D-03-10

File: 3525-10N1-5

SUBJECT

This directive outlines the details on the prohibitions and restrictions on the importation into Canada of decorative Chaenomeles (flowering quince), Malus (apple and crabapple), Prunus (producing stone fruits, e.g. cherry), Pyrus (pear) and Salix (willow) branches from all countries.

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 Pests
1.4 Regulated Commodities
1.5 Regulated Areas

2. Specific Requirements
2.1 Prunus decorative branches is prohibited from countries in which plum pox virus is present
2.2 Phytosanitary Certificate and Plant Protection Permit to Import
2.3 Non-Compliance

Review

This directive will be reviewed every 5 years unless otherwise necessary. The next review date for this directive is September 30, 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

Live cuttings of Chaenomeles, Malus, Prunus, Pyrus and Salix plant material are marketed as decorative floral branches. Although the intended end-use of this material is ornamental, the tissues are still alive and propagation is possible by means of rooting, grafting, or even tissue culture. These are high risk activities for spreading pests from diseased to healthy plants. Additionally, the live buds on decorative branches may swell and open into fresh leaves or flowers which may be fed upon by insects, that may act as vectors of pathogens. The release of fungi spores and affected pollen can also infect other plants. All these possible methods of spread are of high concern for a number of known quarantine pests and, as well, represent an unknown risk from countries for which a Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) does not presently exist. The importation of decorative branches of Prunus from countries where plum pox virus occurs is already prohibited. The policy described in this directive introduces requirements for decorative branches of other fruit tree species and Salix.

Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

1.0 General Requirements

1.1 Legislative Authorities

Plant Protection Act, s.c. 1990, c.22
Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette, Part 1

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 visit the CFIA web site.

1.3 Regulated Pests

This list provides examples of pests regulated by Canada on this material. This list is not exclusive and is subject to change. An up to date List of Pests regulated by Canada can be found on the CFIA web site.

Bacteria & phytoplasmas

Insects

Fungi

Mites

Viruses

1.4 Regulated Commodities

Decorative branches of the following species.

Requirements for dried branches intended for certain end uses can be found in D-95-09: Importation of Dried Plant Material. Propagative material, including branches for propagative purposes, is regulated under D-94-35: List of Sources Approved to Export Fruit Tree and Grape Propagative Material to Canada. General import requirements for rooted or unrooted plants, plant parts and plants in vitro for planting can be found in D-02-02.

1.5 Regulated Areas

All countries

2.0 Specific Requirements

2.1 Prunus decorative branches is prohibited from countries in which plum pox virus is present.

2.2 Phytosanitary Certificate and Plant Protection Permit to Import

Importation of decorative branches from new source countries is prohibited until a Pest Risk Assessment has been carried out.

Decorative branches of Chaenomeles, Malus, Prunus, and Pyrus from all countries require a Phytosanitary Certificate and a Plant Protection Permit to Import before they will be allowed entry into Canada. Fruit tree material must originate from sources approved under the CFIA's Virus Certification Program for fruit trees before the decorative branches will be allowed entry to Canada.

The shipment must be free of soil and debris.

2.3 Non-Compliance

Shipments which do not meet requirements or are found to be infested with quarantine pests or potential quarantine pests, may be refused entry, returned to origin, or disposed of at the importer's expense. The importer is responsible for any and all costs relating to treatment, disposal, removal or rerouting, including costs incurred by CFIA to monitor the action taken.