Areas to Non-Regulated Areas of Canada

Application for Participation Agreement

Specific Requirements:

1. Each grower or shipper will designate one individual to be the Pest Control Manager who will be responsible to ensure that all staff who participate in activities under the program are adequately trained in those functions carried out.

2. The Pest Control Manager will report all finds of gypsy moth on product within the registered facility to the CFIA.

3. Where gypsy moth has been confirmed in a grower's field (area where trees are grown) or in the first 10 metres of the perimeter adjacent to the lot, a control strategy is to be developed and implemented, commensurate with the level of infestation, before shipment of trees commences. The control strategy is to be developed in cooperation with the CFIA or a participating provincial government.

4. Where gypsy moth has been confirmed in a lot of trees to be harvested or already harvested, the trees must be 100% examined (all trees in a lot) under the supervision of the pest control manager and reported to a CFIA inspector. All trees must be found free of life stages of gypsy moth before they may be shipped.

5. CFIA will issue one Movement Certificate to each participant in the program prior to their shipping season and the certificate will be valid for that current shipping season. If the participant does not comply with the requirements of the program, a Movement Certificate will not be issued. One copy of the Movement Certificate must accompany shipments of Christmas trees that have been examined in accordance with the program.

6. The facility is responsible for maintaining records of all examination activity performed during a given calendar year. These records must be maintained for 2 years. Records must include inspection of field areas (include maps, hectares, species grown and a description of the field locations) and pre-shipment examination (including place names, road names and the provision of maps location of pest finds)

I,________________ the owner/person in possession, care, or control of the above named facility have read and understood all the conditions and obligations stated herein by which I may move regulated Christmas trees to non-regulated areas of Canada.

Further, I am and shall be responsible for and shall indemnify and save harmless Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, including the Department of Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Her Officers, Servants, Employees, Successors and Assigns, from and against all manners of actions, causes of action, claims, demands, loss, costs, damages, actions or other proceedings by whomsoever made, sustained, brought or prosecuted in any manner based upon, caused by, arising out of, attributable to or with respect to any failure, inadvertent or otherwise, by act or omission, to fully comply with the said conditions and requirements.

Appendix 6

Certificate of Origin / Certificat d'Origine

To: Plant protection Organization of the United States

À : l'Organisation de la Protection des Végétaux des États-Unis

*****************************************

The ________________ described below are products of Canada, produced in the county of _________ in the province of __________________ in an area where gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, does not occur.

Les ________________ décrits ci-dessous sont des produits du Canada, cultivés dans la comté de _____________ dans la province de _______________ dans un endroit où la spongieuse, Lymantria dispar, n'est pas présente.